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)

Cherry Oat Crumble
Photo of Cherry Oat Crumble

Cherry Oat Crumble

Low-sugar dessert that combines wholesome oats and tart cherries. Enjoy it for breakfast with a serving of plain yogurt.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 to 45 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Rice Bowl Southwestern Style
Bowls of rice, vegetables and chicken with shredded cheese.

Rice Bowl Southwestern Style

Lots of filling grains, healthy veggies and southwestern flavor make this a meal to enjoy any time of day.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)
Stack of pumpkin shaped pancakes with raisins.

Jack-O-Lanterns (Pumpkin Pancakes)

Brown sugar, pumpkin and warming spices make this a fun and delicious recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
16 pancakes (4-inch)
Pineapple Veggie Chicken
Medium bowl of chicken, pineapple and vegetables in broth served with rice.

Pineapple Veggie Chicken

Chicken breast simmered in a sweet and tangy broth with a hint of citrus, garlic and ginger.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Mix and Match Pasta Salad
Mix and Match Pasta Salad

Mix and Match Pasta Salad

Enjoy a pasta salad in under 30 minutes, made from the ingredients you have on hand! Change the flavors and match your food preferences with different proteins, veggies and dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Green cabbage with strips of chicken on a plate.

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Quick dinner idea combining crisp-tender veggies with ginger, garlic and soy sauce. You can change the veggies and proteins to fit what you have on hand.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups