Save to Pinterest A rich, fudgy brownie recipe that swaps flour for black beans, creating a moist, chocolatey treat with a protein boost. Delicious, budget-friendly, and perfect for a healthier dessert option.
I first tried these brownies when searching for a dessert I could share at a family get-together with gluten-free guests. No one guessed they were made with beans—everyone loved the rich, chocolatey flavor.
Ingredients
- Beans & Base: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup (80 ml) neutral oil (e.g. 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 Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Blend Base:
- In a food processor or blender, combine black beans, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth.
- Add Sweeteners & Cocoa:
- Add sugar, maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Blend until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Fold in Chips:
- Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula (do not blend).
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra chocolate chips if desired. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean (some fudgy crumbs are fine).
- Cool & Slice:
- Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Save to Pinterest These brownies are always a hit for movie night at home—the kids can help blend the beans and there are never any leftovers!
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 chocolate chip packaging). For gluten-free, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. For nut allergies, avoid nuts as mix-ins and check for cross-contamination in chocolate.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 140 calories, 6 g total fat, 20 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Black bean brownies cool best in the pan—patience pays off with perfect slices. Enjoy fresh or freeze for later snacking!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Why use black beans instead of flour?
Black beans add moisture, protein, and fiber, creating fudgier brownies without traditional flour.
- → Can I make these brownies vegan?
Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep them vegan-friendly.
- → What gives the brownies their chocolatey flavor?
The combination of unsweetened cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips provides a rich chocolate taste.
- → How can I enhance the flavor?
Adding instant espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor, and mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit add texture and taste.
- → Are these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, these brownies use black beans instead of flour, but ensure chocolate chips are certified gluten-free for safety.
- → What kitchen tools are needed?
A food processor or blender for smooth batter, an 8x8-inch baking pan, spatula, and measuring tools are required.