And satisfy every craving for dessert without the need for dairy or eggs. If you’re looking to make a batch of vegan blondies that are not only easy but also delicious, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through a simple, step-by-step recipe that yields the best vegan blondies—perfect for anyone, vegan or not.
What Are Vegan Blondies?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what vegan blondies actually are. You may already be familiar with traditional blondies—rich, chewy, and golden-brown squares often made with butter, sugar, and eggs. The vegan version of blondies is made without any animal products, but trust us, they’re just as rich and satisfying.
- Dairy-Free and Egg-Free: Instead of using butter and eggs, vegan blondies rely on plant-based alternatives. This makes them suitable for those following a vegan diet or anyone with allergies to dairy or eggs.
- Delicious and Flavorful: Vegan blondies don’t miss out on flavor. With ingredients like coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, you get all the richness and sweetness you love—without any animal products.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a family get-together, an afternoon snack, or just because, vegan blondies are versatile and loved by everyone.
So, what makes them so irresistible? The combination of rich fats, natural sweetness, and a chewy, slightly crispy texture makes them irresistible.
Key Ingredients for Vegan Blondies
Making vegan blondies doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. Here’s a quick and easy rundown of everything you’ll need:
- Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil: These provide the richness and chewy texture.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best. You can use almond flour if you want a gluten-free version.
- Aquafaba or Flax Eggs: These replace eggs and help bind everything together.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup adds moisture and sweetness, or you can use coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Baking Powder: It helps the blondies rise and gives them a soft, light texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds that classic, sweet vanilla flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Blondies
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making these delicious vegan blondies. The best part? It’s incredibly easy!
Step 1: Heat your oven and get the pan ready!
Before you get started, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with vegan butter or coconut oil. This ensures your blondies won’t stick and will be easy to remove once baked.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your vegan butter or coconut oil. Once melted, mix in your liquid sweeteners: maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined. If you’re using coconut sugar, dissolve it in the melted butter or oil to ensure it blends well.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift the flour and baking powder to combine them evenly. This step ensures a smooth batter and helps it rise evenly while baking. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix, as this can result in dense blondies.
This is also the time to add any extras, such as vegan chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried fruit. Fold them in gently.
Step 4: Bake and Let Cool
When your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pan and gently spread it out for an even layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Oversee them to ensure they don’t overbake.
Once done, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Blondies
To get that perfect batch every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing the batter too much will lead to dense, heavy blondies. Stir just until everything is incorporated.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: If possible, make sure your vegan butter or coconut oil is at room temperature before you begin mixing. This helps everything blend smoothly.
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether your blondies are done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few soft crumbs sticking to it, not wet batter.
- Let Them Cool: Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set and makes them easier to cut into squares.
How to Customize Your Vegan Blondies
One of the best things about baking vegan blondies is how easy it is to customize the recipe. Here are a few fun ways you can make these blondies your own:
Make Them Gluten-Free
If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour works exceptionally well in vegan blondies, adding a nutty flavor and soft texture.
Sugar-Free Option
If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can replace the maple syrup and coconut sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol. Just be sure to adjust the consistency of the batter by adding a little extra plant-based milk.
Add More Flavor
Go ahead and have fun experimenting with various flavors—let your creativity shine! Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract, cinnamon, or a swirl of peanut butter to your batter. You can also add chunks of your favorite vegan chocolate bar or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
Create a Topping
Want an extra touch? Try adding a drizzle of vegan chocolate or a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top before baking for a fun, tasty twist.
How to Store Vegan Blondies
Once your blondies have cooled and you’ve enjoyed your first few bites, it’s essential to store them properly so they stay fresh. Here’s how:
- Room Temperature: Store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, wrap the blondies tightly and freeze them for up to a month. To thaw, just let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
FAQ About Vegan Blondies
How do I make vegan blondies chewy?
To get that perfect chewy texture, use enough fat, such as vegan butter or coconut oil. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can make the blondies dense. Baking them just until done (when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs) ensures they stay soft and chewy.
Can I use almond flour for vegan blondies?
Yes! Almond flour is an excellent option for making gluten-free, vegan blondies. It adds a slightly nutty flavor and a soft, dense texture. Keep in mind that almond flour absorbs moisture differently, so you may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
What’s the best substitute for eggs in vegan blondies?
Aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) and flax eggs are two of the best substitutes for eggs. Aquafaba works well because it mimics the binding properties of egg whites, while flax eggs are easy to make by mixing ground flaxseed with water.
How long do vegan blondies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, vegan blondies stay fresh for 3-4 days. For extended freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month.
Conclusion For Vegan Blondies
Vegan blondies are the perfect dessert for anyone—whether you follow a vegan diet or not. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized in countless ways. From the rich sweetness of maple syrup to the chewy texture created by vegan butter, every bite is a delight.
So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake a batch of these irresistible vegan blondies today. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll be amazed by how delicious these treats are!
Want more Bars recipes?
Vegan Blondies
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
- ¾ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup or agave syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or almond flour for gluten-free
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp aquafaba or 1 flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips optional
- ½ cup chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly coat it with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter (or coconut oil), coconut sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the aquafaba or prepared flax egg and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to combine them evenly. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones, stirring gently until everything is just blended.
- If using, gently fold in vegan chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan, then slice them into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with almond flour or your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Sweetener Substitution: You can replace coconut sugar with brown sugar or granulated sugar if preferred.
- Aquafaba Substitute: If you don’t have aquafaba, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).