Pin It 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 perfect for a healthier option.
I first discovered the magic of black bean brownies when searching for gluten-free desserts for my family. Everyone was surprised at how moist and chocolatey they turned out, and now they're a regular treat at our gatherings.
Ingredients
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz/425 g), drained and rinsed
- Eggs: 2 large
- Neutral oil: ⅓ cup (80 ml) (canola or sunflower)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100 g)
- Maple syrup or honey: ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: ⅓ cup (35 g)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: ½ cup (85 g, plus extra for topping, optional)
- Baking powder: ½ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Prep the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- Blend base ingredients:
- In a food processor or blender, combine black beans, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth.
- Add sweeteners and cocoa:
- Add sugar, maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Blend until well mixed, scraping sides as needed.
- Fold in chocolate chips:
- Using a spatula, fold in chocolate chips. Do not blend.
- Bake:
- Pour batter into the pan, smooth top, and sprinkle extra chocolate chips (optional). Bake for 22–25 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick—a few fudgy crumbs are fine.
- Cool and slice:
- Let cool fully in the pan before slicing into squares.
Pin It My kids love to help measure ingredients and blend the beans, especially when the reward is warm, gooey brownies for everyone.
Required Tools
Food processor or blender, 8x8-inch baking pan, spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains eggs and chocolate. For gluten-free, check all ingredients. If avoiding nuts, don't add mix-ins and review chocolate packaging.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 140 calories, 6 g fat, 20 g carbs, 3 g protein
Pin It These brownies are perfect for sharing and also freeze beautifully. Enjoy warm or cold for a sweet treat that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome.
Questions About This Recipe
- → How do black beans affect the texture?
Black beans replace flour, adding moisture and a fudgy texture while keeping brownies dense and rich.
- → Can I make these vegan?
Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
- → What type of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips balance sweetness and richness, enhancing the chocolate flavor without overpowering.
- → Is it necessary to rinse the beans?
Rinsing removes excess sodium and can reduce any canned bean flavor, improving the overall taste.
- → Can I add mix-ins to vary the texture?
Yes, nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut can be folded in for added crunch and flavor complexity.