Vegan Black Bean Brownies (Easy Recipe)

These vegan black bean brownies are super chocolatey, fudgy, chewy, and moist, and you can’t even tell they’re made with beans. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, flourless, and ready in no time!

Fudgy, Moist Vegan Black Bean Brownies

Having stuffed brownies with zucchini, chickpeas, sweet potato, tofu, and peas – this time I’m making vegan black bean brownies. It turns out there really is no end to the love I have for brownies or packing them with hidden veggies and healthy ingredients.

If it’s not already obvious, I’m no stranger to hiding all sorts of ingredients in my vegan gluten-free desserts – in more than just my brownies too (oh hello gluten-free chocolate cake). Whether they’re in there for texture or to replace a non-vegan ingredient, when done ‘right’ you shouldn’t even be able to tell they’re there. After a little experimenting, this black bean brownie recipe has officially passed the taste test.

Black beans are neutral enough in flavor that they blend wonderfully into the brownie batter without being overwhelming in flavor. Instead, they provide the dense, moist, fudgy, chewy texture of regular brownies while remaining MUCH healthier than your standard brownie.

In fact, by including the black beans into these gluten-free brownies, this recipe is packed with fiber, omega-3s, protein, and heart-healthy, bone-healthy benefits. Best of all, though, no-one would guess these are healthy black bean brownies or that they contain beans at all!

The Ingredients

• Black beans: I use canned black beans, rinsed and drained.
• Chia eggs: I use chia ‘eggs’ in place of eggs in these vegan brownies. You could use flax ‘eggs’ too.
• Peanut butter: Or the nut butter of your choice. For a nut-free option, you could use sunflower seed butter. You could also use neutral oil instead. 
• Cocoa powder: Or cacao powder. You could also experiment with using half cocoa and half Dutch-processed cocoa.
• Vanilla extract: A delicious addition to any brownie.
• Ground oats (or oat flour): Use certified gluten-free if needed. You can make your own oat flour at home by grinding rolled oats in a coffee/spice grinder or blender.
• Maple syrup: Or the liquid sweetener of your choice. If you have a sweet tooth, feel free to adjust this amount to your liking with an extra 1-2 tbsp syrup. For sugar-free brownies, you could use a sugar-free liquid sweetener.
• Baking powder: Will provide some lift to the brownies.
• Espresso powder (optional): Helps to enhance the depth of the cocoa flavor (without tasting like coffee!)
• Salt: Just a pinch, to enhance the cocoa flavor.
• Dairy-free chocolate: You can use chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for within and to top the black bean brownies.

Optional Add-Ins

• Natural Extracts: Extracts are an easy way to adapt this healthy brownie recipe. Mint, orange, rose, coffee, almond, etc.
• Spices: You can easily add a dash (or two) of your favorite spices; cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, ginger – or even candied ginger.
• Citrus zest: Lemon or orange zest of 1/2-1 fruit can really boost flavor.
• Crushed Nuts: You can add a small handful of crushed nuts into the vegan brownies batter or to sprinkle over the top. Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and pecans would all work. For nut-free versions, you could add sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

For the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information, read the recipe card below. Also, read the recipe notes for more ways to adapt this recipe.

How To Make Vegan Black Bean Brownies

Prepare the chia eggs

• First, preheat the oven to 350 °F/175 °C and line a 9×6-inch (23x15cm) baking pan (or 9×5-inch loaf pan) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
• Then prepare the chia eggs by combining 2 tbsp chia seeds with 1/3 cup (75 ml) water, mixing well. Then allow it to sit for a few minutes.

Combine the brownie batter

• Add all the ingredients except the chocolate and chia eggs into a food processor and mix for about 10 seconds.
• Then, scrape down the sides of the jug and add the chia eggs, mixing again until well combined and smooth.
• Finally, add the chopped chocolate and fold in/mix in with a spoon. For sweeter brownies, use 3 oz (90 g). Leave a little to sprinkle over the top of the brownies.

Bake the brownies

• Add the brownie batter to the pan and bake in the oven for 22-25 minutes.

I baked mine for 25 minutes, and they came out fudgy, but not too soft. If you prefer them very gooey and fudgy, then reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

• Let them cool completely (they will firm up once cooled), optionally top with vegan Nutella, slice, and enjoy! Also, they taste even better on day two, so TRY not to eat them all immediately.

How To Store?

You can store these vegan black bean brownies at room temperature (for a few days) or for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Alternatively, store the brownies wrapped tightly in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw them in the refrigerator or defrost/warm in the microwave.

How To Serve

I’m sure you don’t need my advice on how to devour these chewy vegan brownies, but I’ll let you in on a few of my favorite ways anyway:

• With a big scoop of ice-cream; vanilla, chocolate, caramel, peanut butter, etc.
• Drizzled with nut butter and some fresh berries.
• With a glass of your favorite dairy-free milk.
• Warmed up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and dusted with a little powdered sugar.
• Chop the brownie up into small pieces and sprinkle it over other desserts, like this creamy chocolate pudding.

FAQs

Can I make these into sugar-free brownies?

Yes, this recipe is already refined sugar-free if using sugar-free chocolate. However, feel free to use a keto sweetener such as Erythritol. You may also be able to experiment with date paste in place of the sugar content – though I haven’t tried.

Can I make these into individual brownie bites?

Yes, you may be able to make these vegan black bean brownies into individual brownie bites by dividing the batter into a cupcake/muffin tin. I haven’t tried this, but I would suggest checking on them at 15 minutes, then increase the baking time if needed.

Can I use dried black beans rather than canned?

You can use dried black beans- but they’ll need to be soaked and cooked prior to using them in this recipe. I’d suggest using 3/4 cup (130 g) of the dried beans to soak and cook. You need 245 g cooked beans.

Recipe Notes & Variations

• You could glaze these vegan black bean brownies with a chocolate frosting, like the one I used for these healthy brownies, or make my vegan Nutella recipe.
• For extra flavor, add a swirl of nut butter through the top of the batter before baking or caramel sauce, like the one I use for these Caramel Stuffed Pancakes.
• Make sure the brownie batter is nice and smooth, so it doesn’t have an odd texture.
• If you don’t have a 9×6-inch pan, you could use a 9×5-inch loaf pan for this black bean brownie recipe.

Other Vegan Gluten-free Brownies

If you enjoyed this black bean brownie recipe, you may enjoy my other healthy vegan brownie recipes:

• Easy Vegan Cheesecake Brownies
• Caramel Chocolate Brownies
• Vegan Zucchini Brownies
• Flourless Chickpea Brownies
• Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies
• Healthy No-Bake Brownies

Or have a look at all of my vegan gluten-free desserts!

If you give these vegan black bean brownies a try, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan and #elavegan – I love seeing them.

IF YOU ARE USING PINTEREST, FEEL FREE TO PIN THE FOLLOWING PHOTO: