The Ultimate Vegan Blondies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Oil-Free)

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s chewy on the edges, soft in the center, and secretly packed with plant-based goodness, these Vegan Blondies are about to become your new obsession. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and each square is loaded with protein and a touch of iron — but you’d never guess it from the rich, indulgent flavor.

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These blondies are that rare kind of treat that ticks every box: easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and ridiculously satisfying. With a soft, buttery center and golden, crisp edges, they’re the kind of dessert you’ll want to bake again and again — for parties, lunch boxes, or just those nights when your sweet tooth calls.

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Blondies

These golden bars strike the perfect balance between chewy and gooey, sweet but not overwhelming, and healthy enough to enjoy guilt-free. Here’s what makes them special:

• Chewy edges & soft centers: The texture is perfectly balanced — crisp on the outside, tender inside.
• Naturally gluten-free and oil-free: Made with whole-food ingredients and no refined oils.
• Nutrient-rich: Each serving offers 6 grams of protein and 2 mg of iron, thanks to the tahini and other plant-based ingredients.
• Foolproof recipe: One bowl, minimal prep, and a short baking time — easy enough for beginners.

It’s a dessert that doesn’t just taste amazing — it also feels good to eat.

Key Ingredients for the Best Vegan Blondies

Creating the ultimate Vegan Blondies is all about choosing the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what makes these bars so irresistible (plus a few possible swaps to customize them):

1. All-Purpose or Gluten-Free Flour

You can use regular all-purpose flour or your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. For a perfect texture, I recommend a high-quality gluten-free flour mix such as Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1. It keeps the blondies soft without being crumbly.

2. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is the secret to that chewy, bakery-style edge. It helps bind the batter while adding lightness to the crumb. You can skip it in a pinch, but it really enhances the final texture.

3. Baking Powder

Our leavening hero! It helps the blondies rise evenly and gives them that lovely soft bite.

4. Fine Sea Salt

A touch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the nutty notes from the tahini.

5. Tahini (or Vegan Butter)

Tahini serves as the main fat source and adds a subtle, rich, nutty flavor — no oil needed! It’s also full of plant-based protein and iron. If tahini isn’t your thing, melted vegan butter or almond butter can be used as an alternative.

6. Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup adds moisture and natural sweetness while helping bind the ingredients. Agave syrup or a light honey alternative can also work, but maple gives the best depth of flavor.

7. Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar brings a gentle caramel flavor that complements the blondies beautifully. If unavailable, you can use light brown sugar for a similar effect.

8. Non-Dairy Milk

Plant milk (like soy, almond, or oat) keeps the batter smooth and moist. Soy milk is a great choice because of its higher protein content, but any variety will do.

9. Vanilla Extract

A little vanilla goes a long way. It rounds out the sweetness and brings out that classic blondie aroma.

10. Dark Chocolate Chips

Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep things 100% vegan. The dark chocolate cuts through the sweetness and adds melty richness to each bite.

How to Make Vegan Gluten-Free Blondies

These blondies come together in just a few easy steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the tahini, maple syrup, coconut sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and glossy — the consistency should resemble creamy caramel.
4. Combine and fold: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick batter forms. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared dish. Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center looks just set.
6. Cool and enjoy: Let the blondies cool completely before slicing. This helps them firm up and reach their best chewy texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Blondies

• Don’t overbake: Blondies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. For a moist center, take them out once the edges are firm but the center is still soft.
• Let them cool fully: Cooling allows them to set and become easy to cut into clean squares.
• Customize your mix-ins: Try adding crushed nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top.
• Choose quality tahini: A smooth, pourable tahini (not bitter or clumpy) makes all the difference in texture and flavor.

Storage & Freezing

Once fully cooled, store your Vegan Blondies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for 2–3 months — just make sure they’re cooled completely first to prevent condensation or freezer burn. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.

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