Pin 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 discovered black bean brownies during college when I wanted healthy desserts that didn't sacrifice flavor. After tweaking the recipe with different sweeteners and mix-ins, I found this version is always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings.
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
- Prepare 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.
- Combine Sweeteners:
- Add sugar, maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Blend until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add Chocolate 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 & Serve:
- Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Pin My kids were skeptical about beans in brownies, but after their first taste, these quickly became our most-requested treat for birthdays and after-school snacks.
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). 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
Per serving: 140 calories, 6 g total fat, 20 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein
Pin These black bean brownies are perfect for sharing. Once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do black beans affect the texture?
Black beans replace flour, adding moisture and a fudgy texture without heaviness.
- → Can I substitute eggs in this dish?
Yes, flax eggs work well as a vegan alternative to bind the ingredients.
- → What sweeteners are used for flavor?
The combination of granulated sugar and maple syrup balances sweetness and depth.
- → Is gluten truly absent in this dessert?
When using certified gluten-free chocolate chips and ingredients, it is gluten-free.
- → Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut can be folded in for extra texture and flavor.