Black Bean Brownies? 🤯 They Actually Taste Amazing!

Black Bean Brownies? 🤯 They Actually Taste Amazing! is a easy American (Vegan) recipe that serves 9. 255 calories per serving. Recipe by PlantbasedBrandon on YouTube.

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

Cost: $7.82 total, $0.87 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 tbsp Ground Flaxseed (for flax egg)
  • 3 tbsp Water (for flax egg)
  • 0.5 cup Almond Butter (smooth, unsweetened)
  • 0.25 cup Almond Flour (fine texture)
  • 0.25 cup Cocoa Powder (unsweetened, Dutch‑process preferred)
  • 0.5 cup Maple Syrup (pure grade A)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Baking Soda
  • 0.75 cup Chocolate Chips (semi‑sweet or dark, can be chopped chocolate)
  • 2 tbsp Mini Chocolate Chips (for topping, optional)
  • 1 spray Avocado Oil (for greasing pan)

Instructions

  1. Make the Flax Egg

    Combine 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water in a small bowl, stir, and let sit for 2–3 minutes until thickened.

    Time: PT3M

  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 about 1 minute.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Blend All Base Ingredients

    Add the rinsed beans, ½ cup almond butter, ¼ cup almond flour, ¼ cup cocoa powder, the prepared flax egg, ½ cup maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp baking soda to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is completely smooth and no bean chunks remain.

    Time: PT4M

  4. Add Chocolate Chips

    Add ¾ cup chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) to the processor and pulse a few times just to distribute them throughout the batter.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Prepare the Baking Pan

    Spray the 8×8‑inch non‑stick pan with avocado oil spray, ensuring the entire surface is lightly coated.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Transfer Batter and Top

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release air bubbles. Sprinkle the extra 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips on top.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Bake

    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 but no wet batter.

    Time: PT24M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Cool

    Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting.

    Time: PT60M

  9. Serve

    Cut the set brownies into nine equal squares and serve. Store leftovers as directed.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
255
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
14 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Egg‑Free, High‑Protein, High‑Fiber

Allergens: Tree nuts (almond butter, almond flour), Soy (often in chocolate chips)

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Black Bean Brownies? 🤯 They Actually Taste Amazing!

Recipe by PlantbasedBrandon

These vegan, gluten‑free brownies turn a single can of black beans into a fudgy, protein‑packed dessert. Made with almond butter, almond flour, cocoa, and a flax “egg,” they’re moist, decadent, and free of dairy, eggs, and gluten. Perfect for a healthy sweet treat.

EasyAmerican (Vegan)Serves 9

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

Source Video
1h 14m
Prep
24m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.82
Total cost
$0.87
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Make the flax egg and let it thicken fully
  • Process the beans until completely smooth – any bean chunks will affect texture
  • Do not over‑bake; brownies should be moist and slightly fudgy when done

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and pan with oven mitts to avoid burns
  • Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to prevent steam burns
  • Ensure the flax egg is fully thickened to avoid a runny batter

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 health‑focused home cooks to replace flour and eggs with plant‑based proteins while still delivering a classic American dessert. They reflect the broader vegan movement’s emphasis on using pantry staples like beans to boost nutrition without sacrificing indulgence.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of bean‑based brownies in the United States?

A

While the classic version uses black beans, some regions substitute pinto or kidney beans, and others add pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist. In the Pacific Northwest, oat flour often replaces almond flour for a lower‑fat version.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve black bean brownies in vegan gatherings?

A

They are typically served at room temperature, cut into squares, and optionally dusted with powdered sugar or paired with a scoop of dairy‑free vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate is also common for extra decadence.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are black bean brownies traditionally associated with in vegan culture?

A

These brownies are popular at potlucks, birthday parties, and holiday gatherings where a plant‑based dessert is needed. Their high protein and fiber make them a favorite post‑workout treat as well.

cultural
Q

How does the black bean brownie fit into the broader vegan dessert tradition?

A

It exemplifies the vegan trend of using legumes to replace wheat flour, providing moisture and structure while boosting nutrition. The recipe showcases how simple pantry ingredients can create a rich, indulgent dessert without dairy or eggs.

cultural
Q

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

A

Traditional ingredients include black beans, almond butter, almond flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and a flax “egg.” Acceptable substitutes are any other cooked beans, nut‑butters (cashew, sunflower), gluten‑free flours (coconut, oat), and liquid sweeteners like agave or brown rice syrup.

cultural
Q

What other vegan American dishes pair well with black bean brownies?

A

Serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad, a scoop of dairy‑free vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramelized banana sauce. They also complement a hearty vegan chili dinner as a sweet finish.

cultural
Q

What makes black bean brownies special or unique in vegan dessert cuisine?

A

The use of black beans provides natural moisture and a dense, fudgy texture while adding protein and fiber, eliminating the need for traditional flour and eggs. This creates a guilt‑free brownie that still feels indulgent.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑baking (which dries the brownies), not blending the beans enough (leaving gritty texture), and forgetting to let the flax egg thicken. Each of these can compromise the fudgy, smooth result.

technical
Q

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

A

Flax egg provides natural binding and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the almond butter, while keeping the recipe entirely whole‑food and free of processed additives found in many commercial replacers.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes. After cooling, store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to two months. Bring to room temperature or gently warm before serving for the best texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel PlantbasedBrandon specialize in?

A

PlantbasedBrandon focuses on simple, affordable, and health‑focused vegan recipes that often use pantry staples and aim to make plant‑based cooking accessible to beginners and families.

channel
Q

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

A

PlantbasedBrandon emphasizes ultra‑easy, one‑bowl or one‑processor recipes with minimal equipment, often highlighting high‑protein, gluten‑free options, whereas many other channels focus on gourmet techniques or specialty ingredients.

channel

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