Save to Pinterest 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 black bean brownies for a potluck and nobody guessed they contained beans. They've since become my go-to when I want something chocolaty and guilt-free.
Ingredients
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz/425 g), drained and rinsed
- Eggs: 2 large
- Neutral oil: ⅓ cup (80 ml), canola or sunflower
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100 g)
- Maple syrup or honey: ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: ⅓ cup (35 g)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: ½ cup (85 g), plus extra for topping (optional)
- Baking powder: ½ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Prep Oven and 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 Dry Ingredients:
- Add sugar, maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Blend until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Fold in 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.
- Check Doneness:
- 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 Slice:
- Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping fold in the chocolate chips and always sneak a few extra on top before baking. These brownies don't last long in our house.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 140 calories, 6 g total fat, 20 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Substitutions & Mix-Ins
For vegan brownies, use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed and 5 tbsp water) and dairy-free chocolate chips. Optional mix-ins include chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
Required Tools
You'll need a food processor or blender, 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, spatula, and measuring cups and spoons.
Save to Pinterest Be sure to let the brownies cool fully before slicing for clean, fudgy squares. Enjoy your protein-packed treat!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can black beans replace flour in brownies?
Yes, black beans provide structure and moisture, replacing flour while adding protein and fiber, leading to a fudgy, dense texture.
- → How do I get a smooth batter using black beans?
Blend rinsed black beans with eggs, oil, and vanilla until completely smooth to ensure an even texture and well-incorporated ingredients.
- → What chocolate works best in this dessert?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt nicely and add sweetness and texture, while unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the deep chocolate flavor.
- → Can I make these brownies vegan?
Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan version.
- → What are some mix-in options to customize flavor?
Chopped nuts, dried fruits, shredded coconut, or a touch of instant espresso powder can add texture and depth to the chocolate notes.