Vegan Chocolate Brownies with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Icing

Why You'll Love These Vegan Chocolate Brownies

There's something special about the combination of rich dark chocolate and salted caramel. Add a creamy cream cheese frosting, and you have a dessert that's both comforting and indulgent.

You'll love this recipe because it's:

Rich and fudgy, with deep dark chocolate flavor
Completely vegan, using flaxseed instead of eggs and dairy-free frosting ingredients
Gluten-free, when prepared with gluten-free flour and verified ingredients
Made with Pascha chocolate, including dark chocolate and salted caramel baking chips
Topped with creamy icing, adding a delicious contrast to the dense brownies
Perfect for sharing, with nine generous squares per batch
Easy to make ahead, since the finished brownies store well in the refrigerator

How to Serve

These Vegan Chocolate Brownies with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Icing are delicious served chilled or after sitting briefly at room temperature.

Try serving them:

As a decadent after-dinner dessert
With a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream
With fresh strawberries or raspberries
Alongside coffee or espresso
On a dessert platter for birthdays and celebrations
With an extra drizzle of Pascha Salted Caramel Sauce
Cut into smaller squares for a party dessert table

For beautifully defined layers, refrigerate the frosted brownies before slicing.

How We Developed This Recipe

We wanted to create a vegan brownie that delivered all the rich, fudgy texture of a classic chocolate brownie while adding an extra layer of salted caramel indulgence.

Instead of eggs, this recipe uses a simple combination of ground flaxseed and water to help bind the brownie batter. Coconut sugar adds sweetness, while melted coconut oil contributes to the soft, dense texture.

For the chocolate, we chose Pascha 70% Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar. Melting the chocolate before adding it to the batter creates a smooth, deeply chocolatey base.

But the real finishing touch is the icing.

We combined vegan cream cheese, salted vegan butter, and melted Pascha Salted Caramel Baking Chips to create a creamy frosting with rich caramel flavor. A final drizzle of Pascha Salted Caramel Sauce makes these brownies even more irresistible.

The result is a dessert that brings together dark chocolate, creamy frosting, and salted caramel in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Vegan Chocolate Brownies

2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
¼ cup water
1 cup coconut sugar
½ cup coconut oil, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup gluten-free flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup Pascha 70% Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar

For the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Icing

1 cup Pascha Salted Caramel Baking Chips
½ cup salted vegan butter, room temperature
8 oz vegan cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 batch Pascha Salted Caramel Sauce, for drizzling

Ingredient Breakdown

Ground Flaxseed & Water

Ground flaxseed mixed with water creates a simple vegan egg substitute that helps bind the brownie ingredients together. Letting the mixture thicken before adding it to the batter is important for the best texture.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar adds sweetness with a subtle caramel-like flavor that complements the dark chocolate and salted caramel icing.

Coconut Oil

Melted coconut oil contributes richness and moisture, helping create the brownies' dense, fudgy texture.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor in the brownies and adds warmth to the cream cheese icing.

Gluten-Free Flour

Gluten-free flour provides structure while keeping the brownies suitable for a gluten-free diet when all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Pascha 70% Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar

These rich dark chocolate chips create the fudgy chocolate base of the brownies. Melting them before incorporating them into the batter ensures the chocolate is distributed throughout.

Pascha Salted Caramel Baking Chips

Melted Salted Caramel Baking Chips add creamy caramel flavor to the frosting without requiring a separate caramel-making step.

Salted Vegan Butter

Vegan butter gives the icing a smooth, rich consistency while its saltiness balances the sweetness of the caramel chocolate.

Vegan Cream Cheese

Vegan cream cheese adds a creamy texture and subtle tang that complements the sweet salted caramel flavor.

Pascha Salted Caramel Sauce

A generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce finishes the brownies with extra caramel flavor and a beautiful dessert-shop appearance.

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Brownies with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Icing

Step 1: Prepare the Flaxseed Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and water.

Stir well and set aside until the mixture thickens.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut sugar and melted coconut oil.

Add the thickened flaxseed mixture and vanilla extract.

Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the gluten-free flour and salt to the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 4: Melt the Dark Chocolate

Place the Pascha 70% Dark Chocolate Chips with Coconut Sugar in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler.

Melt gently, stirring until smooth.

Add the melted chocolate to the brownie batter and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the brownies are set.

