This delightful recipe for vegan salted caramel brownies is proudly shared by MyFoodandFamily.com, who also sponsored this post. We are thrilled to bring you this incredible plant-based treat!

Decadent Vegan Salted Caramel Brownies: Your Guide to a Gooey, Plant-Based Treat

Baking is often seen as a challenging art, especially for newcomers or those venturing into the world of plant-based desserts. The idea of whipping up a fresh batch of gooey, rich, and utterly decadent vegan salted caramel brownies might seem like a distant dream, particularly if past attempts at substituting dairy ingredients have led to disappointing flops. We’ve all been there – craving a sweet treat only to be left with a kitchen mess and no delicious result. This is precisely why discovering reliable and inspiring recipes is so crucial for any home baker.

Enter the incredible culinary resource of MyFoodandFamily’s spring 2020 recipe collection. It’s a treasure trove of amazing creations, and these gooey chocolate delights with a luscious salted caramel swirl are a shining example. What truly sets their recipes apart is their clarity and accessibility. They use ingredients that are not only affordable but also readily available, making gourmet-tasting desserts attainable for everyone. While MyFoodandFamily isn’t exclusively a plant-based site, their recipes are remarkably easy to veganize, making them a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to explore dairy-free and egg-free baking without compromising on flavor or texture.

Why Embrace Vegan Brownies? Beyond Just Diet

Choosing to bake vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or that signature chewy, fudgy texture we all love in a good brownie. In fact, these vegan salted caramel brownies prove that plant-based ingredients can elevate your baking to new heights. Vegan baking offers numerous benefits: it’s often more sustainable, can be friendly for those with dairy or egg allergies, and introduces you to a wonderful array of wholesome ingredients. Many people are surprised to find that plant-based desserts can be just as rich, satisfying, and often even more complex in flavor than their traditional counterparts.

The beauty of this particular recipe lies in its smart use of plant-based staples. Forget complex egg replacers or obscure ingredients; this recipe simplifies vegan baking beautifully. It’s perfect for those seeking a healthier indulgence, or simply an exciting new twist on a classic dessert. With every bite of these fudgy, chocolatey squares, you’ll discover that going vegan in the kitchen can be an incredibly rewarding and delicious experience, proving that compassionate eating can still be utterly luxurious.

The Magic Behind the Gooey Texture: Key Plant-Based Ingredients

These fudgy vegan salted caramel brownies owe their irresistibly delicious texture and flavor to a thoughtful selection of simple yet powerful plant-based ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect brownie experience:

Applesauce: Often a hero in vegan baking, unsweetened applesauce acts as a fantastic egg replacer, adding moisture and a delicate sweetness without overpowering the chocolate. It helps bind the ingredients and contributes to that desirable gooeyness, ensuring your brownies are never dry.
Almond Butter: This creamy nut butter adds richness, depth of flavor, and healthy fats, contributing to the brownies’ fudgy consistency. It also helps create the luscious salted caramel sauce, providing a wonderful nutty undertone that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Coconut Oil: A versatile plant-based fat, coconut oil helps achieve the desired texture in both the brownie batter and the caramel sauce. It melts beautifully, making for a smooth batter, and contributes to the brownies’ moist crumb. When used in the caramel, it helps create a silky, pourable consistency.
Pure Maple Syrup: As a natural sweetener, maple syrup not only sweetens the brownies but is also the star of the show in the caramel sauce. Its distinct flavor pairs wonderfully with salt and chocolate, giving the caramel its signature taste and contributing to a healthier profile compared to refined sugars.
Vegan Unsweetened Chocolate & Cocoa Powder: A double dose of chocolate ensures these brownies are intensely rich and deeply satisfying. Using unsweetened varieties allows you to control the overall sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that lets the salted caramel shine.

Combined with all-purpose flour, baking powder, a touch of sugar, and vanilla, these core ingredients transform into a symphony of flavors and textures. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to make your day so much sweeter with these amazing brownies.

