Celebrate Easter with a batch of these adorable carrot-shaped vegan brownies! These festive treats combine rich, fudgy chocolate with colorful carrot-inspired decorations, making them a standout addition to any spring celebration. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also entirely plant-based—perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fully vegan and dairy-free—great for plant-based diets
- Fun and festive design perfect for Easter gatherings
- Rich, chocolatey flavor with a moist, fudgy texture
- Easy to decorate with kids or as a creative baking project
- Can be made gluten-free with simple substitutions
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Brownies
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Coconut oil or vegan butter
- Brown sugar or coconut sugar
- Unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
- Vanilla extract
- Dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
For the Frosting & Decorations
- Vegan butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Plant-based milk (as needed for consistency)
- Orange food coloring (natural or artificial)
- Green candy melts or green frosting (for the carrot tops)
Directions
- Make the brownies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix melted coconut oil, sugar, plant milk, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips. Spread into a greased or lined 8×8 baking pan and bake for 2530 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Cut into carrot shapes: Once cooled, remove brownies from the pan and cut into triangle shapes using a knife or template to mimic carrots.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat vegan butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Add food coloring and a splash of milk until desired texture and color are reached.
- Decorate: Spread or pipe orange frosting on each triangle. Use green candy melts, frosting, or sprigs of parsley/mint for the carrot tops.
- Set and serve: Let the decorated brownies set at room temperature or refrigerate for a firmer frosting before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Decorating time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Nut-free: Use oat milk or soy milk instead of almond milk.
- Refined sugar-free: Swap in maple syrup or date sugar for a natural sweetener option.
- Extra chocolatey: Stir in extra dairy-free chocolate chunks for a gooier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store decorated brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze undecorated brownies for up to 2 months; thaw and decorate before serving.
- Reheating: Not recommended after decorating, but undecorated brownies can be gently reheated in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought vegan brownie mix?
Yes, you can use a vegan brownie mix and just cut and decorate them into carrot shapes.
How do I make natural orange frosting?
Use beet juice and turmeric or carrot juice for a natural orange tint.
What plant-based milk works best?
Almond milk is light and neutral, but oat or soy milk also works well.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend that substitutes 1:1 for all-purpose flour.
What’s the best way to cut the brownies into carrot shapes?
Use a sharp knife and cut triangles from a square or rectangle pan of brownies.
Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes, but the flavor and texture of the brownies may vary slightly.
How can I make the carrot tops more realistic?
Use green candy melts, green licorice, or even fresh herbs like mint or parsley.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake and decorate a day ahead and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Are these safe for kids with allergies?
They can be! Use nut-free milk and check labels for allergens in all ingredients.
How do I keep the frosting from melting?
Store brownies in a cool place and avoid direct sunlight or heat before serving.
Conclusion
Carrot-shaped vegan Easter brownies are a charming and delicious way to celebrate the season. With their fudgy texture, festive flair, and allergy-friendly ingredients, they’re sure to delight kids and adults alike. Bake up a batch and enjoy sharing these creative treats with friends and family this Easter!
Description
These carrot-shaped vegan Easter brownies are rich, fudgy, and super cute! Made with simple plant-based ingredients and topped with orange-tinted frosting and green candy stems, they’re a fun and delicious treat for kids and adults alike. Perfect for Easter baskets, parties, or a creative baking activity.
For the Vegan Brownies:
For the Frosting:
For Decoration:
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Make the brownies:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugars, baking powder, and salt. -
Add applesauce, melted coconut oil, plant milk, and vanilla. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 2832 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
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Make the frosting:
In a bowl, beat vegan butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 12 tbsp plant milk until you reach a spreadable consistency. Mix in orange food coloring until you get a bright carrot shade. -
Shape and decorate:
Once brownies are cool, cut them into large triangles (like carrot shapes). Frost the top with orange frosting. Add green candy laces or other “stem” decorations to the wide end of each triangle to resemble carrot tops.
Notes
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Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Add chopped vegan chocolate or walnuts to the batter for extra texture.
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Use a piping bag for cleaner frosting lines if decorating with detail.
