Vegan Black Bean Brownies are rich, chocolatey, and surprisingly healthy. Made with black beans instead of flour, they’re soft, fudgy, and full of flavor. You won’t even taste the beans—just pure brownie goodness in every bite. Perfect for a healthier dessert or snack you can feel good about.
Why We Love This Vegan Black Bean Brownies Recipe
There’s something marvelous about combining health and pleasure, and Vegan Black Bean Brownies do just that. This recipe reigns supreme for several reasons. First, its simplicity brings joy to the kitchen. You prepare everything in a single bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Second, these brownies are versatile. You can customize the flavors, spice levels, or even the sweetness to perfectly match your preferences.
Additionally, they are rich in nutrients. Black beans provide protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them far healthier than traditional brownie ingredients. You’ll love making these brownies for not only yourself but also for friends and family, who will be amazed at the stars of unique ingredients that lead to such delightful flavors!
Ingredients for Vegan Black Bean Brownies
To whip up a batch of Vegan Black Bean Brownies, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (15 oz/400 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60 g) peanut butter or your preferred nut or seed butter
- 1/2 cup (40 g) cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (45 g) ground oats (gluten-free if desired)
- 1/3 cup (110 g) maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 2-3 oz (60-90 g) dairy-free chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
How to Make Vegan Black Bean Brownies
Making these delicious Vegan Black Bean Brownies is not only straightforward but also quick. Follow these easy directions to create your perfect dessert:
Preparation: Start by lining a 9×6-inch baking pan or a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) so it’s ready for your brownies.
Chia Seed Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ground chia seeds with water. Set it aside for a few minutes to allow it to thicken. This will help create a rich texture in the brownies and act as a binding agent.
Blend Ingredients: In your food processor, add the black beans, peanut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, ground oats, maple syrup, baking powder, sea salt, and espresso powder. Blend for about 10 seconds. You shouldn’t worry if it isn’t perfectly smooth since the texture will enhance your brownies.
Combine Chia Mixture: Scrape down the sides of your processor and incorporate the chia mixture. Blend again until everything is well combined, creating a delightful brownie batter.
Add Chocolate: Take your chopped dairy-free chocolate or chocolate chips and gently fold them into the batter with a spoon instead of using the food processor. This adds delightful chunks of melted chocolate that you’ll love in every bite!
Bake: Transfer the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You can check by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Cut: Once they’re baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. After that, you can slice them into squares and enjoy the rich, fudgy goodness!
How to Serve Vegan Black Bean Brownies
There are many delightful ways to serve your Vegan Black Bean Brownies! Here are some suggestions that will make your dessert even more appealing:
- Ala Mode: Serve a slice warm with your favorite dairy-free ice cream on top. The contrast of warm brownies and cold ice cream is heavenly!
- With Berries: Add a sprinkle of fresh berries on the side. Strawberries or raspberries can offer a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the brownies.
- Drizzled with Sauce: A drizzle of almond butter or homemade chocolate sauce on top adds an impressive touch and enhances the flavor profile.
Consider presenting them on a lovely plate or rectangular dish, dusted with cocoa powder for an elegant touch. You can also stack a few on a dessert platter for a lovely communal experience during a gathering!
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Vegan Black Bean Brownies
To ensure your Vegan Black Bean Brownies turn out perfectly each time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder and dairy-free chocolate for the richest flavor. The better your ingredients, the better your brownies will taste!
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine your ingredients in the food processor, remember that overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Blend just enough to combine everything well.
- Let Them Cool: Allow your brownies to cool completely before cutting into them. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and keeping them from falling apart.
- Check the Bake: Baking times can vary based on your oven and pan used, so keep a close eye on them after the 20-minute mark. All ovens heat differently!
- Storage Tips: Use an airtight container for storing them to keep them fresh—these brownies can last several days on the counter or up to a week in the fridge!
How to Store Vegan Black Bean Brownies
Storing your Vegan Black Bean Brownies is simple and ensures that they remain delicious for future indulgence. Here’s how:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain moist and brownie-like without needing refrigeration.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge. They can last up to a week this way while continuing to taste great.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing individual pieces. Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They stay fresh for up to three months. Defrost them at room temperature or microwave them for a quick treat!
Variations of Vegan Black Bean Brownies
While the original Vegan Black Bean Brownies are delicious on their own, you can explore various variations to keep things exciting. Here are some you might enjoy:
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Before baking, drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the brownie batter and swirl them in for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty twist. This variation is especially delightful during the holiday season.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the fudginess of the brownies.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising kick that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Fruit and Nut Mix: Incorporate some dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins along with some seeds or nuts for a healthy boost.
FAQ About Vegan Black Bean Brownies
Are Vegan Black Bean Brownies really healthy?
Yes! These brownies replace traditional flour and sugar with black beans and natural sweeteners like maple syrup, which makes them a healthier option packed with fiber and protein.
Can I use other beans instead of black beans?
While black beans give the best flavor, you can experiment with other beans such as kidney beans or white beans. Just ensure they’re well-washed to avoid any off flavors.
Do I need special equipment to make these brownies?
A food processor is ideal for blending the ingredients smoothly, but you can mix by hand if you’re up for some vigorous stirring.
How can I make these gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free oats in place of traditional oats to ensure the brownies are completely gluten-free.
Vegan Black Bean Brownies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz/400 g black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup 60 g peanut butter or your preferred nut or seed butter
- 1/2 cup 40 g cocoa powder High-quality cocoa for best flavor.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup 45 g ground oats Use gluten-free oats if desired.
- 1/3 cup 110 g maple syrup Natural sweetener.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional) Enhances chocolate flavor.
- 2-3 oz 60-90 g dairy-free chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x6-inch baking pan or a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Chia Seed Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine the ground chia seeds with water and set aside for a few minutes to thicken.
Blend Ingredients
- In a food processor, add the black beans, peanut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, ground oats, maple syrup, baking powder, sea salt, and espresso powder. Blend for about 10 seconds.
- Don’t worry if the mixture isn’t perfectly smooth, the texture will enhance your brownies.
Combine Chia Mixture
- Scrape down the sides of the processor and incorporate the chia mixture. Blend again until well combined.
Add Chocolate
- Gently fold in the chopped dairy-free chocolate or chocolate chips using a spoon.
Bake
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, smooth it out evenly, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Insert a toothpick in the center to check; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Cut
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.