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Black Bean Brownies

Featured in: Sweet Smile

These black bean brownies transform simple pantry staples into a moist, fudgy chocolate treat with added protein. Using black beans instead of flour creates a rich texture while keeping the dessert gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly. Sweetened with sugar and maple syrup, and enhanced with cocoa and chocolate chips, these brownies are easy to prepare and bake in under 30 minutes, perfect for healthier indulgence.

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Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:09:00 GMT
Fudgy Black Bean Brownies, warm from the oven, with a scattering of chocolate chips glistening. Save
Fudgy Black Bean Brownies, warm from the oven, with a scattering of chocolate chips glistening. | grinnosh.com

A rich, fudgy brownie recipe that swaps flour for black beans, creating a moist, chocolatey treat with a protein boost and perfect for a healthier dessert option. This delicious recipe is budget friendly and ideal for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while keeping things a bit lighter.

I first made these brownies for my book club, and everyone was amazed you could make such chocolatey, rich treats with beans. Now, this dessert is a favorite for family gatherings and potlucks—no one ever guesses the secret healthy ingredient!

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 pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
Blend base:
Combine black beans, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract in a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Add dry ingredients:
Add sugar, maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Blend again until well mixed, scraping down as needed.
Add chocolate chips:
Fold in chocolate chips with a spatula (do not blend).
Bake:
Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth top, sprinkle extra chips if desired. Bake 22–25 minutes until center is set and toothpick comes out mostly clean (some fudgy crumbs okay).
Cool and slice:
Let brownies cool in the pan completely before slicing into squares.
Close-up of moist, dark Black Bean Brownies, showcasing a healthier dessert's rich texture. Save
Close-up of moist, dark Black Bean Brownies, showcasing a healthier dessert's rich texture. | grinnosh.com

My kids love helping to spread the batter and add chocolate chips on top. Sharing these brownies after dinner always brings everyone together for a sweet, happy moment at the table.

Required Tools

Food processor or blender, 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) pan, spatula, measuring cups and spoons.

Allergen Information

Contains eggs and chocolate (may contain milk or soy). For gluten free, check chocolate chip packaging. Avoid nuts in mix-ins if needed.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 140, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 20 g, Protein: 3 g per serving.

These decadent Black Bean Brownies, still warm, promise a delightful, guilt-free chocolatey treat. Save
These decadent Black Bean Brownies, still warm, promise a delightful, guilt-free chocolatey treat. | grinnosh.com

These black bean brownies are best served fresh and can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Enjoy a guilt free dessert that surprises everyone!

Recipe FAQ

→ How do black beans affect the texture?

Black beans replace flour, creating a moist and fudgy texture while adding protein and fiber without altering the chocolatey flavor.

→ Can I make these brownies vegan?

Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the texture and taste intact.

→ What baking tools are needed?

A food processor or blender for mixing, an 8x8-inch baking pan, and a spatula for folding in chocolate chips are essential.

→ Can I add mix-ins?

Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut can be folded in to enhance flavor and texture.

→ How do I know when brownies are done?

Bake until the center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few fudgy crumbs for a perfect moist finish.

Black Bean Brownies

Moist, chocolatey brownies using black beans for a protein-rich, fudgy treat that's easy and budget-friendly.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Hannah Lewis


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Beans & Base

01 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 2 large eggs
03 1/3 cup neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweeteners & Chocolate

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar
02 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
03 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping (optional)

Leavening & Flavor

01 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
02 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Stage 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Set oven temperature to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Stage 02

Blend base ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine black beans, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Process until completely smooth.

Stage 03

Incorporate dry ingredients: Add sugar, maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Blend until evenly combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.

Stage 04

Fold in chocolate chips: Using a spatula, gently fold chocolate chips into the batter without blending.

Stage 05

Transfer batter to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired.

Stage 06

Bake the brownies: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

Stage 07

Cool and serve: Allow the baked goods to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares.

Necessary tools

  • Food processor or blender
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains eggs and chocolate, which may contain milk and soy; verify chocolate chip packaging for allergens.
  • Ensure all components, especially chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free to maintain gluten-free status.
  • Avoid nuts and check for cross-contamination if nut allergies are a concern.

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 140
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 3 g