If you have a sweet tooth but want to keep things completely plant-based, this Vegan Blondies Recipe is the answer to your dessert dreams. These golden, chewy treats are packed with rich caramel notes from brown sugar and a hint of vanilla, delivering the perfect balance between soft and slightly crispy edges. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or just craving a cozy snack, these blondies come together quickly and easily, making them a heartfelt favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect vegan blondies starts with a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in the flavor, texture, and appearance of the final treat. From the delicate balance of sugars that sweeten and brown the edges, to the vegan butter that adds richness, every component is essential for that classic blondie experience.
- Flour: Provides the structure for these blondies and ensures a chewy yet tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel flavor, essential for that rich blondie taste.
- White sugar: Balances sweetness and aids in creating a slightly crisp crust.
- Baking powder: Helps the batter rise just enough to be light while retaining softness.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Baking soda: Contributes to browning and tender texture, especially when paired with acid in the batter.
- Vegan butter (or oil): Brings richness and moisture, mimicking traditional blondies flawlessly.
- Nondairy milk (or water): Added only if needed to get the batter just right; keeps it moist and pliable.
- Pure vanilla extract: Infuses every bite with warm, aromatic notes that uplift the entire dessert.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips (optional): Add melty pockets of chocolate for an extra indulgent twist.
How to Make Vegan Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 350° Fahrenheit (177° Celsius). This ensures your blondies bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking—this little step makes all the difference when it’s time to cut and serve.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix your flour, both sugars, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and if you’re using them, the chocolate chips. Stir these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This layer of flavor and texture sets the foundation for the luscious blondies you’re about to create.
Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Melt your vegan butter or oil until smooth and pour it into the dry mix along with the vanilla extract. Stir gently but thoroughly—aim for a dough-like batter that holds together without being overworked. If it feels too dry, slowly add a tablespoon of nondairy milk or water, just enough to bring the dough to the right consistency without making it runny.
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Press that dreamy batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Feel free to sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for some gorgeous melty spots. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes if you love your blondies gooey and soft, or leave them for closer to 23 minutes if you prefer a bit more crispness around the edges. After baking, let them cool completely; this step helps the blondies set perfectly so they slice like a dream.
How to Serve Vegan Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
While these blondies shine on their own, a few creative garnishes can elevate them from tasty to unforgettable. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce adds an elegant touch. Sprinkle with chopped nuts for some crunch or add coconut flakes for an extra burst of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these blondies with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream for a divine dessert combo. Fresh berries or a dollop of coconut whipped cream also complement the richness of the blondies beautifully. For a lighter option, enjoy alongside a warm cup of plant-based milk latte or herbal tea to round out your sweet moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your vegan blondies into fun shapes with cookie cutters for themed parties or as bite-sized treats. You can also sandwich two blondies together with a layer of vegan frosting or nut butter in the middle for an irresistible twist. Present on a decorative platter garnished with edible flowers to impress your guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover blondies are just as delightful the next day. Store them covered at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their soft texture or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This makes it easy to satisfy cravings any time without needing to bake fresh batches.
Freezing
If you want to keep these goodies on hand for longer, slice your blondies into squares and freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Freezing preserves their flavor and texture well, so you’ll have a quick vegan treat ready whenever you want.
Reheating
To enjoy your vegan blondies after storing or freezing, thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This brings back that soft, just-baked warmth that makes these blondies so comforting and delicious.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegan butter for oil in the Vegan Blondies Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a neutral oil like vegetable or coconut oil instead of vegan butter. Just remember to adjust the salt quantity slightly if your vegan butter is salted or if you’re using oil, as the recipe suggests increasing salt from 1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp in that case.
Are the chocolate chips necessary for the Vegan Blondies Recipe?
Not at all—chocolate chips are completely optional. They add a nice melty chocolate surprise, but the blondies are just as delicious without them, showcasing caramel and vanilla flavors beautifully on their own.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the blondies from crumbling. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a slightly firm top, but keep the middle soft for that gooey texture. If you press gently, the center should spring back lightly but still feel moist. Baking for 20 minutes will give you gooey blondies, while a couple more minutes will crisp them up.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the Vegan Blondies Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit like cranberries or chopped dates can be stirred into the batter to add extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients before adding the wet for even distribution.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Blondies Recipe truly hits all the right notes for anyone craving a sweet, comforting, and wholesome treat. It’s straightforward to make, endlessly adaptable, and reliably scrumptious every time you bake it. I guarantee once you try these blondies, they’ll become a cherished go-to in your kitchen for sharing and savoring with those you love.
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Vegan Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Blondies are a deliciously chewy and moist treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without any dairy or eggs. Made with simple pantry staples, they offer a gooey texture when baked for 20 minutes and a crispier edge with a few extra minutes in the oven. Ideal for vegans and those seeking a dairy-free dessert, these blondies are easy to customize with optional dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (60g)
- 1/3 cup white sugar (64g)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (increase to 1/2 tsp if using oil or unsalted vegan butter)
- 1/8 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (80g) (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegan butter or oil (100g)
- 1 tbsp nondairy milk or water (15g) (only if needed)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (177° Celsius) to prepare for baking the blondies.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly stir together the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and optional chocolate chips until evenly combined.
- Melt and Combine Wet Ingredients: Melt the vegan butter or oil, then stir it into the dry ingredients along with the vanilla extract. Mix gently to avoid overmixing and keep the batter texture similar to cookie dough.
- Adjust Batter Consistency: If the batter feels too dry, slowly incorporate up to one tablespoon of nondairy milk or water to achieve the right consistency.
- Spread Batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan. Optionally, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra richness.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes if you prefer gooey blondies, or extend to 23 minutes for blondies with crispy edges. Avoid overbaking to maintain moistness.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing; this helps them firm up and reduces crumbling.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days. For longer storage, slice and freeze for up to three months and thaw or reheat before serving.
Notes
- Increase salt to 1/2 tsp if using oil or unsalted vegan butter to balance flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the blondies tender and chewy.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
- Optional chocolate chips add extra flavor but can be omitted for a simpler blondie.
- Cooling completely before slicing is crucial for clean cuts and ideal texture.
- Freezing sliced blondies helps preserve freshness for longer periods.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
