Step aside, boxed mix, because Chickpea Brownies are in town! These gluten- and dairy-free brownies are the perfect vegan treat. They're a healthy alternative to regular brownies and are so quick to make!
Watch this video to see how I make chickpea brownies!
The most delicious vegan homemade brownies
If you're an avid baker I'm sure you've tried your hand at Internet trends like black bean brownies, sweet potato brownies, or even avocado brownies. But have you tried chickpea brownies?
In my opinion, these are the best of the alternative brownie options. They're filled with ooey gooey deliciousness and are so easy to make. Plus, they're perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings. After making my signature chickpea blondies, I knew I had to make a chocolate version!
For me, a daily sweet treat is a must, so I love to keep something chocolate in my pantry at all times. When I realized I could make these just a little bit fudgier and a little bit more chocolate-y, I was in.
Along with my favorite cake, cookies, and muffins, chickpea brownies are on a very frequent rotation in my kitchen.
Ingredients used in this brownie recipe
For this recipe we're sticking to gluten-free, vegan ingredients while also keeping things as natural as possible. Along with the chickpeas we'll be using a blend of nut butter, almond flour, and of course lots of chocolate chips!
- Chickpeas
- Nut butter (I like almond or peanut)
- Maple syrup
- Coconut oil
- Vanilla
- Almond flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Chocolate chips
Kitchen tools that you'll need
This recipe is a quite simple one. You'll need only a handful of tools including a food processor (or blender), a spatula, and a baking dish. That's it!
For measuring ingredients, you'll need these sizes: ¼ tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, ¼ cup, and ½ cup.
How to make brownies with chickpeas
Chickpea brownies are so simple to whip together! Everything just needs to be mixed, and then you toss the batter in the oven for a little over 20 minutes. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a blender.
First, preheat the oven to 350F.
In a food processor, blend the chickpeas, nut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla.
Once blended, add the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Continue to process, scraping down the sides as necessary until smooth.
Once creamy and smooth, take off the lid (I also remove the blade) and stir in the chocolate chips. Do not process.
Next, pour the batter into a greased 8x8 pan and sprinkle the top with extra chocolate chips.
Bake for 21-23 minutes, and tada! Your brownies are ready to devour.
Tip: If you'd like, you can bake these in a loaf pan for extra thick brownies. This method will require about 30-35 minutes in the oven.
Tasty add-on options
There are few recipes as versatile as brownies. No matter how they're made, whether it's with a box mix or from scratch, brownies can be transformed into anything you'd like. Here are some of the ways that I like to make my brownies extra special.
- Switch up the chips: In addition to chocolate (or instead of), you can add white chocolate, peanut butter, or even butterscotch chips.
- Sprinkles: Add your favorite type of sprinkles for a touch of color!
- Fruit: Like a little fruit with your chocolate? Any type of berry, especially strawberries and blueberries, would taste great in these brownies.
- Pretzels: Salty and sweet go together like peanut butter and jelly! Add crushed pretzels to the top of your brownies for the perfect flavor.
- Oreos: Love Oreos? Mash 'em up and sprinkle them on top! And yes, your brownies will still be vegan!
- Candy: Add your favorite candies like M&Ms or KitKats!
- Drizzle: Finally, take your presentation up a notch by coating your brownies with a tasty chocolate, peanut butter, or caramel drizzle.
Bonus: Serve up warm alongside your favorite vanilla ice cream for an extra satisfying treat!
Optional substitutions
You know how it goes. You read through a recipe, feel a craving coming on, and immediately head to your kitchen to give it a go, only to discover that you're missing a key ingredient!
Well, in the case of these brownies, there are a number of swaps that will work. So before you head to the store, check this list for substitution options!
- Nut butter: I mentioned that I like to use almond or peanut butter, but any nut butter will work!
- Maple syrup: In place of maple syrup you can use molasses or honey. Start with a smaller measurement and add more as needed.
- Coconut oil: Missing coconut oil? That's okay! You can use any similar baking oil.
- Cocoa powder: It may sound obvious, but you can actually use chocolate in place of cocoa powder. You'll want to use 1 ⅓ ounces of unsweetened chocolate for this recipe.
A healthier brownie treat
I always aim to make recipes as whole and healthy as possible, which is why I used a number of ingredient alternatives in these brownies.