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Salted Caramel Brownies

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 3 votes.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins

Servings: 25 servings

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Who doesn’t want to make a fresh batch of gooey decadent vegan salted caramel brownies? Give these a try for an unforgettable plant-based treat!

Ingredients

1/4 cup pure maple syrup
3/4 cup coconut oil, divided
2 Tablespoons almond butter
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 ounces vegan unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Prepare the salted caramel sauce: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the maple syrup and 1/4 cup of the coconut oil. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute, or until thoroughly heated and combined. Stir in the almond butter and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Set this sauce aside to use later.
Prepare the brownie batter: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the sugar, cocoa powder, applesauce, melted vegan unsweetened chocolate, vanilla, and the remaining 1/2 cup of coconut oil until smooth and thoroughly blended.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tougher brownies.
Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of coconut oil. Press the brownie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top of the brownies feels firm to the touch when gently pressed. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to slice them. Cooling is crucial for achieving that perfect fudgy texture.
Just before serving, drizzle the reserved salted caramel sauce generously over the cooled brownies. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Notes

It’s important to use the salted caramel sauce as a topping for the brownies rather than mixing it into the batter. Mixing it in will cause the distinct caramel flavor to disperse and be less prominent, diminishing the delicious contrast of chocolate and caramel.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximately)

Calories: 175 kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 88mg
Potassium: 77mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Vitamin A: 1IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 24mg
Iron: 1mg

Additional Info

Author: Toni Okamoto

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Method: Oven Baked

Diet: Vegan

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Tips for Baking the Perfect Vegan Brownies

Achieving the perfect brownie texture – that ideal balance of fudgy, chewy, and slightly crisp edges – requires a few simple considerations. For these vegan salted caramel brownies, paying attention to these details will ensure a consistently excellent result:

Don’t Overmix: After combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, cakey brownies rather than the desired fudgy consistency. A light hand is key here.
Accurate Measurements: Baking is a science, especially in vegan recipes where ingredient ratios are crucial for structure and texture. Use proper measuring cups and spoons, and for dry ingredients like flour, consider weighing them for maximum accuracy if you have a kitchen scale.
Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe uses simple, whole ingredients, their quality shines through. Opt for good quality cocoa powder and vegan unsweetened chocolate for the best flavor. Pure maple syrup and a creamy almond butter will also make a noticeable difference in both the brownies and the caramel sauce.
Cool Completely: This might be the hardest part, but it’s essential! Brownies continue to set as they cool. Cutting them while warm will result in a messy, crumbly experience. Allow them to cool completely, preferably on a wire rack, before slicing and drizzling with the caramel. This patience will be rewarded with perfectly neat, fudgy squares.
Storage: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated. If you plan to refrigerate, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Indulgence

While these vegan salted caramel brownies are absolutely spectacular on their own, a few additions can turn them into an even more extravagant dessert:

A Scoop of Vegan Ice Cream: Pair a warm brownie with a scoop of your favorite vanilla or coffee-flavored vegan ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. The melting ice cream will create an even richer experience.
Fresh Berries: A scattering of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries adds a pop of color and a tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the brownies and caramel.
Vegan Whipped Cream: A dollop of coconut-based whipped cream or another vegan whipped topping can add a light, airy touch that balances the richness of the brownie.
A Sprinkle of Sea Salt: If you’re a true fan of salted caramel, a tiny extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle just before serving can enhance the flavor profile even further.

A Sweet Conclusion: Your Next Favorite Plant-Based Treat

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a truly delicious dessert from scratch, especially one that challenges preconceived notions about plant-based eating. These vegan salted caramel brownies are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to explore the delightful possibilities of cruelty-free baking. They are proof that you don’t need dairy or eggs to achieve an intensely rich, wonderfully gooey, and utterly satisfying treat.

Thanks to the clear instructions and accessible ingredients championed by MyFoodandFamily and the ethos of Plant Based On A Budget, you’re now equipped to bake a batch of brownies that will impress even the most discerning dessert connoisseurs. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or simply curious to try something new, this recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in the finest vegan salted caramel brownies you’ve ever tasted. Your sweet tooth will thank you!