Decadent, fudgy, and irresistibly chocolatey, these Vegan Black Bean Brownies are a wholesome twist on the classic dessert. Made without flour and gluten-free, they are packed with nutritious ingredients while still delivering a rich, indulgent taste. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flourless & Gluten-Free – Great for those with dietary restrictions.
Packed with Protein & Fiber – Thanks to black beans, these brownies are more nutritious than traditional ones.
Rich & Fudgy Texture – No one will guess they’re made with beans!
Naturally Sweetened – Uses maple syrup for a refined sugar-free treat.
Easy to Make – A simple blend-and-bake recipe.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (15 oz/400 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoon ground chia seeds
⅓ cup (80 ml) water
¼ cup (60 g) peanut butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
½ cup (40 g) cocoa powder
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (45 g) ground oats (gluten-free if needed)
⅓ cup (110 g) maple syrup
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
2-3 oz (60-90 g) dairy-free chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x6-inch (23x15 cm) baking pan or a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a small bowl, mix the ground chia seeds with water and let sit until it forms a gel-like consistency.
In a food processor, blend all ingredients except for the dairy-free chocolate until the mixture starts to come together.
Scrape down the sides, add the chia mixture, and blend again until smooth.
Stir in the chopped dairy-free chocolate or chocolate chips.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes—less for fudgy brownies, more for a firmer texture.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. They firm up as they cool.
Optionally, spread vegan Nutella or another topping before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 brownies
Calories per serving: 160 kcal

Variations

Nut-Free Version – Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
Extra Chocolatey – Add more chocolate chips or a melted chocolate drizzle.
Different Sweeteners – Try agave syrup or date syrup instead of maple syrup.
Mocha Flavor – Increase the espresso powder for a stronger coffee kick.
Crunchy Texture – Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep for up to a week in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze individual squares in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

1. Can I taste the black beans in these brownies?

No! The cocoa powder and sweeteners completely mask the taste of the beans.

2. What can I use instead of oats?

You can substitute ground almonds or coconut flour for a similar texture.

3. Are these brownies kid-friendly?

Absolutely! They’re a great way to sneak in some extra fiber and protein.

4. Can I make these without a food processor?

Yes, but you’ll need to mash the black beans thoroughly and mix everything well for a smooth batter.

5. What’s the best nut butter to use?

Peanut butter gives a nice flavor, but almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter all work well.

6. How do I make these brownies even fudgier?

Reduce the baking time slightly and let them cool completely before slicing.

7. Can I use flax seeds instead of chia seeds?

Yes, ground flaxseeds mixed with water will work as a similar egg substitute.

8. Can I make these sugar-free?

Yes, you can use a sugar-free syrup like monk fruit syrup instead of maple syrup.

9. What if I don’t have espresso powder?

You can leave it out, but it enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.

10. Can I add fruit to these brownies?

Yes! Adding mashed banana or applesauce can enhance the sweetness and texture.

Conclusion

These Vegan Black Bean Brownies are proof that healthy desserts can still be rich, fudgy, and delicious. Whether you're looking for a gluten-free treat, a protein-packed snack, or just a guilt-free way to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this recipe has got you covered. Try them today, and you might never go back to traditional brownies!