These fudgy black bean brownies are a delicious, gluten-free treat that proves healthy desserts can still be indulgent. Made with protein-packed black beans, they are moist, rich, and incredibly chocolatey. Perfect for those looking for a flourless alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-Free & Flourless – No flour needed, making it ideal for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Black beans add protein, fiber, and nutrients.
- Rich & Fudgy – A dense, moist texture that rivals traditional brownies.
- Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples and is easy to make.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream – Loaded with cocoa and chocolate chips for deep chocolate flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Black beans (15 oz can, rinsed and drained)
- Eggs (3 large)
- Oil (3 tbsp, flavorless like canola or vegetable)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup)
- Sugar (⅔ cup)
- Baking powder (½ tsp)
- Salt (¼ tsp)
- Instant coffee (½ tsp, optional)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup)
Directions
- Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (176°C). Grease an 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the wet ingredients – Puree black beans in a food processor until smooth. In a mixing bowl, combine the black bean puree with eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Prepare the dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt, and instant coffee.
- Combine – Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake – Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. A toothpick should come out slightly gooey.
- Cool & Serve – Let brownies cool completely before slicing into squares. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 16 brownies
- Calories: Approx. 150 kcal per brownie
Variations
- Nutty Twist – Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Extra Sweetness – Swirl in peanut butter or almond butter before baking.
- Lower Sugar – Swap sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne for a Mexican chocolate vibe.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze individual brownies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey texture.
FAQs
Are black bean brownies actually good?
Yes! They taste rich and chocolatey, with no bean flavor at all.
Can I use canned black beans for this recipe?
Absolutely, just be sure to rinse and drain them well.
Do black bean brownies taste like beans?
Not at all! The cocoa and chocolate chips mask the bean flavor completely.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg).
What makes these brownies fudgy?
The black beans create a dense, moist texture, while the eggs and oil add richness.
Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar?
Yes, but it may slightly change the texture and sweetness.
Why add coffee to the brownies?
Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making them taste like coffee.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just bake in a larger pan and adjust the baking time as needed.
How do I make these brownies more cakey?
Add an extra egg for a lighter, more cake-like texture.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, replace a small portion of the cocoa powder with protein powder for extra protein.
Conclusion
These fudgy black bean brownies are the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. Whether you're looking for a gluten-free dessert, a protein-packed treat, or just a delicious brownie alternative, this recipe delivers. Try them out and enjoy a guilt-free chocolate fix!
Fudgy Black Bean Brownies (No Flour!)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These fudgy black bean brownies are a delicious, gluten-free treat that proves healthy desserts can still be indulgent. Made with protein-packed black beans, they are moist, rich, and incredibly chocolatey. Perfect for those looking for a flourless alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tbsp oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp instant coffee (optional)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease and line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Blend black beans in a food processor until smooth.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, combine black bean puree, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt, and instant coffee.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. A toothpick should come out slightly gooey.
- Cool & serve: Let cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free option.
- Lower sugar by swapping sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.
- Add a spicy kick with a pinch of cayenne.
- To make brownies more cakey, add an extra egg.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
