This recipe for black bean brownies will help you get back on track this year!
I don't know about you, but I decided back in November that this holiday I was going to take some time off from blogging and work to focus on family and other things that are super important to me.
While I was off, I wound up eating a lot more than I normally do — which did nothing for my waistline(like these Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies).
After taking some time off, it was really hard to get back on track with both my eating and my work, so I decided to do something about it. I started trying to eat better and find ways to make desserts a little better for me.
Like these delicious black bean brownies. These healthy brownies take care of the sweet tooth you might have without adding any extra calories to the mix. The first time you make these, you will want to make them over and over and over again.
These black bean brownies are healthy brownies that do not taste healthy.
How to Make These Black Bean Brownies Recipe
Here is what you will need to make these delicious brownies.
- 1 15.5-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained (this is my secret ingredient for this recipe)
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of coconut, vegetable oil, or canola oil (you can also use olive oil or avocado oil if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup of regular cocoa powder (you can use cacao powder if you want) — this is the unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup zero-calorie sugar, like Splenda or Monk Fruit in the Raw
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (I prefer dark chocolate, but you can use semi-sweet also)
- 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts (plus a few more for the top)
Making black bean brownies is not hard at all! Start with black beans, making sure that they are rinsed and drained. If you notice, there is no all-purpose flour in this recipe at all. These are basically flourless brownies. It adds to the fudgy texture of the brownies.
Start by pureeing the beans with coconut oil and eggs first in a food processor or a high speed blender. Then add in the other dry ingredients and continue pureeing until you get it chopped up well. You will not be able to see any chunks of beans at this point.
You can use zero sugar like I did, but you can also use brown sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer.
Then, mix in 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. The dark chocolate adds a lot to the chocolate flavor of the brownies. To enhance the flavor even more, add some instant coffee or espresso powder.
Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into an 8×8 prepared pan covered with parchment paper. If you prefer, you can bake these in a muffin tin.
Top with a few more chocolate chips and a sprinkle of more walnuts.
Bake in a 350-degree oven until done, about 30 minutes. You will know they are done when you insert a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean. These are the best brownies you will ever eat. Trust me.
That's it! You will have an amazing dessert that is lighter in flavor and packed FULL of protein. Trust me, I am not a bean person at all, and I LOVE these healthy black bean brownies. Store the leftover room temperature brownies in an airtight container. Eat them as is or heat them up the next day for a hot brownie. It will definitely satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Black beans should be part of every diet. They're healthy foods that help prevent cancer because they're filled with phytochemicals that protect your cells from damage — and black beans are thought to be even more packed with antioxidants than other varieties.
The next time you want to add more protein to your dishes, throw in some pureed beans.
Why Adding Beans to Your Diet is a Good Idea
Beans could be nature's perfect food. These little powerhouses are packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, according to 2021 research in Nutrients. But what takes them to the next level is their unique combo of plant protein and fiber.
At the same time, beans contain little, if any, saturated fat, and they are cholesterol-free, per the U.S. Dry Bean Council. Another perk? Beans cost just pennies per serving.
Looking for other brownie recipes? Check these out
These brownies are not your regular brownies or traditional brownies. These are unique and different and you will want to make every single recipe!
- Mint M&M Brownies
- Lunch Lady Brownies
- Banana Bread Brownies
- Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
- Red Velvet Brownies
Black Bean Brownies
These black bean brownies are so delicious and guilt free thanks to using a zero calorie sugar and a can of black beans.
Ingredients
- 1 15.5 ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of coconut or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup zero calorie sugar, like Splenda or Monk Fruit in the Raw
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips or semi sweet chips
- 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts (plus a few more for the top)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8 pan and set it aside. Place beans in a food processor along with oil and eggs. Process until all smashed together.
- Add vanilla, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, sugar, and oil. Process until smooth.
- Add in chocolate chips and walnuts and mix in together.
- Pour into the pan and sprinkle more chocolate chips and walnuts on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 117Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 56mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 6g
Jessica Greenberg
Thursday 4th of July 2024
In your recipe you not 3/4 monkfruit sweetner, but do not indicate the type of measurement. Is it cup, tablespoon? I have never have used monkfruit, so not sure how sweet it is.
Jennifer Sikora
Friday 5th of July 2024
It is 3/4 cup. I will fix that. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Hezzi-D
Saturday 29th of January 2022
Love the idea of the black beans in brownies!
Karen @karenskitchenstories
Saturday 29th of January 2022
You'd never know that beans were in there.
Amy (Savory Moments)
Saturday 29th of January 2022
I make a black bean chocolate cake and it's always a hit - these brownies look super!
Dorothy Reinhold
Friday 28th of January 2022
Black beans??? How creative! Looks like I am going to baking brownies.