Deliciously Healthy Vegan Black Bean Brownies Recipe!
Friends, have you ever heard of black bean brownies? Yes, you heard that right – these fudgy nutrient-packed brownies are made with black beans, cocoa powder, and a healthy amount of natural sweeteners. I know many of us are looking for ways to transform traditionally indulgent treats into more nutritious options. And let me tell you, these vegan black bean brownies are the perfect treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings without any guilt.
But what’s the real deal about this vegan black bean brownie recipe? First and foremost, these brownies are a healthier version of the traditional ones since they’re filled with plant-based protein and fiber-rich black beans. Meaning it’s not only tasty but a super-healthy alternative to sugar-loaded desserts.
But that’s not all; these brownies can be whipped together with just a few simple ingredients that we all have in our pantry. So whether you are looking to switch up your traditional brownie recipe or trying out the vegan lifestyle that will have you feeling good from the inside out, these vegan black bean brownies might just change your mind about how delicious healthier desserts can be.
So gather round and let me share this recipe with you today. Trust me when I say, one bite and you will never go back to regular sugary brownies again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My beloved readers, have you ever wanted to indulge in a decadent brownie without the guilt that often comes with it? Look no further, for I have just the recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your conscience at ease – Vegan Black Bean Brownies!
These brownies are a game-changer when it comes to healthy treats. Unlike traditional brownies loaded with refined flour and sugars, black bean brownies get their sweetness from raw sugar and bananas. Not only are they vegan-friendly, but they’re also gluten-free, making them an inclusive dessert option for all dietary preferences.
But don’t be fooled by their wholesome ingredients, these brownies are rich in flavor and have an irresistible fudgy texture that will make your mouth water. The combination of cocoa powder and cinnamon, accompanied by a hint of vanilla extract, creates a delectable aroma that will fill your kitchen with happiness.
If you’re worried about the taste of beans overpowering the dish – don’t fret! The black beans in this recipe only enhance the fudgy texture without compromising the flavor. In fact, you won’t even know they’re there!
Moreover, these black bean brownies are incredibly easy to make, taking only a few minutes of preparation time before popping them into the oven. Once cooked to perfection, you’ll have a tray full of deliciously chocolatey squares ready to be served.
Overall, these Vegan Black Bean Brownies are the perfect dessert for food lovers who prioritize healthy and ethical choices. They’re quick and easy to make without sacrificing on taste – this recipe is sure to become your go-to for any occasion!
Ingredient List
Get Ready to Be Amazed by These Ingredients!
This recipe is all about the power of black beans. Who knew that these little legumes could make such decadent and fudgy vegan brownies? Together with ripe bananas, cocoa powder, and maple syrup, they make for the most delicious plant-based treat you have ever had.
Here are all the ingredients required to make a batch of 16 vegan Black Bean Brownies:
- 15 oz (425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed well
- 2 cup (200 g) almond flour
- 3/4 cup (60 g) cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60 g) raw sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) ground flax
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) water
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
All ingredients are vegan and gluten-free-friendly, so everyone can indulge. The black beans add moisture and a rich taste while helping to lower the fat content in this recipe. The almond flour gives richness to the brownies and adds healthy fats, which help provide a pleasant texture. The combination of raw sugar and maple syrup provides a mild sweetness, while melted coconut oil brings an extra touch of richness to the batter.
Ready to start your baking adventure? Keep reading for step-by-step guidance on how to make these incredible black bean brownies!
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get started on making these decadent vegan black bean brownies! Here is a step-by-step guide to follow.
Ingredients
Before we get started, here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed well
- 2 tbsp ground flax
- 3 tbsp water
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup raw sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
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In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flax and water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
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Add the black beans to a food processor along with the flax mixture, melted coconut oil, raw sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Purée until completely smooth.
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In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and pinch of sea salt.
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Fold in the wet ingredients from the food processor into the mixing bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until a thick batter forms.
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Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with coconut oil cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
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Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs attached.
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Let the vegan black bean brownies cool in the baking dish for at least 20 minutes before slicing them into squares and serving.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your vegan black bean brownies come out perfectly every time, here are some tips to follow:
- Measure your ingredient accurately using measuring cups and spoons.
- Make sure that you use an oven thermometer to accurately determine your oven temperature.
- Be careful not to overbake your brownies; otherwise, they will become too dry instead of fudgy.
- If you don’t have almond flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour or another gluten-free flour like oat flour or chickpea flour.
- Store any leftover vegan black bean brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for up to three months.
Now that your vegan black bean brownies are ready to go, enjoy them as an afternoon snack or as dessert after
Substitutions and Variations
As a vegan chef, I always encourage my fellow vegans to use their creativity when it comes to cooking. If you feel like experimenting a little bit with this recipe, there are many ways to do so. Below are some of my favorite substitutions and variations for Black Bean Brownies.
