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Black Bean Brownies Recipe

Black Bean Brownies Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent black bean brownies blend unexpected ingredients into a surprisingly rich dessert that defies traditional chocolate expectations. Deeply chocolatey and moist, these protein-packed treats offer guilt-free satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (90g) dark chocolate chips (optional)

Liquid and Sweetening Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60ml) coconut oil (or melted butter)
  • ⅓ cup (80g) maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating an 8×8-inch pan with oil or lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
  2. Activate the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal baking environment for the unconventional brownie creation.
  3. Combine black beans, eggs, coconut oil, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and optional espresso powder in a food processor, processing until achieving an ultra-smooth, homogeneous mixture with no visible bean fragments.
  4. Gently incorporate chocolate chips into the velvety batter, distributing them evenly to maximize flavor pockets throughout the brownies.
  5. Transfer the liquid-like batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and eliminate any air pockets.
  6. Position the pan in the preheated oven, allowing the brownies to transform for 20-25 minutes, monitoring for a set surface and checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to rest at room temperature, enabling them to solidify and develop a richer texture as they gradually cool.
  8. Once completely cooled, slice into precise squares, revealing the dense, decadent interior that conceals the unexpected black bean base.
  9. Store the brownies in an airtight container within the refrigerator, preserving their moisture and integrity for up to five days.

Notes

  • Swap beans easily by using cannellini or pinto beans for a different flavor profile while maintaining the same fudgy texture.
  • Customize sweetness levels by adjusting maple syrup or using alternative sweeteners like agave or stevia for lower-calorie options.
  • Select high-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate depth and more intense brownie flavor.
  • Optimize texture by ensuring black beans are completely smooth without any visible chunks during blending process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg