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Easy vegan black bean brownies are made in less than thirty minutes and are gluten-free, paleo, deliciously fudgy, and made with simple ingredients. Top with extra chocolate chips for an extra sweet treat!
Fine, I’ll admit it…
I am obsessed with baking with legumes and beans, and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon! After you eat these easy vegan black bean brownies, I’m sure you’ll be saying the same thing.
I have a strong reason to believe this, as chickpea brownies seem to be the most widely viewed and tried recipe on my site! I also get tagged in new chickpea brownie posts on Instagram at least 2-3 times a week. People love those chickpea recipes, that’s for sure!
Made with black beans, almond butter, and cocoa powder, these brownies turn out to be perfectly fudgy. Since they’re made from beans, they’re high in protein, aka healthy as heck. But, the best part about this recipe is that you’d genuinely have no idea they were made from beans. Like, the amount of you who have made these and mentioned that nobody could tell is pretty impressive!
I like to let my friends and family try these and mention how great they are before delving into my little vegan secret. They normally don’t even believe me! Dive into this recipe and try it for yourself.
While I really love these brownies, my Healthy Tahini Brownies are a close second. Highly recommend making both.
Ingredients used to make fudgy black bean brownies
Like my chickpea brownie recipe, this black bean rendition uses all vegan ingredients and is just as easy to make as a “standard” brownie recipe (they require only 10 minutes of prep time). They’re also completely free of gluten, and they match paleo diet guidelines!
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Black beans (drained and rinsed)
- Almond butter (or any nut butter)
- Almond flour
- Cocoa powder (the darker, the more chocolatey)
- Maple syrup
- Coconut oil
- Vanilla
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Chocolate chips
Tools you’ll need to make easy vegan black bean brownies
Only four main items will be needed to make this recipe. It’s a pretty simple black bean recipe that doesn’t create a huge mess in the kitchen!
- Food processor
- Spoon or spatula
- 8×8 baking dish
- Nonstick spray
And, for measuring, you’ll need the following sizes: 1/4 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/4 cup, and 1/2 cup.
How to make easy vegan black bean brownies
If you’ve ever made a single batch of brownies in your life, you’ll be able to whip this together just as easy. I, for one, am at the point where I feel like I can essentially make brownies with my eyes closed! It’s just one of those recipes that’s crazy simple.
To start, preheat the oven to 350F.
In a food processor, blend the beans, nut butter, almond flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Scrape down the sides as needed.
Then, once creamy and smooth, take off the lid and stir in the chocolate chips.
Do not process the chips.
Pour the batter into a greased 8×8 pan and add more chocolate chips on top if desired.
Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Store on the counter for 24 hours, or keep in the refrigerator for 1 week.
A healthier brownie alternative
There’s something about experimenting with healthy ingredients and figuring out what works and what doesn’t that’s so exciting! It’s probably my favorite part about recipe development, despite the fact that I lose lots of ingredients along the way.
Here are some of the ingredients that work magically in this recipe and are great, healthier alternatives!
Black beans
First up on the list of healthy ingredients in this recipe are of course the black beans! This is a great addition because not only does their consistency work well to make soft, fudgy, brownies, they also supply healthy amounts of protein and fiber!
Almond butter
Almond butter is always my go-to nut butter, as it’s filled with healthy fats and lots of protein and is a personally favorite option than standard peanut butter. Go with the all-natural kind, always!
Almond flour
Next up, almond flour is my favorite alternative to regular all-purpose flour. It’s low-carb, nutrient rich, and works so well in most baking recipes!
Maple syrup
If you’re a regular on my blog, you know that maple syrup is in almost all of my dessert recipes! It’s the perfect all-natural sweetener that provides a delicious taste of subtle sweetness.
Cocoa powder
For chocolate flavor, cocoa powder is the way to go. The darker the power the more chocolatey it will taste, which is why my go-to is Hershey’s extra dark flavor.
Coconut oil
Finally, coconut oil is the perfect replacement for vegetable or canola oil thanks to its supply of healthy fats.
If you liked these brownies, you’ll want to try my other brownie recipes too!
Brownies are always a hit. They’re perfect for gatherings, and I’ll admit that I find myself sneaking them for breakfast every now and then. I mean, it’s equivalent to eating a morning muffin, right? Below are some of my favorite brownie flavors that I know you’ll love too!
- Pecan Pie Brownies
- Paleo Zucchini Brownies
- Healthy Pumpkin Brownies
- Raw Peanut Butter Cup Freezer Brownies
Easy Vegan Black Bean Brownies
These easy vegan black bean brownies are made in less than thirty minutes, are gluten free, paleo, deliciously fudgy, and made with simple ingredients. Top with extra chocolate chips for extra chocolate deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 1 – 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed.
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (the darker, the more chocolatey)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- In a food processor, blend beans, nut butter, almond flour, cocoa, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Scrape down sides as needed.
- Once creamy and smooth, take off lid and stir in chocolate chips.
- Do not process the chips.
- Pour into greased 8×8 pan and add more chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Store on counter for 24 hours or fridge for 1 week.
There may be affiliate links in this post!ย By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat ๐
Alexis says
THESE ARE SERIOUSLY INCREDIBLE! They have literally become a staple in my fridge – they’re so easy and so good without being too heavy! My roommate and I have been experimenting with toppings – so far we like mini justins cups pressed in with some pecans the best (:
Thank you so much for sharing recipes like these, your baked goods are unbeatable!!
★★★★★
Erin says
This comment made me smile so big!! Thank you!!
Erin says
Hi Alexis, thank you so much for the kind words!! I am so happy everyone enjoys them and makes them your own!! ๐
Carla says
Wondering if i could make these less fat? would it be possible to sub some of the nut butter with apple sauce for example ???
