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Fudgy Vegan Black Bean Brownies (Gluten-Free Option Included)

Two fudgy black bean brownies stacked on a white plate, topped with melted chocolate chips.

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Bake rich, fudgy black bean brownies that taste completely traditional. This easy, secretly healthy recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, offering a delicious, protein-packed chocolate treat you can feel good about eating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed well and drained
  • 3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil or neutral oil
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free oat flour or all-purpose flour (optional, for slightly cakey texture)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Combine the rinsed black beans, eggs (or flax eggs), melted oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. You must eliminate all bean chunks for the best texture.
  3. Add the cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the food processor. Pulse until just combined. If you are using flour for a slightly less fudgy texture, add it now and pulse briefly.
  4. Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips by hand using a spatula. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the extra chocolate chips over the top.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
  7. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cooling is crucial for achieving the fudgy texture.
  8. Cut into squares and enjoy your guilt-free chocolate dessert.

Notes

  • For a vegan, egg-free option, create flax eggs: mix 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 9 tablespoons water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding to the food processor.
  • If you prefer a richer, denser fudge texture, omit the optional flour entirely.
  • Rinsing the beans thoroughly removes the liquid that can cause a bean flavor; do not skip this step.
  • Cooling time is essential; these brownies firm up significantly as they cool down.

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