Save 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 made these brownies when I wanted a guilt-free treat for my family, and everyone was amazed they were made with black beans. Their texture is so rich, you won&t miss the flour at all.
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 the 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 ingredients:
- In a food processor or blender, combine black beans, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth.
- Add sweeteners and cocoa:
- 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 and serve:
- Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Save My kids love helping blend the beans in the food processor, and they never guess the secret ingredient in these brownies. It&s become our weekend baking tradition.
Optional Mix-ins & Variations
Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of espresso powder for a deeper chocolate flavor. This recipe is easy to adapt for extra texture or flavor twists.
Required Tools
You will need a food processor or blender, an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, a spatula, and measuring cups and spoons for accurate mixing.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving (1 brownie) contains about 140 calories, 6 g total fat, 20 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein. Perfect for a healthy, protein-boosted dessert.
Save Enjoy these black bean brownies fresh, or store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They are extra delicious with a cold glass of milk or coffee.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → How do black beans affect the texture?
Black beans create a moist, dense texture, replacing flour while adding protein and fiber without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
- → Can these be made vegan?
Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully vegan treat.
- → What sweeteners are used?
Granulated sugar and maple syrup provide balanced sweetness with natural depth from the syrup.
- → Is special equipment needed?
A food processor or blender is recommended to achieve a smooth batter with the black beans.
- → Can I add mix-ins?
Optional additions like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut can enhance texture and flavor.
- → How to know when they're done baking?
Bake until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few fudgy crumbs remaining.