Black Bean Brownies Fudgy

Featured in: Cozy Baking Ideas

Discover a unique twist on a classic treat using black beans to replace flour, resulting in a fudgy, moist texture rich with chocolate flavor. This simple preparation blends beans with eggs, chocolate, and natural sweeteners, baked to perfection for a nutritious dessert option. Ideal for gluten-free and vegetarian diets, it's easy to make and perfect for satisfying a chocolate craving with added protein and fiber. Optional add-ins like nuts or espresso powder can enhance the depth of flavor.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:49:00 GMT
Fudgy black bean brownies, warm from the oven, with a glistening chocolate chip topping, ready to serve. Save
Fudgy black bean brownies, warm from the oven, with a glistening chocolate chip topping, ready to serve. | birchplate.com

A rich, fudgy brownie recipe that swaps flour for black beans, creating a moist, chocolatey treat with a protein boost. This dessert is delicious, budget-friendly, and perfect for a healthier option.

I first baked these brownies for a group of friends who were skeptical about beans in desserts. Their surprise and delight at the rich flavor and fudgy results made it an instant favorite in our kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Beans & Base: 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup (80 ml) neutral oil (e.g. canola or sunflower), 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Sweeteners & Chocolate: ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup or honey, ⅓ cup (35 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)
  • Leavening & Flavor: ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Prep the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Blend the Base:
In a food processor or blender, combine black beans, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth.
Add Sweeteners:
Add sugar, maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Blend until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula (do not blend).
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra chocolate chips if desired. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean (some fudgy crumbs are fine).
Cool and Slice:
Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
A plate of moist, gluten-free black bean brownies shows off a rich, dark texture bursting for a bite. Save
A plate of moist, gluten-free black bean brownies shows off a rich, dark texture bursting for a bite. | birchplate.com

These brownies have become our go-to for movie nights and family potlucks. Even those with picky palates ask for seconds!

Required Tools

Food processor or blender, 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, spatula, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains eggs and chocolate (may contain milk/soy; check chocolate chip packaging). For nut allergies, skip nuts as mix-ins and verify ingredient sourcing.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (1 brownie) contains approximately 140 calories, 6 g fat, 20 g carbs, and 3 g protein.

Close-up of decadent black bean brownies, offering a healthy and delectable chocolate treat option. Save
Close-up of decadent black bean brownies, offering a healthy and delectable chocolate treat option. | birchplate.com

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Warm slightly before enjoying for the best fudgy texture.

Black Bean Brownies Fudgy

Moist, chocolatey brownies that use black beans for extra protein and a fudgy texture.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings produced 12 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly, Wheat-Free

What You'll Need

Beans & Base

01 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 2 large eggs
03 ⅓ cup neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweeteners & Chocolate

01 ½ cup granulated sugar
02 ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
03 ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping (optional)

Leavening & Flavor

01 ½ teaspoon baking powder
02 ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 02

Blend base ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine black beans, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth.

Step 03

Incorporate dry ingredients: Add sugar, maple syrup, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Blend until thoroughly combined, scraping the sides as needed.

Step 04

Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula without blending.

Step 05

Transfer batter to pan: Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips if desired.

Step 06

Bake brownies: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with some fudgy crumbs.

Step 07

Cool and serve: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares.

Tools Needed

  • Food processor or blender
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs and chocolate, which may include milk or soy traces. Verify chocolate chip packaging.
  • Use gluten-free certified ingredients to maintain gluten-free status.
  • Avoid nuts if allergic; check for cross-contamination in chocolate chips.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 140
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 3 g