The Secret Ingredient in These Brownies Will Surprise You

The Secret Ingredient in These Brownies Will Surprise You is a easy American (Vegan) recipe that serves 8. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by PlantbasedBrandon on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 24 min | Total: 49 min

Cost: $3.86 total, $0.48 per serving

Ingredients

  • 15 oz Black Beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 0.5 cup Cocoa Powder (unsweetened, high quality)
  • 0.5 cup Maple Syrup (pure, grade A)
  • 0.25 cup Coconut Oil (melted, extra‑virgin)
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Flaxseed (for flax egg)
  • 3 tablespoons Water (for flax egg)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.5 cup Vegan Chocolate Chips (dark, dairy‑free)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Flax Egg

    Combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water in a small bowl, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes until gelatinous.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Rinse and Drain Beans

    Open the 15‑oz can of black beans, pour into a colander, rinse under cold water, and let drain for a minute.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Ingredients to Food Processor

    Into the food processor bowl, add the drained beans, 0.5 cup cocoa powder, 0.5 cup maple syrup, 0.25 cup melted coconut oil, the prepared flax egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 0.5 tsp baking powder, and 0.25 tsp salt.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Blend to a Smooth Batter

    Pulse the processor, then blend on high for about 30 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth with no bean chunks.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Fold in Chocolate Chips

    Stop the processor, open the lid, add 0.5 cup vegan chocolate chips, and use a spatula to toss them gently until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Prepare Baking Pan

    Lightly grease the 8×8 non‑stick baking pan with a thin layer of coconut oil or spray.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Transfer Batter to Pan

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use the spatula to spread it evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Bake Brownies

    Place the pan in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F and bake for 23–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

    Time: PT24M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Cool and Slice

    Remove the pan from the oven, let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out (if parchment was used) and cut into squares.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
180
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
22g
Fat
8g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Soy (in chocolate chips), Tree nuts (if using nut‑based chocolate chips)

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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The Secret Ingredient in These Brownies Will Surprise You

Recipe by PlantbasedBrandon

Moist, decadent, and completely plant‑based black bean brownies that melt in your mouth. Made with a simple flax egg, blended in a food processor, and studded with chocolate chips, these brownies are quick, healthy, and unbelievably chocolatey.

EasyAmerican (Vegan)Serves 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
27m
Prep
24m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.86
Total cost
$0.48
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Allow the flax egg to sit for at least 5 minutes to fully thicken.
  • Blend the beans and other ingredients until completely smooth; any remaining chunks affect texture.
  • Do not overbake; check at 23 minutes for a moist crumb.
  • Fold chocolate chips gently to keep them intact.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the food processor blade with care; it is very sharp.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot pan from the oven.
  • Melted coconut oil is hot; avoid splatter burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of black bean brownies in vegan American cuisine?

A

Black bean brownies emerged as a creative way for vegans and health‑conscious bakers to enjoy a fudgy treat without dairy or refined flour. They reflect the broader plant‑based movement in the United States that seeks nutritious, protein‑rich alternatives to traditional desserts.

cultural
Q

How do black bean brownies fit into the broader vegan dessert tradition?

A

They are part of a growing trend of using beans, lentils, or other legumes as base ingredients to add moisture, fiber, and protein while keeping desserts gluten‑free and lower in refined sugar.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of bean‑based brownies exist in other cuisines?

A

In Mexican cuisine, black beans are sometimes incorporated into sweet cakes called "pastel de frijol". In the Philippines, mung bean (munggo) brownies have become popular among vegan bakers, showing how legumes are adapted worldwide.

cultural
Q

What occasions are black bean brownies traditionally served at in vegan communities?

A

They are popular at potlucks, vegan brunches, birthday celebrations, and as a wholesome snack after workouts because they provide protein and antioxidants.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for black bean brownies versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include cooked black beans, cocoa powder, a liquid sweetener (maple syrup or agave), a binding agent like a flax egg, and vegan chocolate chips. Substitutes can be dry‑cooked beans, other plant‑based sweeteners, chia egg, or dairy chocolate if dairy is acceptable.

cultural
Q

What are common mistakes to avoid when making black bean brownies?

A

Common errors include under‑blending the beans (leaving chunks), over‑baking which dries the brownies, and adding chocolate chips too early, causing them to melt into the batter.

technical
Q

Why does this black bean brownie recipe use a flax egg instead of commercial egg replacer?

A

A flax egg provides natural binding and a subtle nutty flavor while keeping the recipe completely whole‑food and allergen‑friendly, unlike some processed egg replacers that contain soy or gluten.

technical
Q

Can I make black bean brownies ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Store baked brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for up to two months. If preparing batter ahead, keep it refrigerated and give it a quick stir before baking.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the black bean brownies are done?

A

The top should be set and slightly cracked, while the interior remains moist and fudgy. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel PlantbasedBrandon specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel PlantbasedBrandon focuses on simple, whole‑food vegan recipes that are accessible to beginners, emphasizing plant‑based nutrition, minimal equipment, and flavorful comfort foods.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel PlantbasedBrandon's approach to vegan baking differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

PlantbasedBrandon emphasizes using everyday kitchen tools like a food processor and avoids specialty vegan products, aiming for budget‑friendly, quick recipes that still deliver gourmet taste, whereas many other channels rely on specialty flours or pre‑made mixes.

channel

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