I’ve always loved baking. But, it wasn’t until I switched to a more plant-based lifestyle that I realized how versatile and exciting vegan baking can be. One recipe that stood out to me was Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies. I stumbled upon it on a rainy afternoon when I was craving something rich and decadent, but without any dairy. It felt like a true breakthrough when I saw that the recipe used simple ingredients, but still managed to produce that perfect, gooey brownie texture I had been missing.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. It’s a no-fuss kind of recipe that doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, just pantry staples. Plus, Jamie has a way of making plant-based food feel incredibly accessible. The brownies are rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make, so they quickly became a staple in my baking repertoire.
Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies Recipe
I’m always looking for ways to make my baking both delicious and healthier. This recipe from Jamie Oliver is one of those gems that delivers on both fronts. It’s free from animal products but still packed with the comforting chocolate flavor you crave. I first made them when a group of friends came over for dinner. I wasn’t sure if they’d even notice it was vegan, but within minutes, the brownies were gone. No one could believe they were dairy-free!
Here’s The Recipe That Will Elevate Your Baking Game
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 8-10
Ingredients Needed
These brownies are made with ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. No specialty stores required.
- 200g of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa for that rich flavor)
- 100g of brown sugar (this gives them a nice depth and chewiness)
- 100g of plain flour
- 2 tbsp of cacao powder (to intensify the chocolate flavor)
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp of baking powder
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 150ml of water
- 80ml of vegetable oil (you can also use coconut oil for a hint of flavor)
- A handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit (optional, but highly recommended)
Note: It’s important to choose a high-quality dark chocolate because it’s the star ingredient in these brownies. You want that deep, rich flavor to shine through.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies
I remember the first time I made these, I had to stop myself from nibbling on the batter before it even made it into the oven! It was that good. The method is as simple as the ingredients:
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into chunks and melt it in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir occasionally until it’s smooth and glossy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cacao powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and water until smooth.
- Combine the two: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the melted chocolate and stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Add extras: If you want to take your brownies up a notch, fold in some chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a little contrast.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared tray and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are slightly firm and a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs sticking to it.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares (if you can wait that long). They’ll firm up as they cool, so you get that perfect chewy texture.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s break down some of the ingredients in this recipe to understand why they’re essential:
- Dark chocolate: Not only does it bring that deep cocoa flavor, but dark chocolate also adds fats that contribute to the fudgy texture of the brownies. It’s the magic ingredient that helps bind everything together while keeping the brownies rich and indulgent.
- Brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar gives the brownies their chewy, gooey texture and a slight caramel-like undertone. It also helps balance the bitterness of the dark chocolate.
- Flour: The flour is the foundation of the structure. Without it, you’d have a glorified chocolate sauce. The trick is not to overmix, which keeps the brownies light and not too dense.
- Cacao powder: This intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding any extra fat. It’s what gives these brownies that satisfying “chocolate hit”.
- Oil: Using oil (instead of butter) keeps these brownies moist and gives them that rich, slightly greasy feel that’s essential for the perfect brownie texture.
Expert Tips
From someone who has made this recipe countless times, here are a few tips to make sure your brownies turn out perfect every time:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until just combined. Overmixing can make your brownies tough.
- Test with a toothpick: For fudgy brownies, you want the toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out completely clean, they’re overbaked.
- Cool completely before cutting: Let them set for at least an hour. This helps them firm up and makes cutting them easier.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for an extra depth of flavor. Or try a few orange zest shavings for a citrus twist.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream: I promise you, it’s heaven in a bite.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily tweak it to suit your taste. Here are some variations you can try:
- Nutty brownies: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts into the batter. The crunch is a perfect contrast to the soft, fudgy texture.
- Fruit-filled brownies: Toss in dried cherries, cranberries, or even fresh berries to add a burst of flavor.
- Chocolate chip brownies: For an extra chocolate hit, fold in some vegan chocolate chips right before baking.
- Peanut butter swirls: Drizzle some peanut butter on top before baking and swirl it through the batter for a rich, creamy flavor contrast.
Final Words
After making these brownies a few times, I’ve realized they’re the kind of dessert that always impresses, no matter the occasion. They’re simple, comforting, and give you that satisfaction without any complicated steps. Whether you’re vegan or not, you’ll love these. The texture is perfect, and the deep chocolate flavor is always a hit.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour In Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies?
Yes, you can swap plain flour with almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free option.
How Do I Make These Brownies Sweeter If I Don’t Want To Use Sugar?
You can use maple syrup or agave syrup as natural sweeteners instead of sugar.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Chocolate Brownies Without Cocoa Powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you could substitute with melted dark chocolate, but the texture might change slightly.