– Peanut Butter – If you’re in the mood for a nutty flavor, substitute almond butter with peanut butter or any other nut butter of your choice. Nut butter adds richness and creaminess to the brownies.
– Avocado Brownies – For an extra fudgy texture, replace half of the almond butter with mashed avocado. The avocado not only gives the brownies an indulgent texture but also a boost of healthy fats.
– Chocolate Chips – Chocolate chips can be added instead of cocoa powder to create chocolate covered black bean brownies.
– Gluten-free – All of the ingredients listed here are gluten-free but if you want them firmer or with less fudgy texture, add 2 cups of gluten-free flour.
– Flavorings – Experiment with different flavorings such as cardamom or ginger to enhance the flavor of the brownies without adding too much sugar.
– Sweeteners – Substitute maple syrup with raw sugar or coconut sugar. However, keep in mind that this might change the texture or sweetness of the brownies.
The beauty of this recipe is that it is versatile and can be modified based on your taste preferences. Try different substitutions and variations to find your perfect match, whether in consistency or flavor.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your delectable vegan black bean brownies are fresh out of the oven, the fun part is here – serving and pairing them. These fluffy and fudgy brownies are perfect for any occasion and can be served with a variety of tasty accompaniments.
For dessert, simply dust some powdered sugar on the brownies to make them look extra fancy. Additionally, you can serve them with a scoop of vegan ice cream or yogurt for a creamy contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
For breakfast or brunch, try topping them with sliced bananas or whipped coconut cream. You could even serve these brownies as a snack with a tall glass of almond milk or coconut milk.
In terms of pairing, these vegan black bean brownies would be great with some fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. For an added crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top of your brownies.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could experiment with different types of nut butters as toppings. An almond butter swirl on top would add a deliciously nutty dimension to your fudgey vegan black bean brownies.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and pairing this dish. So don’t be afraid to get creative and try different combinations until you find the perfect match!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy vegan chef, I understand the importance of meal prep and convenience, which is why this vegan black bean brownie recipe is perfect for making in advance. You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store them using the instructions below for later consumption.
To store the brownies, allow them to cool completely and put them in an airtight container. These fudgy vegan black bean brownies can be kept at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When it comes to reheating these delicious treats, there are several options. You can thaw them by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours before eating. Alternatively, you can heat them up in the microwave or oven.
If you choose to use a microwave, place one or two brownies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for about 15 seconds until they are warmed through. Be careful not to overheat them as they can dry out quickly.
If you prefer reheating your vegan black bean brownies in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the brownies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
Pro tip: I love my black bean brownies slightly chilled with almond milk, but you can enjoy them any way you like!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making vegan black bean brownies is an easy and fun process, but there are a few things you can do to make your brownies really pop with flavor and texture. Here are some tips that will help you get the best possible results from this recipe.
1. Thoroughly drain and rinse the black beans
It’s important to drain and rinse the black beans well as excess water can make the brownie mixture too watery. Rinse the beans until the water runs clear to ensure the brownie batter is thick and rich.
2. Use high-quality cocoa powder
The cocoa powder you use for this recipe has a big impact on the final taste of the brownies. Choose a high-quality cacao powder for rich, chocolatey flavor.
3. Don’t Overmix The Batter
Mix in all your ingredients gently by hand or using a blender but avoid overdoing it; overmixing can cause your brownies to become tough and chewy.
4. Add Mix-Ins Sparingly
While adding mix-ins such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips and coconut flakes will give your brownies an extra dimension of texture, be careful not to add too much or it can alter consistency of the mixture.
5. Wait Until Cool Before Slicing
Allowing the baked brownies to cool completely before slicing ensures clean and neat pieces that won’t fall apart while cutting them.
6. Use A Square Pan
Using an 8×8 inch square baking pan will provide sufficient space for spreading the batter evenly without it spilling over, guaranteeing uniform baking through out.
Now you have all these great tips under your belt for your next batch of vegan black bean brownies!
Bottom Line
By now, I hope that you are convinced to give these Vegan Black Bean Brownies a try. Not only are they healthy and gluten-free, but they are also deliciously fudgy and chocolatey. Trust me, you won’t even miss the traditional brownie ingredients.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily make substitutions or variations based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Plus, the brownies can be made ahead, stored, and reheated for your convenience.
But the real reason why you should make these Vegan Black Bean Brownies is that they are a perfect example of how easy and satisfying vegan cooking can be. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dessert that is both good for you and indulgent.
So go ahead and take that first bite into these rich and moist black bean brownies. And let yourself be surprised at how amazing vegan desserts can be.
Vegan Black Bean Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 whole bananas
- 3 ounces agave nectar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup raw sugar (optional)
- 1/4 cup instant oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F Grease an 8×8" pan and set aside. Combine all ingredients, except oats, in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth, scrapping sides as needed. Stir in the oats and pour batter into the pan. Bake approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing. Chef’s Note: if you find these brownies are too soft or too fudge-y, add another 1/4 cup oats or flour.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.