Pin it 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 when looking for an easy dessert recipe without flour and was amazed at how deliciously fudgy they turned out. Even picky eaters in my house were surprised to enjoy brownies made with beans!
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 Wet 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).
- Fill the Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake:
- 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.
Pin it My kids loved packing these brownies in their lunchboxes and even asked if we could make them for birthday parties. Baking together has become our family favorite weekend tradition.
Required Tools
Food processor or blender 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan spatula measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains eggs and chocolate (may contain milk/soy check chocolate chip packaging). For nut allergies avoid nuts as mix-ins and check for cross-contamination in chocolate. For gluten-free ensure all ingredients are certified.
Nutritional Information
Calories 140 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 20 g Protein 3 g (per serving)
Pin it Serve these brownies as a guilt-free dessert or snack and enjoy chocolatey goodness in every bite. They're perfect with a cup of coffee or shared at your next gathering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do black beans affect the texture?
Black beans create a moist, fudgy consistency by replacing flour and adding protein without compromising on richness.
- → Can I use an alternative to eggs?
Yes, flax eggs made from ground flaxseed mixed with water work well for a vegan-friendly version.
- → What chocolate works best for these brownies?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips complement the cocoa powder, enhancing the overall chocolate depth.
- → Is maple syrup necessary?
Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and moisture but you can substitute with honey if preferred.
- → How do I know when they're done baking?
Bake until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean, allowing for some fudgy crumbs.