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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(No crazy ingredients!)
These look so good! I’ve made your genius blondies so many times and everyone always loves them!
Couldn’t resist making these tonight. They are quick and so delicious and fudgey!! Thank you 🙂
Awesome!!! More like fudge, hubby and I ate almost the whole batch!
Thanks for another great recipe that I can endulge in w/o feeling guilty!
These look so good 🙂 I’ve never tried black bean brownies before, but I’ve always wanted to. How great they are without white sugar 🙂
Is the nutrition facts for 9 or 12 brownies? 🙂
Oh wow, I can’t wait to try these!! I have all the ingredients at home already, so I think I’ll make
thee tonight to share w/ my roommate. She might be mad because sweets are her weakness, but that’s why it’s so great that these are healthy 🙂 Awesome recipe Katie!
Ohmigosh I am soooo excited to try these!!! I’ve never heard of black bean brownies before, but I LOVE brownies so if I can eat them and know they’re actually HEALTHY for me?! I’m in!!! 😀
These are totally, totally wonderful. Thank you for the recipe! Even my bean-hating roommate thought they were delicious.
Hi katie! I just wanted to say I love your recipes and I can’t wait to try these brownies, they are baking right now and I can’t wait to try the finnished product, I tatsed the batter pre-chocolate chips and it tasted pretty good!
Made these today and got approval from all 3 kids. Thanks for the recipe! BTW, I used toasted oats (not the quick cooking kind) and it turned out fine. I think I had a little extra liquid in my batter (from not properly draining the black beans) so I added a little more oats. Next time I will drain and rinse properly. Thanks again!
Holy cow, these are SO GOOD! I tried another black bean brownie recipe once before and I swore I’d never do it again, but your recipes have never let me down before so I figured I’d try it and not expect much but oh my these are SO yummy!!! And my parents both liked them too, and they’re not usually into healthy stuff. Now the final test is on the little brother when he gets home!
Thanks for yet another amazing recipe. So excited for the cookbook!
Holy fudge!!! This looks so fudgy 😀
I am so glad you made this! I KNOW your recipe will rock! I’ve tried a few and didn’t have very much luck. YUMMY! Thank you! So awesome to add beans to anything — such a nutritious addition! Have a great night!! PS- here’s a quick look at why beans are so magical! http://fresh-you.blogspot.com/2012/02/3-ways-to-more-magical-fruit.html
wow, i’ve seen recipes for this but your brownies look super decadent. yay for secret health!
I tried these tonight and they’re amazing! You really can’t taste a difference between these and the real thing! I can’t wait to try them out on my family 🙂 thanks for sharing.
Cool idea! I love making black bean brownies, so this is a great change up to my usual recipe!
Could carob chips be used?
Sorry, I haven’t tried.
Carob works! I just made these today with half carob powder, half cacao powder, and carob chips. They’re awesome. 🙂