Black Bean Brownies: A Surprisingly Delicious (and Healthy) Twist

Healthy Brownie Recipes: Black Bean Brownies
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We recently ran a poll on our social media, asking which dessert you’d like to see made healthier, and the clear winner was… drumroll…

BROWNIES!

Honestly, I couldn’t agree more! Who doesn’t love a good brownie? But finding one that’s as kind to your waistline as it is to your taste buds? That’s a whole n’other story. So, I took on the challenge of crafting a brownie recipe that’s rich, chocolaty, and healthier than your average treat.

What makes these brownies so special? The secret ingredient—black beans! Now, before you raise an eyebrow, let me tell you why they work wonders here. Black beans bring a creamy, fudgy texture that’s perfect for brownies, while also sneaking in some fiber and protein, so you can feel good about indulging.

Plus, they’re practically flavor ninjas—blending in so seamlessly that no one will ever guess they’re in there! This unexpected swap doesn’t just cut down on empty calories but actually adds a nice nutritional boost to your dessert.

Of course, the star of the show in any brownie recipe is, you guessed it, chocolate! Let’s talk chocolate for a second: It’s the ultimate comfort food, the one we crave when we need a boost. Even the aroma can lift our spirits, and science backs this up: chocolate is proven to give you an instant mood boost, even faster than a kiss! No wonder the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, translates to “food of the gods.”

Fun fact: Did you know that in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic horror film Psycho, it wasn’t blood swirling down the drain in the famous shower scene? It was actually chocolate syrup!

Now that we’re all craving chocolate, here’s my black bean brownie recipe. It’s so good, it even passed the ultimate test with my toughest critics… my kids!

Black Bean Brownies

Black Bean Brownies

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Course: Dessert
Keyword: Black Bean Brownies
Servings: 12
Calories: 145kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups black beans one 15-oz can, drained and rinsed
  • 2 Tbsps cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup quick oats
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • Optional: more chips to add on top

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Blend all ingredients except chips in a good food processor.
  • Stir in the chips and then pour mixture into a greased 8×8 pan.
  • Cook for 15 – 18 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Sugar: 9g | Fiber: 3g | Calories: 145kcal | Fat: 7g | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 18g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cristina is a Metabolic Effect L3 Nutrition Consultant and a Precision Nutrition L2 Nutrition Coach. Cristina's passion is to help others discover how great their bodies are meant to feel. Whether you're looking to improve your diet, increase energy levels, manage stress, or simply lead a more balanced life, Cristina provides the guidance, support, and tools necessary to make lasting changes. When she isn’t in the kitchen creating nutritious and delicious recipes, or leading one of our Shape-Up Challenges, Cristina enjoys soaking up the sun on the coast of the Carolinas while raising her two amazing daughters, who are active in soccer and volleyball. Cristina is a firm believer that the most effective way to teach children is through our own actions, which is the driving force behind always seeking new ways to enhance personal health and well-being.

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