Vegan Black Forest Brownies

Ingredients:

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips

For the Black Forest Topping:

• 1 can (14 oz) cherry pie filling (ensure it’s vegan)
• Vegan whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
• Vegan chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   • Add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
   • Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
5. Bake:
   • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
6. Cool:
   • Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. Assemble:
   • Once the brownies are cooled, spread the cherry pie filling over the top.
8. Serve:
   • Slice the brownies into squares, top each square with a dollop of vegan whipped cream, and sprinkle with vegan chocolate shavings if desired.
9. Enjoy:
   • Serve and enjoy your indulgent Vegan Black Forest Brownies!