Decadent Vegan Black Bean Brownies: A Fudgy, Guilt-Free Treat

Vegan Black Bean Brownies? Trust me on this one. These fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownies get their secret ingredient from black beans, creating a treat that’s both delicious and surprisingly nutritious. They’re so good, no one will ever guess they’re vegan!

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Black Bean Brownies

There are plenty of reasons why these brownies are about to become your new go-to dessert:

• Rich and Fudgy: Black beans create an incredibly dense, fudgy texture that rivals traditional brownies.
• Naturally Sweetened: These brownies rely on the natural sweetness of bananas and maple syrup, making them a healthier alternative.
• Packed with Protein: Black beans add a boost of plant-based protein, making these brownies a more satisfying treat.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and a blender, you can whip up a batch of these brownies in no time.

Vegan black bean brownie batter in a mixing bowl

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Let’s Get Baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2. Combine the wet ingredients. In a blender or food processor, add the rinsed black beans, mashed banana, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and no bean chunks remain.

   Ingredients for vegan black bean brownies arranged on a table

3. Add the dry ingredients. Add the cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the blender. Pulse a few times until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

4. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into a mixing bowl and gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips.

   “For extra gooey brownies, add a handful of vegan chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking,” advises renowned vegan chef, Sarah Green.

5. Bake to perfection. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

   Vegan black bean brownies baking in the oven

6. Cool completely before slicing. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This allows the brownies to firm up and prevents them from crumbling.

Enjoying Your Vegan Black Bean Brownies

These fudgy brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with your favorite toppings:

• Vegan Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: Indulge in a double dose of chocolate with a generous swirl of vegan chocolate buttercream frosting.
• Fresh Berries: Add a touch of freshness and sweetness with a handful of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
• Vegan Whipped Cream: A dollop of light and airy vegan cookie dough recipe adds a touch of decadence.

FAQs About Vegan Black Bean Brownies

Can you taste the black beans?

Not at all! The black beans lend a rich, fudgy texture but their flavor is completely masked by the chocolate and other ingredients.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute the maple syrup with another liquid sweetener like agave nectar or brown rice syrup. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Once the brownies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What can I substitute for the banana?

If you don’t have a banana or prefer not to use one, you can substitute it with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or another mashed ripe fruit like pear or mango.

Can I use canned black beans?

Yes, canned black beans are perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly before blending.

These vegan black bean brownies are a delicious and guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their rich, fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, indulge in a brownie (or two) – you deserve it!