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To make fudgy black bean brownies, you need these simple ingredients: - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup natural almond butter (or peanut butter) - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in creating rich, moist brownies. The black beans replace flour, adding fiber and protein without adding too many carbs. If you don't have almond butter, feel free to use peanut butter. Both work well. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter. You can swap maple syrup with honey or agave syrup for sweetness. If you want a richer chocolate flavor, try adding an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder. Black beans offer a great source of protein and fiber. A 15 oz can has about 15 grams of protein and 30 grams of fiber. Almond butter adds healthy fats and protein, while cocoa powder is low in calories and high in antioxidants. Maple syrup provides natural sweetness without refined sugar. Each ingredient contributes to a balanced treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping it nutritious. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8-inch baking pan. You can lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper. Lining helps with easy removal later. Make sure the pan is ready before mixing your batter. This makes the cooking process smooth and quick. Now, let's mix the ingredients. In a food processor, add the black beans, eggs, almond butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Pulse the mixture until it is smooth. You want it creamy with no bean chunks. If you see any bits, scrape down the sides. Blend again until everything is well mixed. If you like, fold in the dark chocolate chips for extra joy. Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. This helps the brownies bake evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if they are done, stick a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, take them out and let them cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. When cool, cut into squares and enjoy! To get that rich, fudgy texture, blend the black beans well. Use a food processor for a smooth mix. Make sure there are no chunks left. The almond butter adds creaminess, so pick a good quality one. Adding maple syrup gives sweetness while keeping the brownies moist. Bake at 350°F for just the right time, around 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. If you want an extra fudgy bite, do not overbake. One common mistake is not rinsing the black beans. Drain and rinse them well to avoid a tinny taste. Another issue is not blending long enough; this leaves chunks in your brownies. If you skip the chocolate chips, the brownies lose some richness. Finally, check your oven temperature. An oven that is too hot can dry out your brownies quickly. Always use an oven thermometer if needed. For a beautiful presentation, dust your brownies with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Add fresh berries on the side for color and flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes them even more tempting. Cut the brownies into even squares for a nice look. Keep them on a pretty plate to impress your guests. This makes your fudgy black bean brownies not just tasty but also a feast for the eyes! Pro Tips Check the Beans: Make sure to thoroughly rinse and drain the black beans to remove excess sodium and keep the brownies from becoming too wet. Egg Replacement: For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Texture Matters: Blend the batter until it’s completely smooth to ensure a fudgy texture. Scraping down the sides of the food processor helps achieve this. Storage Tips: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week for optimal freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily make these brownies gluten-free. The great news is that the main ingredients are already gluten-free. Use almond butter or peanut butter to keep it safe for gluten-free diets. Just make sure your cocoa powder and any add-ins are also gluten-free. Feel free to get creative with flavors! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite. You might also try mixing in spices such as cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a warm kick. If you love coconut, add unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist. Dark chocolate chips make a rich addition too. For a sugar-free version, swap maple syrup for a sugar-free sweetener. Use monk fruit or stevia to keep the sweetness without the sugar. Just be sure to adjust the amount to match your taste. The brownies will still taste great and be healthier! To keep your fudgy black bean brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry spot. These brownies can last for up to five days on the counter. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigeration. You can freeze these brownies for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat your brownies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep them moist and fudgy. You can also microwave a single square for about 15-20 seconds for a quick treat. Yes, you can use canned black beans. They save time and work very well. Just drain and rinse them well. This removes extra salt and helps keep the brownies moist. You can tell if the brownies are done by checking with a toothpick. Insert it in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Do not overbake them, or they will dry out. Black bean brownies are a healthier choice than regular brownies. They contain protein and fiber from black beans. They also use natural sweeteners like maple syrup. This makes them a tasty and nutritious treat. In this blog post, I covered how to make delicious brownies using various ingredients. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step baking, and useful tips for perfect texture. I shared ways to make gluten-free and sugar-free options, along with how to store and reheat them. Remember, baking is fun, and experimenting can lead to great results. Enjoy trying out these brownie ideas and make them your own!

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

Deliciously rich and fudgy brownies made with black beans for a healthier twist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup natural almond butter (or peanut butter)
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a food processor, combine the black beans, eggs, almond butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and creamy without any bean chunks.
  • Open the lid and scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed to ensure everything is well blended.
  • If using, fold in the dark chocolate chips into the mixture until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares once cool.

Notes

Serve the brownies dusted with cocoa powder or powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Keyword brownies, gluten-free, healthy dessert, vegan