Vegan Boxed Brownies (With a Coffee Twist)
My Go-To Vegan Brownie Hack (Even Though I’m Not Vegan)
Okay, confession time: I’m not vegan. I love butter and cheese as much as the next person. But so many of my friends and family are either vegan or dairy-free, and I always want everyone to feel included when they come over. Dessert shouldn’t be something people have to skip, especially when it’s something as easy (and delicious) as brownies.
So here’s the little hack I use all the time: boxed brownie mix. Yep, most of them are already vegan and have no eggs or dairy in the dry mix. You just need to swap out the usual wet ingredients for a few easy alternatives. I’ve tested this one a bunch of times, and it always turns out rich, fudgy, and honestly just as good as the “regular” kind. The coffee gives it a deeper flavor, the flax eggs hold everything together, and the texture is chef’s kiss.
Vegan Boxed Brownies (With a Coffee Twist)
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
6 tablespoons water
1 box Duncan Hines brownie mix
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup vegan butter, melted (there are so many great brands out there now!)
¼ cup oil
½ cup coffee (any kind—whatever you have brewed!)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray an 8x12” baking pan with nonstick spray.
Mix the flaxseed meal with the water and let it sit for 5 minutes—that’s your egg replacer.
In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix and baking powder.
Add the flax eggs, melted butter, oil, and coffee. Stir it all up until it’s fully combined.
Pour the batter into your pan and smooth it out.
Bake for 25 minutes. If you’re using an 8x8 pan instead, go for 30-35 minutes.
Let the brownies cool (this part is hard), then slice them with a plastic knife for cleaner cuts.
That’s it. So simple. I’ve brought these to parties, served them after dinner, and packed them in lunchboxes—and no one has ever guessed they’re vegan. They just ask for the recipe.
Even if you’re not dairy-free yourself, having a go-to vegan dessert in your back pocket is such a thoughtful touch. And let’s be real, brownies are never a bad idea.
Let me know if you try it!
