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Fudgy Vegan Black Bean Brownies (Gluten-Free Option Included)

Close-up of a fudgy square of black bean brownies topped with melted chocolate chips on a white plate.
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Bake rich, fudgy black bean brownies that taste completely traditional. This easy, secretly healthy recipe uses black beans for added fiber and protein, making them a guilt-free chocolate dessert. We include steps for a gluten-free version.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed well and drained
  • 3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil or neutral oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free oat flour or all-purpose flour (optional, for structure)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Combine the rinsed black beans, eggs, melted oil, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt in a food processor.
  3. Process the mixture until it is completely smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed. You must ensure no bean chunks remain for the best texture.
  4. If you are using flour for a slightly firmer texture, pulse it in now until just combined. If omitting flour, skip this step.
  5. Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips using a spatula.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  8. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out and cutting them into squares. Cooling is essential for fudgy texture.

Notes

  • For a vegan, egg-free version, substitute the 3 eggs with 3 flax eggs (mix 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 9 tablespoons water; let sit for 5 minutes to gel).
  • If you want a truly naturally sweetened brownie, substitute the sugar with 3/4 cup of pureed Medjool dates, but you may need to add 1-2 tablespoons of extra liquid.
  • Rinsing the black beans thoroughly removes the liquid that causes unwanted flavor.
  • For the best fudgy texture, do not overbake these brownies.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/black-bean-brownies-fudgy-recipe/