You don’t like beans? Just eat brownies! Sounds crazy? It actually isn’t!! When I first heard of black bean brownies, I wasn’t exactly eager to try them and just couldn’t believe that they could be used to make delicious chocolate brownies. But as I started baking with zucchini a couple of weeks ago and really loved it (check out my zucchini carrot muffins), I thought “what the heck why not just give it a try”? And so I ended up with these vegan black bean brownies, which totally blew my mind! And I didn’t even stopped with brownies, I also tried vegan donuts with beans, which also turned out great.
They’re not only super delicious but also really fudgy and chocolatey. Plus the recipe really couldn’t be easier! All you need is a food processor or blender, an oven, and a handful of ingredients such as brown beans, cacao, and vegan chocolate chips. I’m sure people would never guess that these brownies contain black beans instead of flour. They exactly look, smell, and taste like normal brownies. Isn’t this just crazy?!
They’re also great for people who suffer from gluten sensitivity and those who like to avoid flour in general. I added a handful of walnuts, but I’m sure they’re also great with hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, or peanut butter. Make sure to let them cool down a bit before you cut them in pieces.
I hope you all have a great start into the week! As always, I love hearing from you guys! :-)
PS: Flo is so proud of his first (hand) modeling job! :D How could a job that includes holding vegan black bean brownies and eating them afterwards get any better?!
Vegan Black Bean Brownies
Ingredients
- 2 15 oz cans black beans (~3 cups)
- 4 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- 8 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup agave
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (180 °C).
- Thoroughly rinse and drain the black beans. Grind the flax seeds in a food processor or use store-bought ground flax seeds. Whisk them together with 8 tablespoons of water and set aside to thicken for about 2 minutes.. Then make the batter: Combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips and the walnuts in a food processor and process until smooth (also add the soaked flax seeds).
- Lightly grease a baking tray and pour in the batter. Add the chocolate chips and spread evenly. Sprinkle with the chopped walnuts.
- Bake for about 40 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool down before you cut them into pieces.
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen
I love black bean brownies! And these look decedent. I love they are so healthy and full of nutty crunch. A big yes to these chocolatey, moist and delicious brownies! Wonderful share, Sina!
Sina
Thanks so much, Anu! :-) I totally agree with you; black bean brownies are awesome!
Sarah
Another great recipe, Sina! I can’t believe that I’ve never actually made black bean brownies before – better late than never and this recipe is the perfect place to start!
Sina
Thanks, Sarah! I absolutely agree with you! I’ve wanted to try black bean brownies for such a long time and I’m so glad that I finally did. Let me know how you liked them! :-)
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
The vegan blogging world really has given a whole new face to beans…there are so many amazing desserts to be made with them! These look irresistibly chocolatey and rich, and I love the mix-ins! Brownies should be chunky :)
Sina
I know, it’s just crazy! I can’t wait to make more bean desserts. :-) Do you have any special recipes for bean desserts that you can recommend, Natalie? I still can’t believe I’ve waited this long to try black bean brownies! So glad I finally gave them a try!
Jenna @ Butter Loves Company
Wow! These sound so interesting and look so good! I’ve been doing a little bit of vegan baking recently so will definitely add this to the list!
Sina
Thanks, Jenna! I’ve wanted to try them for such a long time and I’m so glad I finally did. They’re so delicious and easy to make! :-)
Sophie
These look soooooooo good!
Sina
Thanks, Sophie! :-) So happy to hear that you like them!
Mandi Pimental
these look so yum.
Sina
Thanks, Mandi! :-)
Candia
These sound delicious! I never thought of using beans before.
Sina
Thanks, Candia! :-) I’ve wanted to try black bean brownies for such a long time and now I finally did. I can’t believe it took me this long, they’re just so incredibly yummy! :-)
Mira
I’ve tried black bean brownies, but never made them myself! These look perfect! Pinned to try them!
Sina
Thanks for pinning them, Mira! :-) Let me know how you liked them. ;-)
Michele @ Two Raspberries
these look amazing! I can’t believe they are healthy and have beans in them! and i love the nuts added on top for some crunch! yum!
Sina
Thanks, Michele! :-) I know, I can’t believe it either! It’s so crazy that you can make delicious brownies using beans!!
Michaell | Foodscape
Sina, you’ve done it again! These look so irresistibly fudgy and decadent. So perfect for a party when you want to feed the good-for-you food.
Sina
Thanks, Michaell! :-) I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to try black bean brownies. There sooo delicious, chocolatey, and moist!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
Oh these look decadent! I need to try asap. I love how healthy they are and how little sugar you used! Great photos too!
Sina
Thanks, Chrissa! :-) Let me know how you liked them. ;-)
Melissa @ vegan does it
Black bean brownies are so yummy. These look absolutely scrumptious, Sina!
Sina
Thanks so much, Melissa! :-)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’m actually annoyed with myself for never actually making black bean brownies!! They are so good and soft and moist and perfect!
Sina
Haha! I totally know what you mean, Rebecca! I took me forever to try raw cheesecake and I totally fell in love with it. And it was the same thing with black bean brownies. But I guess it’s never too late to try something new, isn’t it? :-)
Kelly
These brownies look so chocolatey and delicious, Sina! I’ve always wanted to try black bean brownies and yours sound perfect!
Sina
Thanks, Kelly! You really should give black bean brownies a try! They’re so delicious and moist; I’m sure you’ll love them. I can’t believe I waited this long to try them! :-)
Harriet Emily
I love black bean brownies! They’re always so moist and delicious. These look amazing Sina! I definitely need to try this recipe :)
Sina
Thanks, Harriet! :-) I can’t believe I waited this long to try black bean brownies. They’re so yummy!