Save A rich, fudgy brownie recipe that swaps flour for black beans, creating a moist, chocolatey treat with a protein boost. This dessert is delicious, budget-friendly, and ideal for anyone seeking a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
I first tried black bean brownies when searching for gluten-free desserts. I was amazed by how moist and chocolatey they turned out—without any hint of beans! They've become my go-to treat when I want something indulgent but a little healthier.
Ingredients
- Beans & Base: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup (80 ml) neutral oil (canola or sunflower), 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Sweeteners & Chocolate: ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup or honey, ⅓ cup (35 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)
- Leavening & Flavor: ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prep The Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Blend The Base:
- Combine black beans, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract in a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth.
- Add The Dry Ingredients:
- Add sugar, maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Blend until well mixed, scraping down sides as needed.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips:
- Fold chocolate chips in with a spatula. Do not blend at this step.
- Pour & Bake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle extra chocolate chips if desired. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until center is set and toothpick comes out mostly clean (some fudgy crumbs are fine).
- Cool & Cut:
- Let brownies cool completely in pan, then slice into squares.
Save My kids love helping me blend the beans for these brownies. Sharing them with family always brings surprised smiles—no one believes they're made with beans!
Required Tools
Food processor or blender, 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, spatula, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains eggs and chocolate (may contain milk/soy; check labels). For gluten-free, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. For nut allergies, avoid nut mix-ins and check for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 140, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 20 g, Protein: 3 g
Save Black bean brownies are a game changer for dessert lovers. Enjoy them fresh or store for a quick, healthier sweet snack!
Cooking Guide
- → Can black beans really replace flour in brownies?
Yes, black beans provide moisture and protein, creating a fudgy texture without traditional flour.
- → How do I ensure the batter is smooth?
Use a food processor or blender to completely puree the black beans with eggs and oil until silky smooth.
- → What sweeteners work best for this dessert?
Granulated sugar paired with maple syrup or honey balances sweetness and adds moistness.
- → Can I make a vegan version?
Replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly variation.
- → What is the ideal baking time?
Bake between 22 and 25 minutes until the center is set but still moist for fudgy results.