Whenever I crave something chocolatey but still want to feel like I’m sticking to my healthy eating goals, black bean brownies are my go-to.
Yeah, I get it—beans in brownies sound weird at first, right? But trust me, after one bite of these fudgy, rich squares of heaven, you’ll never look back.
Plus, they’re packed with fiber and protein, which makes treating yourself feel a little more virtuous.
The best part?
Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry!
Tips for Maximum Flavor
- For extra fudginess: Chill the brownies in the fridge for an hour before serving. The texture becomes denser and even more indulgent.
- Add-ins: Walnuts or pecans work great for a bit of crunch. You can also swirl in some peanut butter or almond butter before baking.
- Sweetener swap: Agave or coconut sugar can replace the maple syrup if you prefer.
Variations
- Gluten-Free & Vegan: Use flax eggs and double-check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Nut-Free: Skip the nuts and use sunflower butter if you want to add a creamy swirl.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for a spicy chocolate twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies slightly warm with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt if you’re not dairy-free. You can also dust them with a little powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch.

Black Bean Brownies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Fudgy, protein-packed black bean brownies that taste so indulgent, you’ll forget they’re healthy. Perfect for anyone wanting a gluten-free, guilt-free treat!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (plus a few extra for topping)
Instructions
- Blend the Base:
Toss the rinsed black beans, eggs (or flax eggs), coconut oil, and maple syrup into a food processor. Blend until the mixture is super smooth—no bean chunks allowed! - Mix in the Cocoa:
Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Give it another whirl until everything’s nicely combined. - Add Chocolate Chips:
Stir in half a cup of chocolate chips by hand. This adds some melty goodness to every bite. - Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter in and smooth it out. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for good measure. - Cook Time:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. - Cool & Slice:
Let them cool completely before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier.
Notes
For a vegan option, use flax eggs. Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg