Vegan Brownies

Ingredients

• 2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 1 cup boiling water (For an accurate measurement, bring a full kettle of water to a boil and then measure out the desired amount.)
• 3 oz unsweetened chocolate (Chopped fine)
• 0.75 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1.5 tsp instant espresso powder (If using)
• 2.5 cup organic sugar
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips (Check ingredient lists carefully because not all semisweet chocolate chips are vegan.)

Steps

1. 1

   Adjust the oven rack to the lowest position and heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. 2

   Make a foil sling for a 13-by-9-inch baking pan by folding two long sheets of aluminum foil. Make the first sheet 13 inches wide and the second sheet 9 inches wide.

3. 3

   Lay the foil sheets in the pan perpendicular to each other, leaving extra foil hanging over the edges. Push the foil into the corners and up the sides of the pan, smoothing it flush to the pan.

4. 4

   Grease the foil lining the pan.

5. 5

   Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.

6. 6

   In a large bowl, whisk together the boiling water, chopped unsweetened chocolate, cocoa powder, and instant espresso powder, if using, until well combined and the chocolate has melted.

7. 7

   Whisk the sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.

8. 8

   Using a rubber spatula, stir the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture until combined.

9. 9

   Fold the chocolate chips into the batter.

10. 10

    Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

11. 11

    Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted halfway between the edge and center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

12. 12

    Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for 2 hours.

13. 13

    Using the foil overhang, lift the brownies from the pan. Return them to the wire rack and let them cool completely, about 1 hour.

14. 14

    Cut the brownies into squares and serve.

Notes

Brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days. It is important to let them cool thoroughly before cutting. If using a glass baking dish, let the brownies cool for 10 minutes and then remove them from the dish because glass retains heat and can lead to overbaking.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• vegan
• dairy-free
• egg-free
• baked
• chocolate
• make-ahead