Skip to main content

Black Bean Brownies (without flour)

Black beans are the special ingredient in these moist and not-too-sweet brownies.
Black bean brownies on a plate.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 16 pieces
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons vegetable oil 
3 eggs 
1 teaspoon vanilla 
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed (see Notes
½ cup packed brown sugar 
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (100% cacao) 
pinch of salt
½ cup chopped nuts (optional) 
1 Tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Lightly grease an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking dish.
  3. In a blender container or food processor, mix oil, eggs and vanilla. Add beans and blend until smooth. Transfer mixture to a bowl.
  4. Stir in sugar, cocoa, salt and nuts, if desired.
  5. Pour the mixture into the baking pan. Bake until a knife inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes.  
  6. Let cool and cut into 16 squares. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired. 

Notes

  • Cook your own black beans. About 1 ¾ cups cooked and cooled beans can be used instead of 1 can (15 ounces) of beans.
  • No blender? In a large bowl, mix the oil, eggs and vanilla with a fork. Add beans and mash with the fork until the beans are as smooth as possible, about 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in sugar, cocoa and nuts, if desired. Continue with step 5.
  • Try adding a ½ teaspoon spice such as cinnamon. 

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Roasted Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Bowl of seasoned and browned brussels sprout halves.

Roasted Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts with sweet honey and tangy mustard. Only 5 ingredients!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Mushroom Bulgur Pilaf
A wooden bowl with bulgur, mushrooms and spinach.

Mushroom Bulgur Pilaf

A hearty side dish with whole grains, veggies and flavored with a savory broth. Add a protein to make it a satisfying main dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 to 40 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Glazed Carrots and Snow Peas
Baby carrots and snow peas on a plate with rice and fish. Baby carrots and snow peas on a plate with rice and fish.

Glazed Carrots and Snow Peas

Bright spring veggies with a warm brown sugar glaze.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Cabbage Stir-Fry
Photo of Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cabbage Stir-Fry

Quick and easy lunch or dinner option packed with veggies and ready in 30 minutes!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Harissa Spice Mix
Small bowl of a red spice mix.

Harissa Spice Mix

This homemade spice blend is great on meats and veggies.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 Tablespoons
Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Platter of oat and peanut butter squares with raisins.

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Whole grain oats, peanut butter and dried fruit make a crispy, chewy treat that is great for when you are on-the-go.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
16 bars (2x2-inch)