Curious about black bean brownies? I've got answers to all your questions and the recipe too!

So, Do Black Bean Brownies Taste Good?

My quick answer? Heck ya! Black bean brownies taste fudgy and chocolaty. Not very many people would even know that they are made from a can of black beans.

These brownies will more than satisfy anyone’s chocolate cravings. It definitely works for me!

Now, let’s be real for second. If you think these brownies are going to taste exactly like those from a box mix, you’re kidding yourself. Nothing beats white flour and the high sugar content of those mixes.

Women’s Health Magazine has an article with an interesting taste test experiment involving normal brownies, avocado brownies, zucchini brownies and black bean brownies. I don’t want to give it away but the  results are enlightening.

That being said, these fudgy black brownies are the perfect alternative for anyone looking for something healthy-ish that still tastes good.

They are higher in fiber and protein than a regular brownie.  They also work as a delicious treat for those that are on a gluten free diet.

How Do You Make Black Bean Brownies?

Making black bean brownies is just as easy as making brownies from a mix.

1. Mix eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla  into a food processor or blender until smooth.
2. Add in cocoa powder, black beans, espresso, salt and baking powder blend and watch those black beans disappear into a smooth chocolaty batter.
3. Stir in chocolate chips. Transfer it to an 8x8 greased pan and bake at 350 F for 16-18 minutes.
4. Let them cool before cutting. To cut them perfectly, see my tips for cutting perfect brownie squares.

A Few More Tips for Making Black Bean Brownies

• You can use either a food processor or a blender. I prefer the food processor because it’s easier to get all the batter out. The blender makes a smoother batter but this is not necessary. You won’t notice the beans either way.
• I have made these brownies with even less sugar (⅓ cup) and less oil (3 TBS) and they still tasted good to me. So, if you want to cut back a little, you should know it’s ok!
• These brownies can be enjoyed plain but you can also mix in nuts of your choice. I have also sprinkled the top with peppermint candy baking bits and have swirled in peanut butter before baking. All were delicious!
• Store your brownies in an air tight container in the refrigerator.

Looking For More Healthy-ish Brownie Recipes?

Check these out:

No Bake Healthy Brownies, filled with superfoods!

Vegan Brownies,  made with just 5 ingredients!

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Black Bean Brownies

Yield: 9 brownies

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Curious about black bean brownies? I've got answers to all your questions and the recipe too! These brownies are fudgy and chocolatey. No one will ever know they are made from black beans!

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Ingredients

• 15 ounces canned black beans, well rinsed and drained
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ Tablespoon espresso powder, optional
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ cup canola oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup chocolate chips plus extra for the top

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some of the paper going up the sides to remove the brownie slab easily.
2. In a food processor, combine the eggs, canola oil, sugar and vanilla extract. Process until smooth.
3. Add the beans, cocoa powder, espresso powder, salt, and baking powder. Process until just smooth.
4. Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips.
5. Transfer to the prepared pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top. Bake for 16-18 minutes.
6. Let it cool in the pan. Run a plastic knife between the edge of the brownie slab and the pan. Using the parchment paper as handles, gently remove the brownie slab and transfer to a cutting board. Neatly cut into squares.
7. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator in an air tight container.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 9 brownies Serving Size: 1 brownie
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 210Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 287mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 4gSugar: 15gProtein: 5g

This nutrition information is only an approximate provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. Information comes from Nutritionix, an automated nutrition calculator.