First up, I used chickpeas! This ingredient serves as the base of this recipe and is a great way to fill the brownies with protein. They contribute to the texture and fudginess too. Plus, it tastes great.
I used coconut oil rather than vegetable or canola oil because it has a better nutritional makeup and is a slightly healthier option.
Next, I used almond flour in place of white all-purpose flour because it provides more nutrients and works so well in baked goods.
Finally, I used maple syrup to sweeten this recipe because it's an all-natural option that tastes fantastic and doesn't add any harsh chemicals or preservatives to the recipe!
How to store chickpea brownies
These chickpea treats can be kept in either the refrigerator or at room temperature. Just place them in a securely sealed container to prevent air from drying them out.
More chocolate desserts to ease your sweet tooth
There's more chocolate where these brownies came from! And lots of it, to be honest. Here are some more of my favorite sweet recipes that do wonders for smashing those cravings!
- Healthy Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
- Walnut Stuffed Chocolate Covered Dates
- Healthy Chocolate Granola Recipe
- Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes (Gluten-Free)
Chocolate Chickpea Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- In a food processor, blend chickpeas, nut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla,
- Once blended, add in almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Continue to process, scraping down sides as necessary until smooth.
- Once creamy and smooth, take off lid (I also remove blade) and stir in chocolate chips.
- Do not process the chips.
- Pour into greased 8x8 pan and sprinkle with extra chocolate chips if desired. ** see note for extra thickness
- Bake for 21-23 minutes.
Tenaya says
Ok so, I ate half the pan of brownies... they were SO good! Thank you for the delicious recipe! Never would’ve guessed they were made with chickpeas :p
Erin says
That's what I like to hear!!! 🙂 You deserve it!!
Brooke says
I can’t wait to try this recipe! Do you know roughly what the calorie count is for them?
Erin says
Hi Brooke!
I just added in the nutrition info at the bottom of the recipe - enjoy! 🙂
Ruby says
The BEST brownies recipe I’ve ever eaten! I’m so amazed how these turned out, I had to text the recipe to all of my friends ?
Erin says
Ruby!! This comment made my day! I'm so glad you are enjoying them 🙂
Cherine says
I will definitely try these brownies but my husband & I have candida & have to use only stevia as sweetener for a while. How much stevia liquid or powder do you think would replace the maple syrup? And do you think applesauce could be a good substitute?
Erin says
I'm not sure a direct replacement, but would suggest googling it for an equivalent!! Applesauce may work!
Lindsay says
These were AMAZING!
Erin says
Thank you Lindsay!! <3
Elizabeth says
As I was making these, I thought no way would they actually taste like regular brownies but omg they do. These are SO good!!! New go to brownie recipe.
Erin says
YAY!! That's what I love to hear:) a pleasant surprise!
Melanie says
Can I use regular flour in place of the almond flour?
Erin says
Yes! Should work just fine!
Lori says
I wasn’t expecting these to be as good as they are! Delicious!
Erin says
SO happy you are enjoying them! 🙂
Jean says
I've tried so many healthier brownie recipes, but none of them have worked out for me or tasted anything like brownies. These however, are the best brownies I have ever made, and are such a great gluten free option. Would never guess there was chickpeas in them!
Thanks so much!
Erin says
YAY! That makes me so happy to hear!!! They are a favorite in my house too!!
Patrick says
This is a great recipe. I used applesauce for substituting oil, coconut flour for almond flour and added almond milk for consistency. Fudgy fudgy fudgy. Gotta try blondies next.
Erin says
Hi Patrick! Thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed them and made them your own! Great plan- let me know how your blondies come out too! 🙂
Erin says
This recipe looks great! Should I grease the pan? Also, in your picture the chocolate chips look as if they’re sitting on top of the brownies. Did you sprinkle more on top after placing the batter in the pan? Thanks!
Ana says
Would Agave work?
Erin says
Yes! Same amount!
Lela says
These were absolutely amazing. Subbed applesauce for the oil and baked it in the loaf pan for thicker, gooier brownies. I also added a couple of dates for added sweetness just in case. Even my 3yo and 5yo sons loved them. Much better than prior whole food brownies I’ve made! ❤️❤️
Erin says
Lela!! That makes me SO excited to hear! So happy you all enjoyed them and love the applesauce replacement!
