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Fudgy Black Bean Brownies: The Secretly Healthy, No-Flour Treat

A stack of three rich, fudgy black bean brownies topped with chocolate chips on a white plate.

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You will love these incredibly fudgy black bean brownies. They are rich, deeply chocolatey, and so easy to make. No one will guess they are secretly healthy, gluten-free, and packed with protein!

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 preferred liquid sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Place the rinsed black beans, eggs, melted oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into a food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. Add the cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the food processor. Blend again until everything is fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
  4. Gently stir in the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips by hand. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top if you like.
  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 slicing. Cooling is key for the fudgiest texture.
  8. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out, then slice and serve your guilt-free chocolate dessert.

Notes

  • For a vegan and egg-free version, substitute the 3 eggs with 3 flax eggs (mix 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 9 tablespoons water; let sit for 5 minutes to thicken).
  • If you do not have a food processor, you can use a high-powered blender, but you may need to blend in batches.
  • For a gluten-free fudgy brownie, this recipe naturally contains no flour, making it suitable for your clean eating goals.
  • Wait until the brownies are fully cool before cutting. This helps them set up perfectly and prevents crumbling.

Nutrition