Vegan Brownies with Orange and Cardamom

Amy Hand

Amy Hand

Amy worked as the head pastry chef at multiple restaurants in South Africa. She now shares her professional insights about cooking and kitchen tools here at The Skillful Cook.

Updated

These vegan brownies are just as good as regular brownies. They are fudgy, sweet, and oh-so chocolatey.
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Let us tell you a secret, we actually prefer vegan brownies over the regular ones! They are gooey, rich, and full of chocolate flavor. 

The perfect brownie is fudgy and bursting with flavor and that’s exactly what these brownies are.

The rich chocolate is enhanced with the bright citrus of the orange and the delicate floral notes of the cardamom.

gooey, rich, and full of chocolate flavor

The combination is so indulgent and unique that you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular baking schedule in no time!

The only thing that sets these vegan brownies apart from regular brownies is the flax egg. This is an egg-like ingredient created by adding water to ground flaxseed. The texture behaves exactly like an egg would.

indulgent and unique that you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular baking schedule

Why you will love this vegan brownies recipe…

  • Super gooey- Their texture is so rich and moist!
  • Lightly spiced- The cardamom is subtle and delightfully floral.
  • Classic flavor combination- Orange and chocolate are a marriage made in heaven!
  • Anybody can enjoy them- No need for the vegans to feel left out anymore.
  • Tea party staple- No tea party spread is complete without a delectable plate of brownies.
Why you will love this vegan brownies recipe

Vegan Brownies with Orange and Cardamom

These vegan brownies are just as good as regular brownies. They are fudgy, sweet, and oh-so chocolatey.
Rate this recipe!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 218 kcal

Equipment

  • Brownie pan (with dividers for easy cutting)

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground cardamom

Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • ¾ cup almond milk (or your favorite plant-based milk)
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 2 ½ tbsp water (flax egg)
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange zest (about 1 large orange)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange extract (optional for extra citrusy flavor)

Toppings:

  • Dark chocolate chips or chunks (vegan)
  • Extra orange zest for garnish

Instructions
 

Ingredients

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  • In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cardamom. This ensures an even distribution of the warm, aromatic cardamom throughout the batter.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, almond milk, flax egg, orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange extract (if using). The orange zest will instantly release its bright aroma—heavenly!
  • Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until the mixture is fully combined. The batter will be thick and fudgy.
  • Fold in dark chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle a few more chocolate chips and orange zest on top for flair.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter—these brownies are meant to be fudgy!).
  • Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Calories 218kcal (11%)Carbohydrates 29g (10%)Protein 3g (6%)Fat 12g (18%)Saturated Fat 2g (13%)Polyunsaturated Fat 6gMonounsaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0.1gSodium 138mg (6%)Potassium 126mg (4%)Fiber 3g (13%)Sugar 17g (19%)Vitamin A 2IUVitamin C 1mg (1%)Calcium 48mg (5%)Iron 1mg (6%)
Keyword Vegan Brownies
Tried this recipe?Let us know if you liked it in the comments below!

Serving Suggestions

These vegan brownies are decadent enough to be served as a dessert alongside your favorite vegan ice cream. They are also the ideal dish to serve at a tea party.

For an extra twist, pair them with Iced Limoncello to balance the richness with a refreshing citrusy kick. Perfect for a unique and indulgent treat!

ideal dish to serve at a tea party

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips

  • Control the cardamom. It can be very overpowering so be careful to only add the suggested amount.
  • Extra fudgy. Try replacing 2 tablespoons of flour with almond or cashew butter to make them even more gooey.
  • Go light on the orange extract. Extracts can be very strong so tread lightly with this ingredient.
  • Add some nuts. Fold in some pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.

Storage Suggestions

  • To store- Allow the brownies to cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator or in a cool pantry for up to 5 days.

Vegan Brownies FAQs

Why aren’t my vegan brownies fudgy?

This is likely because you have overcooked them. Unlike cake, when you insert the skewer into the brownie, some batter should stick to it otherwise they will be dry.

Amy Hand
About the author
After finding the chef life a little too high-paced, Amy decided to take her cooking skills and use them to teach others through food writing. She uses her knowledge as a pastry chef and experience as a head chef to write articles that are engaging and helpful while being as entertaining as possible.

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