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Icing

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room-temperature salted vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Melt the Pascha Salted Caramel Baking Chips using a double boiler, stirring until smooth.

Allow the melted chips to cool slightly while remaining fluid.

Gradually beat the melted salted caramel chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and creamy.

Step 7: Frost the Brownies

Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the salted caramel cream cheese icing evenly over the top.

Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth layer.

Step 8: Drizzle with Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle Pascha Salted Caramel Sauce over the icing.

For a decorative finish, create thin lines of caramel across the surface or gently swirl the sauce into the frosting.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Cut the brownies into 9 generous squares.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Pro Tips

Let the flaxseed mixture thicken. This helps bind the brownie batter without eggs.
Use melted chocolate. Melting the Pascha Dark Chocolate Chips creates a smooth, rich brownie batter.
Avoid overmixing. Stir the flour into the wet ingredients only until combined.
Line your pan with parchment paper. This makes removing and slicing the brownies much easier.
Cool the brownies completely. Warm brownies can cause the cream cheese icing to soften or melt.
Use room-temperature vegan butter and cream cheese. This helps create a smoother, creamier frosting.
Let the melted salted caramel chips cool slightly. Adding chocolate that's too hot can affect the icing's consistency.
Chill before slicing. Refrigerating the frosted brownies helps create cleaner, more defined layers.
Add extra caramel sauce when serving. A little extra drizzle makes these brownies even more decadent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these chocolate brownies vegan?

Yes. This recipe uses ground flaxseed instead of eggs, coconut oil instead of dairy butter in the brownies, and vegan cream cheese and vegan butter in the icing. Check the packaging of all ingredients, including the caramel sauce, to confirm they're vegan.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

The recipe uses gluten-free flour. To keep the entire dessert gluten-free, make sure all chocolate products, frosting ingredients, and salted caramel sauce meet your dietary requirements.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the brownies ahead and allow them to cool completely. Prepare the icing and assemble the dessert before serving, or refrigerate the fully frosted brownies until needed.

Why do I need to cool the brownies before frosting?

If the brownies are still warm, the vegan cream cheese icing may melt or become too soft. Cooling completely helps keep the frosting thick and creamy.

Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar?

You can try substituting regular granulated sugar, although the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Coconut sugar provides a subtle caramel-like flavor that works particularly well with the salted caramel topping.

How do I get clean brownie slices?

Refrigerate the frosted brownies until the icing is firm. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, even squares.

How should I store leftover brownies?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Additional Pascha Recipes to Try

If you loved these Vegan Chocolate Brownies with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Icing, try these other Pascha chocolate recipes:

2 Ingredient Salted Caramel Ganache – A rich, creamy topping made with Pascha Salted Caramel Baking Chips and coconut milk.
Banana Chocolate Cake Hack with Caramel Icing – An easy gluten-free cake upgrade featuring dark chocolate, vegan white chocolate icing, and salted caramel sauce.
Easy Vegan Mocha Brownie Dip – A creamy chocolate dessert dip with rich dark chocolate and a hint of coffee.
Vegan Salted Caramel Chocolate Popcorn Brittle – A sweet and salty chocolate treat with crunchy popcorn and salted caramel flavor.
Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Chip Muffins – Moist chocolate muffins made with bananas and Pascha dark chocolate chips.

More From The FIX

Looking for more chocolate baking tips and inspiration? Explore The FIX, Pascha's destination for chocolate education, delicious recipes, and helpful baking ideas.

Discover tips for melting chocolate, making dairy-free desserts, choosing chocolate for baking, and creating delicious treats with organic cacao.

Whether you're preparing a special dessert or simply looking for your next chocolate recipe, there's always something new to explore with Pascha.

Our Sustainability Commitment

At Pascha, we believe delicious chocolate begins with thoughtfully sourced ingredients. We're committed to creating organic chocolate with consideration for the people who grow cacao and the planet we share.

From rich dark chocolate to our salted caramel baking chips, we aim to make chocolate that's delicious, inclusive, and thoughtfully produced.

When you bake with Pascha, you're choosing chocolate made with care and a commitment to quality.

Certifications

Pascha offers chocolate products designed with dietary inclusivity in mind, including organic, vegan, and allergen-conscious options.

Certifications and allergen statements may vary by product, so always check the individual packaging for the most accurate and current information.

When preparing these brownies for someone with dietary restrictions, also verify the gluten-free flour, vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and salted caramel sauce.