Lindsay says
If subbing apple sauce for oil, like Lela did, would I use the same amount? So excited to try this recipe!
Erin says
I'm not positive but my guess is yes!
Crystal says
I replaced the nut butter with an avocado (butters are not my friend lol) and it was awesome! Been looking for a reliable brownie recipe and none quite worked out. Super delicious thank you =D
Erin says
What a good idea!! Love to hear that, so glad you are enjoying them!!!
Natalie says
Could I substitute an artificial sweetener like Splenda or stevia instead of maple syrup? If so, how else should I adjust the recipe? Thanks!
Erin says
Yes, just add in either liquid from the can of chickpeas or a little more oil.
Holly says
Anyone who has swapped the nut butter for avocado, how much avocado did you use?
Veronica Smith says
I don't have almond flour. Do you think oat flour would work instead?
Erin says
Oat flour works perfectly!
Veronica Smith says
Thanks! I buzzed up my own oat flour in the food processor before adding the other ingredients. I also used canola oil instead of coconut. Tastes great! I'll definitely be using this recipe again!
Helen Sunday says
I used oat flour and they were a massive fail. Binned the lot 😳
Erin says
Hi Helen, I'm sorry that you did not like the recipe! We've heard tons of good things about this one, and sometimes it is hard with subs. It could have been the ratio/amount of oat flour you used. The best bet is usually to make the recipe as is if you can. I am bummed it didn't work out for you!
Nicole | The Professional Mom Project says
These look amazing! I love chickpea blondies but I’ve never tried brownies before. Can’t wait to give them a try.
Erin says
Hope you love them!!
Lauren says
Could I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?
Erin says
Yes! I would only use 2 tbsp.
Sarah says
Lauren I'm curious, did you use coconut flour did they turn out?
Thanks ?
Jessie says
I used coconut flour. They were very thick. This time I will only use 1 tablespoon and see if it's thinner.
Anne says
The taste was good the mixtuur was very thick even tough i added andere egg and a little bit Almond Milk. What did i do wrong?
Is it possible to make it in a muffintray? How long should i bake them?
Liz says
I just can NOT believe how good these are! So fudge and rich. They are the best gf vegan brownies I’ve made. Unbelievable that they are made out of beans.
Erin says
YAY LIZ! I love to hear that!! Thank you!
Fran says
In the middle of Covid19. Hope you are doing well! I have a bag of dried chickpeas and sadly no chocolate chips. Any suggestions? Need some healthy snacks in the house for the family! Thank you. 😊
Natasha says
Soak the dried chickpeas overnight in water then either boil or pressure cook until cooked (not mushy) for the recipe! Maybe try walnuts instead of chocolate chips but they might not turn out as sweet without the chips 🙂
Erin says
Hi Natasha! Thanks for your tips!!
Linda says
This recipe sounds so good and healthy! I’d like to make it for family dinner tomorrow. One question though, I don’t have coconut oil, can I use extra virgin olive oil or canola oil instead?
Erin says
They are delicious! I would use canola oil 🙂 Enjoy them!
Lauren says
These are terrible in the sense that I want to eat the whole pan!! I couldn't even wait for them to cool down before cutting them so mine look super messy now but holy...These are amazing.
Erin says
Aw, I love to hear that!! They are seriously some of my favorites too 🙂
gesundkochensite says
How many grams of chickpea do I need? 1oz is normally 28,35grams?? But what is then 1-15oz??
Thanks in advance!
Erin says
You need one 15oz can, so 425 grams 🙂
gesundkochensite says
Thank you! 🙂
Rasika says
Hi Erin,
Sorry asking again...is it 425 gm chickpeas or 425 gm can that yields about 300 gm chickpeas? I've actually made them using 425 gm chickpeas but they weren't as dark in colour, hence my query. Nevertheless they taste really good!
Thanks,
Rasika
Margaux says
Can you use chickpea FLOUR instead of canned chickpeas? Thanks!
Erin says
Hi Margaux, I haven't tried it with that substitution. I think it would make the mixture different since there would be less moisture in it, but feel free to give it a try and let me know how it goes!
Erin says
Hi Rasika, I use a 15oz/425gm can of chickpeas. You can try using 300 gm and see how they come out. Let me know!
Veronica says
Could I use buckwheat flour instead of almond? I happen to have that on hand.
