Did you know a single 8×8 inch pan of these black bean brownies can make up to 16 servings? This is just the start of the fun with this recipe. You’ll get to enjoy a rich, fudgy brownie that’s gluten-free and packed with protein from black beans.
Find out how to make these delicious treats in just 40 minutes. You’ll only need 15 minutes to get everything ready. This recipe uses simple ingredients and tools like a blender, bowl, and baking pan. It’s easy to make a healthier version of traditional brownies.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Gluten-free and protein-packed black bean brownies
- Yields up to 16 servings from an 8×8 inch pan
- Quick 40-minute recipe with 15 minutes of prep time
- Uses simple pantry ingredients and basic kitchen tools
- Delivers a rich, fudgy texture without the guilt
Why These Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies Are Amazing
Try these vegan brownies for a treat that’s both healthy and tasty. They’re gluten-free and made with black beans, which are full of nutrients. These protein-rich snacks give a new spin to the classic brownie.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
Black beans are a great choice for these brownies. They have fewer calories than regular flour and are rich in iron. These dairy-free sweets are also high in fiber and protein. Plus, each brownie has just 108 calories, so you can enjoy them without feeling guilty.
Perfect for Special Dietary Needs
These brownies are great for anyone on a gluten-free diet or who prefers vegan brownies. You can even make them vegan by using flax “eggs.” This way, everyone can enjoy these nutrient-dense sweets.
No Bean Taste Guarantee
Don’t worry, these brownies won’t taste like beans. They’re rich in chocolate flavor, thanks to cocoa powder, vanilla, and coffee. You’ll love the taste without any bean flavor.
“These black bean brownies are a game-changer! They’re fudgy, chocolatey, and you’d never know they’re made with beans. A must-try for any brownie lover.”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bean Brownies
Making tasty plant-based snacks at home is easy with hidden vegetable treats like black bean brownies. The secret to their fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor is in the ingredients. Let’s explore the key components for these easy baking recipes:
- Canned black beans: The base of these brownies, adding creaminess and protein.
- Eggs or flax gel (for vegan): Binding the ingredients for the right texture.
- Neutral oil: Ensuring the brownies stay moist and tender.
- Cocoa powder: Bringing the rich chocolate flavor.
- Brown sugar or sugar alternatives: Sweetening and balancing the flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Adding depth and complexity to the taste.
- Baking soda: Helping the brownies rise and stay fudgy.
- Salt: Enhancing the chocolate flavor and balancing sweetness.
- Brewed coffee (optional): Making the chocolate taste even richer.
- Chocolate chips (optional): Adding an extra chocolate kick.
Choosing and mixing these ingredients carefully lets you make easy baking recipes. These recipes highlight the wonderful plant-based snacks and hidden vegetable treats of black bean brownies.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Canned black beans | 1 (15.5-ounce) can |
| Smooth sunflower seed, almond, or peanut butter | 3/4 cup (202 grams) |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1/2 cup (127 grams) |
| Maple syrup | 1/4 cup (78 grams) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons (64 grams) |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Semisweet chocolate, divided | 1/2 cup (85 grams) |
| Salted roasted nuts (optional) | 1/2 cup (81 grams) |
“These black bean brownies are a game-changer for anyone looking to incorporate more hidden vegetable treats into their diet. The combination of nutrient-dense black beans and rich chocolate creates a truly indulgent experience that you won’t believe is plant-based.”
Black Bean Brownies Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to make fudgy brownie recipes that are gluten-free and easy to bake. The secret is using black beans. They make your desserts rich and moist. Follow this guide to bake perfect black bean brownies at home.
Preparing the Black Bean Base
Begin by rinsing and draining a 15-oz can of black beans. This is about 1.75 cups. Blend the black beans until they’re smooth and creamy.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
In one bowl, mix the black bean puree with 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup of oil (like avocado oil), and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of white whole wheat flour, 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp of baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (176°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Add 1/3 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Pour the mix into the pan and bake for 14-15 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center firm.
This black bean brownies recipe has over 400 five-star reviews. It’s known for its rich, fudgy texture. It’s a healthy treat that’s easy to make.
Kitchen Equipment and Tools Needed
To make the perfect black bean brownies, you’ll need some basic baking tools and kitchen equipment. You’ll need a blender or food processor to mash the black beans. You’ll also need mixing bowls, a spoon or spatula for stirring, and an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan.
For the best results, choose a light-colored metal pan. This helps prevent the edges from burning. Parchment paper is also essential. It lines the pan and makes removing the brownies easy.
You’ll also need measuring cups and spoons. They help you measure the ingredients accurately.
| Essential Kitchen Tools | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Food Processor or Blender | 1 |
| Mixing Bowls | 2-3 |
| Spatula | 1 |
| Baking Pan (8×8 or 9×9 inch) | 1 |
| Parchment Paper | 1 sheet |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | 1 set |
With these kitchen tools for brownies, you’re ready to make delicious, gluten-free and protein-packed black bean brownies at home.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Fudgy Texture
Baking the perfect fudgy black bean brownies is an art. With a few simple tips, you can master the technique. Enjoy a rich, moist treat every time. The key to that coveted fudgy brownie texture lies in temperature control, moisture management, and proper cooling and storage.
Temperature Control
For ultra-gooey brownies, remove them from the oven when the center still jiggles slightly. This ensures the brownies continue baking even after being taken out of the heat. If you prefer firmer brownies, cook them until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean.
Doubling the recipe and adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time can yield thicker, fudgier moist brownies. They will have a dense, indulgent texture.
Moisture Management
Proper moisture levels are crucial for achieving the perfect fudgy consistency. Be mindful of the amount of liquid ingredients, like oil and nut butter, you use. Too much can result in a gooey, overly moist brownie. Too little can lead to a dry, cakey texture.
