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
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
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
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
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
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
Prepare Baking Pan
Lightly grease the 8×8 non‑stick baking pan with a thin layer of coconut oil or spray.
Time: PT2M
Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use the spatula to spread it evenly.
Time: PT2M
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
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








