Girl Meets Brownie, Part 3

In order to be precise about this brownie experiment, I have done a lot of reading on the difference between dutch processed cocoa and undutched cocoa, the impact of baking powder versus baking soda, and the variety of ways to simulate an egg in vegan baking. Colleen Patrick Goudreau provides a very useful section in her book on egg substitution. In it, she describes the many ways to replace an egg and each ingredient’s unique impact on the flavor and texture of vegan baked goods. After considering this resource, I decided on my next plan of action.

Based on the results of my last brownie, I knew I needed a little more volume. However, I didn’t want to compromise moistness for rise, so I decided to attempt a combination of egg replacers. I opted to replace one of the eggs with blended silken tofu in order to achieve the richness of my perfect brownie. But, I wanted to avoid the sinkhole of my last batch of brownies, so I chose to replace the second egg with baking soda and vinegar.

Result: Disaster. This particular batch sunk even deeper into the middle of the pan. They were way too gooey. No matter how much I bake these brownies, I cannot get them to appear done. Fortunately for me, they are so excessively oily that they slide right out of the pan, making clean up a breeze. Suffice it to say, I’m still searching for the right brownie recipe.

1/2 cup non-dairy butter melted
5 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup silken tofu blended until smooth
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350º. Prepare an 8” x 8” baking pan with butter or canola oil. Combine butter, cocoa, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the tofu, baking soda, and vinegar to the butter mixture with the vanilla, and mix well. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix thoroughly. Pour the batter into the pan, and spread evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Want to see more? Click for
Part 1
Part 2