Black Bean Brownies – the ultra fudgy and decadent chocolate treat.
Edit: Thank you to everyone who has been asking…
After more than a year in the works, my NEW cookbook is finally available!
Based on your feedback, every single recipe in the book comes with complete nutrition facts including calories, total fat, carbohydrates, protein, and Weight Watchers points.
Above – Watch how to make black bean brownies.
I know what you’re thinking.
“Why would I want to eat a healthy brownie when I could be eating a deep, dark, rich, fudgy, and chocolatey brownie instead?”
But what if the deep, dark, rich, chocolate brownie is the healthy brownie?
No, not in a dream world. These black bean brownies are healthy brownies that DO NOT taste healthy, and I can say that with assurance, as they’ve been tested on three different groups of people used to “normal” desserts.
For the ultimate test, my roommate brought two pans of the vegan black bean brownies into work and set them down on the table without revealing the secret or saying they were healthy.
She came home with no brownies left… but with five requests for the healthy black bean brownie recipe!
You May Also Like: Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Easy Black Bean Brownies
I know some of you have been disappointed by mediocre bean-based brownies you’ve tried in the past, which is why it’s taken me so long to come up with my own recipe:
I’ve tried some awful black bean brownie recipes in the past, too.
For example?
Don’t think you’ll get brownies by adding cocoa powder to my Chickpea Cookie Dough Dip and baking it.
Trust me. You’ll get cardboard.
I wanted a recipe that would not let people down; a recipe that could stand up to a regular sugar-and-flour brownie in a competition.
And these really do!
Also, huge thanks to everyone who’s been sharing these on Instagram!
If you try the brownies, be sure to rate the recipe here, or tag @ChocolateCoveredKatie on Instagram so I can see and like your pictures!
Black Bean Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well) (250g after draining)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (10g)
- 1/2 cup quick oats (40g) (See nutrition link below for substitutions)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave (75g)
- pinch uncut stevia OR 2 tbsp sugar (or omit and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil (40g) (See nutrition link for substitution notes)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (Not optional. Omit at your own risk)
- optional: more chips, for presentation
Instructions
- Black Bean Brownies Recipe: Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients except chips in a good food processor, and blend until completely smooth. Really blend well. (A blender can work if you absolutely must, but the texture—and even the taste—will be much better in a food processor. I use this food processor.) Stir in the chips, then pour into a greased 8×8 pan. Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top. Cook the black bean brownies 15-18 minutes, then let cool at least 10 minutes before trying to cut. If they still look a bit undercooked, you can place them in the fridge overnight and they will magically firm up! Makes 9-12 brownies. If you make this recipe, don't forget to leave a review! The trick with these: serve them first, and then reveal the secret ingredient. In all the times I’ve served bean desserts, not one single person who didn’t know beforehand has ever guessed!View Black Bean Brownies Nutrition Facts
Video
Notes
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These are so good! I used applesauce instead of sugar, so they were even more fudgy. Win, win! Took them to a friend’s house and they enjoyed them, too. Thanks for sharing!
These black bean brownies are fabulous. I’ve tried several recipes that have not been up to par. We do not use any oil in our cooking, so I substituted sunbutter. Perfect. I may try ground flax seed the next time. My husband was surprised at the ingredients. Will try them next on my grandchildren and extended family.
u r my angel KATIE… its my brother’s bday and he is a chocolate lover. I wanted to make something delicious for him and this is what i needed…. i can trust only u in this chocolate recipe thing …
pls give us more good recipes to try ….
What food processor do you use?
Try Cuisinart – the basic model 🙂
I made these with my daughter. So easy! We all love them – even my teenage sons loved them. I kept them in the fridge and they firmed up nicely. Thank you! ??
I made these last night and they are wayyyyy better than i expected!
I mean for a healthy flour less brownie…these are BOMB.com I was a little bit confused on the amount of beans though, you said 1 1/2 cups (1 15 oz can) but a 15 oz can has way more than 1.5 cups worth of beans….so I measured out 1 1/2 cups and used that. I also added a good table spoon of PB 🙂 For the next attempt I’m going to use Weldon Farms 0 calorie Maple Syrup to make them that much more Guilt free ! anyway, thank you for the delicious recipe! 😀
I made these today for the first time and I’m amazed how good they are!! They are fudgey and chocolatey and delicious. Thanks Katie for the healthy (yet wonderful) recipe! I will definitely be making these again.
When Rihanna was singing “I hate that I love you” she must have made a batch of these brownies and eaten half of it in one sitting.
But they’re just awesome! Lots of love from Poland 🙂
Made these this morning, omitted the choco chips on top…..Amazing!!!! Gave a few (not too many) to some neighbors, they were shocked when told about the black beans. Will absolutely make these again. Thanks so much for the recipe.
Hi Kate,
I’d never heard of Black Bean Brownies before ….brownies were something I avoided because of their traditional tasty evilness. I had a go at your recipe last night and had to wait until this morning to try them…warm chocolate brownie with a dollop of yoghurt for breakfast…winner!! These are fantastic – thanks for the recipe. xHelen (Australia)
Quick questions about your black bean brownies. Do you think “refried” black beans would work? All that is in them is black beans, water, sea salt. I have several cans I don’t know what to with. Thanks!!
Well despite the fact I used regular oats and i accidently put the chocolate chips in the blender too they came out delicious. My other half liked them which is always good news. Next time I ‘ll gring the oats in the blender first but I’m sure I’ll be making these again soon. Yummy with dairy free ice cream. Thank you for the recipe Katie.
Double whoops! Just realised I missed out the oil….. Well I think ‘ll have another to celebrate even lower calorie brownies ?
Oh yay!! I put less oil in them and still think they’re amazing, so glad to hear I can omit the oil completely 😀
LOVE this recipe! I make mini muffins for my toddler twins (15 min/makes 32 minus). I have tried dif quality of cocoa powder and it does make a difference. I use Health Works raw cocoa powder, which is so much richer and chocolatier than a store brand.
These are, by far, the BEST black bean brownies I have ever had! I’ve made them in the past where they actually taste like cardboard. I can’t believe how amazing these are! I actually prefer them over the real thing (I can never seem to perfect regular brownies, haha). Thank you for this delicious recipe. I’m on a weight loss journey and this has really helped those days where you can’t shake the cravings!
Blew my mind as to how good the are, I would’ve never known they were made with beans if I didn’t make it myself. Great Recipe that won’t blow my calorie intake.
I just made these and they are great!! I didn’t tell my husband or kids they were healthy brownies, or made from black beans and they loved them. My daughter said they “tasted a little different.” Awesome recipe. Glad I can eat them guilt free.