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James Andrew

Black Bean Brownies

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can 400 g / 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 large eggs or flax eggs for vegan version
  • ⅓ cup honey maple syrup, or preferred sweetener
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ –½ cup dark chocolate chips
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Chopped nuts
  • Peanut butter swirl
  • Cinnamon pinch
  • Espresso powder

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Baking pan (8×8 inch recommended)
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Beans
  1. Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly under running water. Pat dry lightly if needed. This step ensures clean flavor and proper batter consistency.
Step 2: Blend the Base
  1. Add black beans, eggs, sweetener, melted oil/butter, and vanilla extract into a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. No visible bean pieces should remain.
  2. Texture at this stage determines final brownie quality.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
  1. Add cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Blend again briefly until evenly incorporated. Avoid over-processing once combined.
Step 4: Fold Chocolate Chips
  1. Transfer batter to a bowl. Gently fold in chocolate chips using a spatula. Folding preserves chip structure.
Step 5: Prepare Baking Pan
  1. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. Light greasing may help prevent sticking.
Step 6: Pour & Spread Batter
  1. Pour batter into the pan and smooth the surface evenly. Thickness impacts baking time and texture.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Bake at 175°C / 350°F for 18–25 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick — slight moist crumbs are ideal. Overbaking reduces fudginess.
Step 8: Cool Completely
  1. Allow brownies to cool fully before slicing. Cooling improves structure and flavor.

Notes

Nutritional Facts & Total Calories

Approximate per brownie (varies by ingredients):
  • Calories: 120–180 kcal
  • Protein: Moderate
  • Fiber: Higher than traditional brownies
  • Fat: Moderate
  • Gluten-Free: Yes
Values depend on sweetener and chocolate quantity.