These Black Bean Brownies are high protein, can be made gluten free and vegan depending on certain ingredients used, and are low in sugar making these the perfect dessert or sweet snack! They’re fudgy, sweet, chewy, and you’ll never know the main ingredient is black beans.
I really didn’t think I would hop on the trend of black bean brownies but once I tried my Chickpea Blondies, and became OBSESSED, I knew I had to give these a shot too. I can honestly say now that I’m a fan of bean based treats!
If you’re a chocolate lover like me, you’ll love these dense, fudgy brownies. They’re the perfect chewy texture and so rich that one square is enough to satisfy any craving! You can make these plain but I love adding chocolate chips to mine for extra crunch. Plus the extra chocolate doesn’t hurt! I’ve either been using a ton of these mini chocolate chips or these mega chunks from Enjoy Life in mine.
These are great for meal prep, to keep as a treat ready to go in your freezer, or to bring to a cookout!
Why You’ll Love These
- Good-for-you ingredients – Each ingredient used is simple, whole, and nutrient-dense. With black beans being the main ingredient, these brownies are packed with fiber and protein, high fiber carbs from the oats, and fat from the almond butter and milk. They’re a balanced treat!
- High protein – A great way to sneak in some extra protein into your day thanks to the black beans!
- Easy – All you need are a few ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, a blender, and a baking dish!
- Dietary friendly – These can be made gluten free and vegan easily! Just use gluten free oats like One Degree and vegan chocolate like these Enjoy Life Chunks.
What You’ll Need
- Black beans
- Oats – My favorite oats to use are One Degree Organic because they’re gluten-free and sprouted so they’re easier to digest.
- Cocoa powder – or cacao powder but they will be slightly more bitter.
- Almond butter – or any nut/seed butter, just make sure it’s runny so it’s easier to mix!
- Maple syrup
- Coconut sugar
- Almond milk – Any milk of choice will work.
- Baking powder
- Chocolate chips – These mini chocolate chips and mega chunks have been my favorite for this recipe! Simple ingredients and allergen free 🙌
- Sea salt
How To Make
- Preheat your oven to 350F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper for easy clean up or lightly spray with oil.
- Add all of your ingredients except chocolate chips to a high-speed blender. Blend until fully combined and you have a thick batter. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Transfer the batter to the baking pan and spread evenly throughout the dish. Top with more chocolate chips and bake for about eighteen minutes until slightly firm.
- Let them cool completely before slicing and enjoy!
Recommended Tools
- Baking pan – This is my go-to 8×8 pan I use for most of my baking.
- High-speed blender – Works just as well as a food processor!
- Silicone spatula – Great for handling thick batter with less mess and sticking.
- Parchment paper – Place this on the bottom of the pan, lift the brownies once done baking, and no messes!
- Stainless steel measuring cups & spoons – Easier to clean and last longer than plastic ones.
Other High Protein Sweets
Single-Serve Cottage Cheese Brownie (Gluten Free)
Key Lime Mousse (High Protein, Low Sugar)
Chickpea Blondies (Gluten Free, Vegan)
Black Bean Brownies (Gluten Free, Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans (drained + rinsed really well)
- 1/2 cup oats (can be gluten free)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp almond butter (or any runny nut/seed butter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or regular sugar)
- 2 tbsp almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch sea salt
- chocolate chips (to mix in + for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper or lightly spray.
- Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a blender or food processor and blend until fully combined and a thick batter forms. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Transfer batter to the baking dish and spread evenly. Top with more chocolate chips.
- Bake for about 18 minutes.
- Let cool completely, slice, and enjoy!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Picky toddler over here. My son just turned 2 and he LOVED this. Great way to get him to eat other things. He ate this sooo fast. Mom loves it too! Definitely going to be making this again very soon!