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)

Chilled Strawberry-Rhubarb Soup
Pink fruit soup garnished with fresh mint.

Chilled Strawberry-Rhubarb Soup

Pair the sweet and tart flavors of strawberries and rhubarb for a refreshing dessert, snack or breakfast bowl topping.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Kiwi, Banana and Apple Salad
Colorful mix of chopped fruit with dressing.

Kiwi, Banana and Apple Salad

This sweet and tangy fruit salad is a great side dish for summer BBQs, picnics and potlucks.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Atole
cup of atole

Atole

This version of a traditional Mexican drink made with corn flour is warm and satisfying.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 to 40 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Tuna Quesadillas
Plate of tortillas folded over a tuna, vegetable and cheese mix.

Tuna Quesadillas

10-minute lunch idea with sweet peppers and melted cheese.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 Quesadillas
Ramen Cabbage Salad
Cabbage and vegetable mix on a bed of ramen noodles.

Ramen Cabbage Salad

Fresh veggies, crunchy noodles and a flavorful dressing make this a unique and delicious salad.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Sautéed Corn and Onion
Bowl of sauteed corn and small onion pieces.

Sautéed Corn and Onion

A buttery, herby side dish perfect for a pot luck summer BBQ or as part of any meal.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
5 cups