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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You have some awesome recipes! Just made the black bean brownies. I made one substitution and used PB powder in place of the oil (because we are trying to to watch our cholesterol) My nutritional values with 12 servings: calories= 146, fat grams=3.5, protein grams=4, cholesterol=0, sodium grams=20, sugar grams=11.
Thanks!
Can’t believe how healthy and decadent these are at the same time! For frosting, bring one cup of canned pumpkin to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and add 5oz finely chopped bittersweet chocolate. Stir until chocolate is melted and combined. Allow to cool before frosting brownies.
I was absolutely amazing. I altered it just a bit but my oh my, I have never had a Black Bean Brownie so rich in flavor with just the right sweetness and consistency. I only used 1 Cup of Black Beans, an eighth of a cup of Honey, 1/3 Cup of Rolled Oats, 1 tsp Vanilla Extract, and no chocolate chips. My neighbors can not believe they are made with Black Beans. Thank you SO much!
Holy frijoles! As an avid baker, a chocoholic and a brownie aficionado, I’m impressed. These are delicious. I usually avoid any dessert recipes that try to be healthy/healthier because I’m usually so disappointed, but I had everything needed for the recipe on hand so I tried them. I cannot believe how rich and fudgy they are. I made your recipe as written, but used mini chocolate chips and roasted hazelnut oil (why not?). Such a great way to sneak a little extra fiber into your diet, too! Everyone loves them, and cannot believe they’re made from black beans. I will definitely be making these regularly.
This one is a winner! Tried this for my vegan friends and it didn’t disappoint. Plus the element of black beans for a healthier option intrigued me. I followed the recipe, using 1/2 cup maple syrup for all of the sweetener, and coconut vs. vegetable oil. Minor modifications to add more health benefits: 1 tsp ground flax meal, 1/2 tsp lions mane mushroom powder, and 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans.
Note: I only baked for 18 minutes, per recipe; after cooling and then placing in fridge for 3 hours once, they were the perfect consistency, and really good!
I have made this recipe three or four times and gotten rave reviews each time. I made one small change and sprinkled chopped pecans on the brownies before baking them. Even folks who don’t like black beans love the brownies. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe.
çok güzel gözüken bir yemek tarifi. https://www.cekici.com/cekici/bakirkoy
I used gluten free oatmeal, honey and the 2 tablespoons of sugar and added chopped walnuts and these were delicious! I also used parchment paper (sprayed with Pam) instead of greasing the pan .
Thank you for such a great recipe!
These are delicious! I did not have any oats, so I just used flour (same amount as oats would have been) and also instead of stevia I just used the 1/2 cup of maple syrup. I ate 3 of them and my 4 year old son is on his second. Definitely making these again! Definitely not telling anyone the secret ingredient either. They will never know they are healthier. Lol
WOW, I entered these in a contest and won judges choice, $200. The only thing I added was white chocolate flakes at serving. Thank you so much for this recipe