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To make fudgy black bean brownies, gather these ingredients: - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup natural almond butter (or peanut butter) - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. Black beans give the brownies their fudgy base. Eggs help bind everything together. Almond or peanut butter adds creaminess. Cocoa powder gives that rich chocolate flavor. Maple syrup adds sweetness, while vanilla enhances taste. Baking powder helps the brownies rise, and salt balances flavors. Dark chocolate chips add a touch of extra indulgence. Black beans are not just tasty; they are also good for you. They are packed with protein and fiber. This helps keep you full and satisfied for longer. Black beans also have antioxidants, which protect your cells. They may help with digestion and support heart health. Using black beans in these brownies means you enjoy a sweet treat that is also nutritious. If you need to make changes, there are great options. For black beans, you can use other beans, like kidney beans, but the taste may differ. If you want a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter instead of almond or peanut butter. You can swap maple syrup with agave syrup or honey. If you can’t find cocoa powder, carob powder works too. Enjoy mixing and matching to find what you love! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8-inch baking pan. Lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper. This will help you take the brownies out later. Next, put the drained black beans, eggs, almond butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt in a food processor. Blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no chunks of beans left. Stop to scrape down the sides if needed. If you want a richer taste, fold in dark chocolate chips. Make sure they mix well with the batter. Now, pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When cool, cut them into squares and enjoy! To get that rich, fudgy texture, you must blend well. Use a food processor for a smooth mix. This helps combine the black beans with the other ingredients. Make sure there are no bean chunks left. You can also check the batter after blending. If it's too thick, add a splash of water or almond milk. Bake just until set, and avoid overbaking. This keeps the brownies moist and fudgy inside. Black beans are not just healthy; they add moisture and richness. Rinse and drain the beans well before using them. This removes excess sodium and improves flavor. When blended, they become a great base for the brownies. Their earthy taste mixes nicely with cocoa and sweeteners. Don't worry; no one will taste the beans! They create a dense texture and boost fiber in your treat. You can boost the flavor of your brownies with fun extras. Dark chocolate chips add richness and a chocolatey bite. Walnuts or pecans can give a nice crunch. For a twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso. These flavors complement chocolate well. You can mix and match to see what you like best. Just remember, keep it balanced so the beans shine through. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh black beans and high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor and texture in your brownies. Check Consistency: Before baking, ensure the batter is completely smooth to eliminate any bean chunks, resulting in a fudgier texture. Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes for cleaner cuts. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative by adding nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate chips to enhance flavor and texture. {{image_4}} You can easily make these brownies gluten-free. Just ensure you use gluten-free baking powder. The other ingredients, like black beans, cocoa powder, and nut butter, are naturally gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy your fudgy treat without worry. To make these brownies vegan, replace the eggs. Use flaxseed eggs instead. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. This will mimic the binding power of eggs. Your brownies will still taste great! You can get creative with flavors. Here are some ideas: - Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. - Spices: Try a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for depth. - Fruits: Add mashed bananas or applesauce for fruity sweetness. - Chocolate: Mix in white chocolate chips or swirl in peanut butter. These variations keep the recipe fun and fresh. Experiment and find your favorite combo! To keep your fudgy black bean brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. At room temperature, they last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a great option. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent drying out. Freezing brownies is easy and a smart choice for meal prep. Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. If you want to warm up your brownies, the oven is best. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover them with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but do so carefully. Heat them in short bursts of 10 seconds to prevent them from becoming too hot or dry. Enjoy your fudgy treat! No, you cannot taste the black beans in these brownies. The beans blend well into the mix. They add moisture and richness without a strong flavor. The cocoa powder and almond butter shine through, giving you a rich chocolate taste. This recipe is perfect for those who want a healthier treat without the bean flavor. To make these brownies nut-free, simply replace the almond butter. Use sun butter or soy nut butter instead. These options provide a similar creaminess without nuts. Be sure to check labels for allergens. This way, you can enjoy the brownies without worry. If you need a substitute for maple syrup, you can use honey or agave nectar. Both will add sweetness and moisture. If you want a lower-sugar option, consider using mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce. These swaps still keep the brownies tasty and fudgy. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious brownies using black beans. We discussed the health benefits of beans and offered helpful substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions for baking and tips for that perfect fudgy texture. We also explored variations like gluten-free and vegan options. Finally, we shared the best ways to store and reheat your brownies. Now you can confidently bake and share brownies that taste great and are healthy! Enjoy your next baking adventure!

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

Deliciously rich and fudgy brownies made with black beans for a healthier twist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup natural almond butter
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy brownie removal later.
  • In a food processor, blend together the drained black beans, eggs, almond butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Process until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, ensuring there are no chunks of beans remaining.
  • Pause to check the mixture, and use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the food processor if necessary. This ensures all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  • If desired, gently fold in the dark chocolate chips into the batter, making sure they are evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
  • Carefully pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan, smoothing the top for a uniform bake.
  • Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The brownies are ready when they have set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes. After this, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut them into squares for serving.

Notes

For a delightful finish, dust the brownies lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Enhance the presentation with fresh berries on the side or serve with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that everyone will love!
Keyword brownies, dessert, gluten-free, vegan