Erin says
I think it may work!
Nan says
I added vegan yogurt & cacao nibs and didnโt use any chocolate. DELISH!!!!!!
Erin says
Hi Nan! So happy it came out so well!!
Ella says
they donโt taste exactly like normal brownies but they are pretty darn close for what they are- delicious, thank you! I have them with raspberries and a skirt of choc shot sauce as a dessert ๐
However, I found the mixture to be super dry and thick so I had to add quite a lot of almond milk to thin it out. I wonder why this happened? They came out perfect all the same …
Erin says
Hi Ella, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed them and love the addition of raspberries and chocolate sauce! Yum!! Hmm I am not sure about the mixture. Was the coconut oil melted before you added it to the food processor and were all the ingredients exact besides the extra almond milk you added? Let me know if you make them again and if the mixture is a little less dry!
Raquel Sosnick says
I had the same problem! I even tried adding more oil but it was so so thick.
★★★
Cyan says
I just made these for my kiddos and they are AMAZING! So chocolatey, perfectly sweet, and so moist and honestly perfect! I could eat the whole batch by myself. I added sprinkles on top, because who doesn’t love a few sprinkles?! Haha Anyways, everyone needs to add this to their cookbook immediately!
★★★★★
Erin says
Aw, Cyan. Thank you!!! I love that you added sprinkles. So fun.
Amez says
Hi, just wondering if I could leave out the chocolate chips and maple syrup and use apple sauce as a substitute?
Cheers ๐
Erin says
I have never tested that but you could try! They will not be sweet at all, just FYI.
Laura Newton says
Delicious.. I haven’t made brownies in years but these are so good and healthy enough I can eat them for breakfast with my coffee. ๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Laura, I am so happy you like them so much!!
Sarah says
Could you replace the almond flour with coconut flour but use half the amount?
Erin says
You can definitely try! It should work.
Nicole says
Family & friends love these! They are shocked when I tell them afterwards what the secret ingredient is!
★★★★★
Erin says
It’s always so fun to shock them, isn’t it?! Glad you all like them!
Rachel says
These are so fudgy and decadent! The whole family loved them ๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Thanks for sharing Rachel!! I’m so glad you like them.
Whittney says
Just put the batter in the oven! When do top with more chocolate chips? Before or after the bake?
Erin says
I normally add more chips on top before baking and press them in!
JACQUELYN says
So easy to make and so good! Substituted almond meal for almond flour and turned out great. Can’t wait to try more recipes!
★★★★★
Erin says
Thanks Jacquelyn ๐ I’m so glad that almond meal worked just as well as flour!!
Kara says
These are the absolute best brownies you will ever make!!! I have been making them weekly for months since they donโt last in our house! Thank you for creating such a healthy yet delicious recipe. I would honestly make them to eat even if they werenโt so good for me they are that good!
★★★★★
Erin says
Aw, thanks Kara!! I love to hear that!!!
Kristen says
These brownies are amazing! I love the fudge like consistency. I followed the recipe, but omitted the chocolate chips and they tasted great. You would never guess you were eating black beans. So hard to stop eating!
★★★★★
Erin says
Thanks for sharing Kristen!! So happy you like them ๐
Sara says
THESE ARE THE BEST BLACK BEAN (or any type) BROWNIES I’VE EVER MADE!! I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this recipe, they came out super fudgey. I am AWFUL at following baking recipes to a T, but the ingredients and steps are so simple here. Make these now. Boyfriend approved (still haven’t told him what’s in them though ๐ )
★★★★★
Erin says
I love so many things about this comment but mostly the fact that your bf doesn’t know ๐
Sarah Wark says
I absolutely love these brownies! Iโve now made them several times. They are so chocolatey and delicious! I used dark chocolate chips and Hersheyโs special dark cocoa. I feel like I can never go back to your typical box mix after these. I love how easy they are to make, the wholesome ingredients, and (of course) the taste! Totally hooked!
★★★★★
Erin says
Yes Sarah!! Thank you for sharing and I think I need to try them with the dark cocoa next time… that sounds epic!
Cara says
These were seriously the best brownies I have ever made. I made them with PB instead of almond butter. They were the perfect consistency and full of flavor. My dad hates anything remotely healthy, but he ate half of the tray and wanted me to make another batch. He could not believe there were beans in these!! Thank you Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
YAY!! That’s the best part – when people who don’t like ‘healthy’ things enjoy the healthy things!!! ๐
Chaya says
THESE ARE FAB!!! second round making
them right
now! the fam loved them and couldnโt even tell that there were black beans in here;) delicious!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
WOO!! makes me thrilled!!! I need to make more ๐
Katharina says
These are AMAZING! I was so surprised and so were all my friends. Thanks for crafting this magic!
★★★★★
Erin says
YES!! That’s what I like to hear!! So glad you are enjoying them!
Julia says
I made these with peanut butter and quinoa flour and they also turned out AMAZING! Such a great recipe! They are insanely fudge-y and you really would have no idea that there are black beans in them. My boyfriend and I devoured them! Love your recipes – thank you!
★★★★★
Erin says
YAY! Love to hear that Julia!! Thanks for the support and so glad you enjoyed the brownies!
Jordan Ditty says
Best brownies over had in a long time! They are the softest, moist, chocolate love, fudgey brownies I think I’ve ever had! No one even knew I put black beans in them. I made a double batch putting into a 9×13″ pan cooking for same amount of time. Everyone at work it’s begging for the recipe! My husband who is picky as can be tried them and loved them even asked if I could make another batch this weekend. Erin you’re baked goods and book are by far my favorite to go off of, thank you!
★★★★★
Erin says
Do you know how happy this comment makes me?! The answer is VERY! I’m so glad you are enjoying them!!! And your hubs!!