Puerto Rican Vegan S’mores Brownies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
When you think of Puerto Rican cuisine, you often imagine vibrant flavors, rich spices, and a blend of cultural influences. While traditional Puerto Rican dishes are often savory, there’s no reason why we can’t infuse these delicious flavors into sweet treats like brownies. Here’s a recipe that combines the classic s’mores brownies with a Puerto Rican vegan twist, perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of island flair to their desserts.
The Cultural Significance
Puerto Rican cuisine is a melting pot of flavors, influenced by the island’s indigenous Taíno people, Spanish colonizers, and African roots. While our focus here is on a sweet dish, the use of certain ingredients and techniques pays homage to the island’s culinary heritage. In this recipe, we’ll use ingredients that are both vegan and reflective of Puerto Rico’s love for rich, bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup non-dairy chocolate chips (or roughly chopped vegan chocolate)
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (such as Earth Balance), melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons ground flax + 8 tablespoons water (to make flax eggs)
- 1 cup marshmallows (vegan, such as Dandies)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (use vegan graham crackers)
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra depth of flavor (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Flax Eggs
In a small bowl, mix the ground flax and water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 7×11 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt the Vegan Butter
Melt the vegan butter in a glass measuring cup in the microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted.
Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the flax eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until evenly combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Stir with a large wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in Chocolate Chips
Fold in half of the non-dairy chocolate chips.
Add Graham Cracker Crumbs and Marshmallows
Stir in the graham cracker crumbs and half of the vegan marshmallows.
Pour the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and marshmallows on top.
Bake
Bake for 35-40 minutes. The brownies may still be bubbling and not look done, but they will firm up as they cool.
Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, pull the brownies out using the parchment paper and let cool for another 15-30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your brownies an extra layer of depth, reminiscent of traditional Puerto Rican desserts.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use vegan graham crackers to maintain the vegan integrity of the dish. You can also toast the crumbs lightly in a pan to enhance their flavor.
- Marshmallows: If you want a gooier marshmallow experience, you can broil the brownies for a minute or two after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Conclusion
These Puerto Rican Vegan S’mores Brownies are a delightful fusion of classic American s’mores and the rich flavors of Puerto Rico. With their fudgy texture, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a sweet treat, these brownies bring a piece of Puerto Rican culture to your table in a deliciously vegan way. ¡Buen provecho
- Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials