Fudgy Black Bean Brownies Recipe

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies Recipe: Sweet Magic in Minutes

Decadent chocolate cravings meet unexpected nutrition in these incredible black bean brownies.

Rich, velvety, and secretly packed with protein, this recipe defies traditional dessert expectations.

Dark chocolate becomes the star, weaving deep flavor through each luscious bite.

Black beans disappear magically into the batter, creating an impossibly smooth texture.

Skeptical eaters won’t believe these brownies are both healthy and delicious.

The fudgy consistency rivals any classic brownie recipe you’ve ever tasted.

These brownies promise to become your new favorite guilt-free indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 17

All You Need For Black Bean Brownies

For Base and Binder:
  • Black Beans: Creamy protein-packed legume that replaces traditional flour, creating a dense and fudgy texture while boosting nutritional value.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the brownies together and provides structure to the batter.
For Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that adds rich, caramel-like depth and moisture to the brownies.
  • Vanilla: Aromatic extract that intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds warmth to the dessert.
For Chocolatey and Dry Ingredients:
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and contributes to the deep, dark color of the brownies.
  • Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps the brownies rise slightly and creates a softer texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the brownies.
For Optional Additions:
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides extra pockets of melted chocolate and adds delightful gooeyness to each bite.
  • Espresso Powder: Optional ingredient that deepens the chocolate flavor and adds subtle complexity.
For Moisture and Fat:
  • Coconut Oil: Adds moisture, richness, and a subtle tropical undertone to the brownie texture.

Tools That Help With Black Bean Brownies

  • Food Processor or Blender: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy batter by thoroughly mixing black beans and other ingredients.
  • 8×8-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for evenly baking the brownies and achieving the right thickness.
  • Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes brownie removal easy.
  • Spatula: Great for folding in chocolate chips and smoothing the batter surface.
  • Toothpick: Helps check brownies' doneness by testing the center.
  • Mixing Bowl: Useful for any additional mixing or folding steps.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How To Bake Black Bean Brownies

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and get a baking dish ready by giving it a quick grease or lining with parchment paper.

  • Blend the Magic

Toss black beans, eggs, coconut oil, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder into a blender. Whirl everything together until super smooth and creamy.

  • Sprinkle Some Love

Gently fold in chocolate chips for those irresistible bursts of melty goodness.

  • Transform in the Oven

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface looks set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

  • Chill and Slice

Let these decadent treats cool completely in the pan. As they cool, they’ll become wonderfully firm. Once cooled, slice and enjoy. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days if they last that long!

Tips To Tweak Black Bean Brownies

  • Texture Perfection: Blend ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, consistent batter without bean chunks for an authentic brownie experience.
  • Diet-Friendly Swaps: Replace eggs with flax eggs for a vegan version, making these brownies suitable for plant-based diets while maintaining rich, fudgy texture.
  • Flavor Boosters: Experiment with adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or sprinkle sea salt on top to enhance the chocolate's depth.
  • Storage Wisdom: These brownies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for convenient grab-and-go treats.
  • Healthy Hack: For a protein-packed breakfast twist, warm slightly and pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt or almond butter for added nutrition and creamy contrast.

Ways To Serve Black Bean Brownies Better

  • Party Platter Paradise: Arrange brownies on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, mint leaves, and a dusting of powdered sugar for an Instagram-worthy dessert display.
  • Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve warm brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
  • Protein-Packed Breakfast Twist: Cut brownies into small cubes and layer with Greek yogurt and sliced almonds for a nutrient-rich morning parfait that feels like a delicious cheat meal.
  • Gifting Goodness: Package individual brownies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for a thoughtful homemade gift that showcases your healthy baking skills.

Storage Advice For Black Bean Brownies

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep brownies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months when frozen.
  • Refrigeration Wisdom: Store chilled brownies for maximum moisture retention. Cold temperatures help maintain their fudgy texture and prevent crumbling.
  • Quick Serving Tip: Remove brownies from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before enjoying, allowing them to soften slightly and enhance their rich chocolate flavor.
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Fudgy Black Bean Brownies Recipe

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Sinfully rich chocolate black bean brownies redefine dessert expectations with surprising nutrition. Protein-packed ingredients and deep cocoa flavors make these brownies a guilt-free indulgence you’ll crave repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (90g) dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • ⅓ cup (80g) maple syrup or honey
  • ¼ cup (60ml) coconut oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper to facilitate effortless brownie extraction.
  2. Thermal Setup: Preheat the oven to 350°F, establishing the optimal baking conditions for these innovative black bean brownies.
  3. Blending Technique: Utilize a food processor to pulverize black beans, eggs, coconut oil, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder into a silky-smooth, uniform mixture, eliminating all bean texture.
  4. Chocolate Integration: Fold chocolate chips throughout the batter, ensuring an even distribution for consistent flavor bursts in every bite.
  5. Baking Process: Pour the liquid batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer and eliminate potential air pockets.
  6. Oven Transformation: Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a set surface and testing doneness with a toothpick that should reveal minimal moist crumbs when inserted.
  7. Cooling and Setting: Allow brownies to cool at room temperature, enabling them to firm up and develop a rich, dense texture before slicing.
  8. Serving Preparation: Cut into precise squares, revealing the luxurious interior that subtly conceals the unexpected black bean foundation.
  9. Storage Protocol: Preserve in an airtight container within the refrigerator, maintaining optimal moisture and quality for up to five days.

Notes

  • Blend Beans Thoroughly: Process ingredients until completely smooth to eliminate any bean texture, ensuring a seamless, indistinguishable base that mimics traditional brownie consistency.
  • Check Moisture Levels: Watch baking time carefully, as black bean brownies can easily become dry or undercooked; toothpick test is crucial for achieving perfect fudgy texture.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add optional espresso powder to intensify chocolate notes and mask potential bean undertones, creating a more complex and rich flavor profile.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Easily convert to gluten-free by ensuring cocoa powder and chocolate chips are certified gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for various dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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