Erin says
You could try! Should work since it's a small amount
Donella says
Please post your turnout because I can’t have almonds or cashews either. I would love to try these but I am not aggressive with new recipes without an actual recipe.
MOMof3 says
Any idea how many WW points one brownie would be?
Erin says
Hi, so sorry I don't. I am not familiar with WW. Sorry!!
Rathai says
Can you use chickpea flour instead of canned chickpeas?
Erin says
It might work! May need to add more nut butter or a little liquid.
Emily from Colorado says
SO, I just made these and ate half of them!! Well, my two toddlers and husband helped me devour these brownies. I have recently discovered the brilliance of baking healthyish deserts. These are amazing. Crazy that garbanzo beans can disguise themselves so well in desserts like this. I made these with almond butter and followed the recipe except added about half the maple syrup cause we're trying to cut back on the sugar. Came out perfect and will definitely make again! THANK YOU!!
Erin says
OMG!! This comment just made my whole entire day. Thank you!!!! Isn't it crazy that this was made from chickpeas?! They really don't taste anything like it!!!
Enjoy!!
Destiny says
I'm going to make these to trick my stubborn grandma LOL! She tells me she hates healthy eating and her doctor has repeatedly told her to cut back on the junk so hopefully she won't even be able to tell they aren't the "real" thing.
Erin says
I bet she won't even know!!! 🙂
Sharada says
The chick peas should be cooked right?
Sarenna says
No, they are precooked if they are canned 🙂
Kristen W says
I made this yesterday and the flavor and fudgyness were so good!! I was wondering though why mine was so crumbly and can I fix that? Shared this recipe with my brother and a friend because the taste was so good! Thank you for this yummy recipe!
Kay says
I put it in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting. Found that does the trick and helps keep the brownie together.
Erin says
Great tip, Kay!!
Destiny says
Is there something I can use in replace of the maple syrup do you think?
Erin says
honey!
Destiny says
Thank you!! I didn't even think of that.
Harman Chhabra says
Hi.. is there any other replacement for maple syrup as I’m allergic to honey... and don’t really like maple syrup?
Erin says
Agave!
Stacye says
Could I use date syrup in replace of maple syrup?
Erin says
Yes!
Collie says
Is Agave a good replacement? Or Dates?
Erin says
Agave will work great.
Taryn says
I replaced it with monk fruit sweetener and it was great!
Erin says
Hi Taryn, I am so happy you enjoyed them and made them your own! 🙂
Cheryl says
How much monk fruit did you use?
Thanks!
Korina says
Hi ! Would love to try to make this brownie! Looks delicious:) but I dont really get the amount of chickpea- is it 15oz chickpea or the can should be 15oz and then when the water is gone its actually less...? And if a cook the chickpea how much would it be?
Thanks a lot!!!
Tara says
I would drain and rinse the 15oz can of chickpeas in a strainer to drain all of the liquid. And if it is canned you don't have to cook them they are ready to go. (:
Erin says
Hi Tara, thanks for your helpful tips!
Megan J says
These are the actual best! My husband asked me to make some to bring to the guys at work! If that doesn’t tell ya something (: great recipe !
Erin says
Hi Megan, so happy you both love them!! 🙂
Kayla says
These are SO GOOD Erin!! We I have consumed half the batter before I baked it! And my fiance has no idea there are chickpeas in it 🙂
Erin says
Hi Kayla, so glad you loved them!!
Natashah says
Are they really moist when you take them out of the oven or should I cook them longer?
Kara says
I am allergic to almonds. Is there another flour I can use besides almond flour?
Erin says
Oat!
Jody says
Hi! Made these brownies today....we absolutely love them! I didn’t have coconut oil or almond flour so I just used all purpose flour and vegetable oil. Best brownies I have ever made....super moist. Thanks for sharing this recipe!!
Erin says
Hi Jody! Thanks so much for the kind words! I am so happy you loved them and made them your own! 🙂
Bre says
How did this turn out for you?
Erin says
Hi Natashah, yes, they are moist, but you can always check brownies by using a toothpick or butter knife and sticking it in the middle and throughout the brownies to see if it comes out clean. That's the sign that they're fully cooked. Hope this helps! 🙂
Chantale says
Best brownies I have ever had. I have brought these to multiple events and always get a ton of compliments.
Erin says
Hi Chantale, I am so glad you loved them!