These Black Bean Brownies are a fun way to try something new and make a tasty dessert for anyone in your life that’s dairy- or gluten-free!

black bean brownies

I have been making this recipe since I was in university! It was always so fun to get my friends to guess what the secret ingredient was. At that time, it wasn’t as common to use alternative ingredients in baking, so they were quite surprised when I told them black beans made up the bulk of this brownie! If you haven’t yet tried baking with beans, I’m sure this recipe will convince you!

black bean brownies

Ingredients for Black Bean Brownies

Along with being gluten-free (perfect for bringing to a party for guests with dietary intolerances), these black bean brownies are also protein- and fibre-packed (from the beans) and incredibly easy to whip up! All you need is:

  • Black beans
    • Don’t forget to drain and rinse these before blending!
  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Vegetable oil
    • I use canola oil in these brownies but you can use whatever mild-flavour oil you have at home.
  • Baking powder and salt
  • Vanilla extract, cinnamon and chocolate chips (optional)

black bean brownies

You will also need a food processor or high-speed blender for this recipe. I prefer using a food processor (although they can be a pain to clean if you don’t have a dishwasher) because you don’t need as much liquid to get the machine going. That makes it perfect for these black bean brownies or other recipes like hummus and raspberry lemon nut bars.

This is the food processor I currently use. I have had it for at least 5 years and use it quite regularly. It’s inexpensive and works like a dream!

So whether you are preparing for a girls night in, a family dinner or a potluck with friends, these Black Bean Brownies are the perfect go-to to suit all needs! I hope you enjoy!

black bean brownies
black bean brownies
5 from 2 reviews

Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients
 

  • 1 540 ml can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
  • In a food processor or blender, combine black beans, eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, oil, baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Blend until smooth and there are no whole beans are visible.
  • Pour the batter into the greased or lined baking dish and sprinkle chocolate chips on top (optional but highly recommended).
  • Bake for ~25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let the brownies cool for at least 10 minutes before they are removed from the pan. Enjoy!

Notes

For a holiday inspired twist, crushed candy canes are a great substitute topping instead of or in accompaniment with the chocolate chips. 
This recipe is adapted from mysanfranciscokitchen.com.