Cooling and Storage
Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting for the best texture. Rushing this step can cause the brownies to crumble. Once cooled, store the fudgy brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
By mastering these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most decadent, fudgy brownie texture. Your family and friends will rave about it. Enjoy your homemade black bean brownies with confidence!
Customization Options and Variations
Get creative with your vegan brownie recipes and dairy-free treats. This delicious black bean brownie recipe is a great starting point. Try adding different mix-ins and flavors to make it your own.
For a crunchy texture, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. Drizzle with peanut butter for a rich twist. Use flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax seeds blended with 6 tablespoons water) for vegan brownies.
Want less sugar? Use monk fruit, stevia, or agave nectar instead of brown and white sugar. For crispy edges, bake in a muffin tin instead of an 8×8 pan.
| Customization Idea | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Add chopped walnuts or pecans | Provides a crunchy texture |
| Drizzle with peanut butter | Adds an indulgent flavor twist |
| Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs | Makes the brownies vegan |
| Reduce sugar with monk fruit, stevia, or agave | Lowers the overall sugar content |
| Bake in a muffin tin | Produces brownies with crispy edges |
There are endless ways to customize these dairy-free treats. Try different mix-ins, sweeteners, and baking methods. This will help you create your ideal vegan brownie recipes and high-protein desserts.
Storage Tips and Shelf Life
Black bean brownies are a tasty treat. But, keeping them fresh is important. Here’s how to store and keep these gluten-free treats.
Refrigerating for Short-Term Storage
Keep your brownies in the fridge for up to 5 days. Use an airtight container or plastic wrap to keep them moist.
Freezing for Longer Shelf Life
Freezing extends your brownies’ life. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, move them to a container or bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Thawed Brownies
To reheat, use an air fryer. Place thawed brownies in it for a few minutes. They’ll be warm and crisp. Or, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Follow these tips to keep your brownies fresh and delicious. They’ll stay perfect for a long time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the perfect black bean brownies needs careful attention. To make sure your treats are fudgy and rich, avoid these common mistakes.
- Overmixing the batter. This can make your brownies tough and dry. Mix the ingredients gently until they just come together.
- Overbaking. Black bean brownies can become dry and crumbly if baked too long. Check them often and take them out when a toothpick comes out with a bit of moisture.
- Inadequate bean preparation. Make sure the black beans are well-rinsed and pureed smooth. This prevents any unwanted texture or flavor in your brownies.
- Using cold eggs. Eggs at room temperature mix better into the batter. This helps avoid oily clumps.
- Strong-flavored oils. Stay away from oils with strong flavors, like olive oil. They can overpower the chocolate taste you’re aiming for.
Avoiding these common baking tips and brownie troubleshooting mistakes will help you make the best black bean brownies. Your family and friends will love them.
“The black bean brownies from Ania Catalano’s book are the most sought-after treats at our restaurant and bakery. They’re the perfect indulgence for those craving a rich, chocolatey dessert without the guilt.”
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
Make your black bean brownie experience even better with these serving suggestions and pairing ideas. Whether you’re having a party or just a quiet night in, these brownies go well with many desserts.
Try serving a warm, gooey black bean brownie with marshmallow ice cream. Add a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries on top. It looks amazing and tastes even better.
For a classic taste, drizzle warm peanut butter over your brownies. The nutty flavor goes great with the chocolatey brownie.
- Enjoy the brownies with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a classic dessert.
- Crush the brownies and mix them with vanilla custard or pudding for a tasty trifle.
- Top the brownies with sea salt or caramel sauce for extra flavor.
However you serve these dessert pairings, the brownies’ fudgy texture and rich chocolate will stand out. They’re a hit for any event.
“These black bean brownies are a game-changer! The texture is perfect, and the flavors are out of this world. I’ve made them for my family and friends, and they can’t get enough.”
Conclusion
These black bean brownies show that healthy desserts can be tasty and good for you. They use ingredients like black beans, cashew butter, and walnuts. This makes a rich, fudgy treat that’s perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without harming your health.
They’re great for anyone following a gluten-free diet or wanting to eat more fiber, protein, and antioxidants. These brownies are a tasty and healthy choice.
Making these brownies is quick and easy. They’re perfect for a crowd-pleasing dessert. The use of aquafaba as an egg substitute makes them accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Enjoy the deep chocolate flavor and moist texture. These brownies have won praise from Oprah and even a two-year-old.
Looking for a healthy dessert recipe or a delicious gluten-free brownie recipe? These black bean brownies are the answer. They offer a guilt-free indulgence that’s full of flavor and nutrition.
F.A.Q
What are the health benefits and nutritional value of these black bean brownies?
These brownies are packed with protein and fiber. They’re a healthier choice than regular brownies. Plus, they’re gluten-free and can be made vegan, making them great for special diets.
What ingredients are used to make these black bean brownies?
You’ll need canned black beans, eggs, and neutral oil. Also, cocoa powder, brown sugar, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and brewed coffee. Chocolate chips are optional for extra taste and texture.
How do I prepare and bake the black bean brownies?
Rinse and drain the black beans, then blend them. Mix the wet ingredients (bean puree, eggs, oil, vanilla) in one bowl. Mix the dry ingredients (cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt, coffee) in another.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour into a greased and lined pan. Bake at 350°F (176°C) for 30-40 minutes.
What equipment is needed to make these black bean brownies?
You’ll need a blender or food processor for the beans. Also, mixing bowls, a spoon or spatula, and an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan. Parchment paper helps with easy pan removal.
How can I achieve the perfect fudgy texture for the black bean brownies?
For a fudgy texture, control the temperature and manage moisture. Avoid overmixing and don’t overbake. Make sure the beans are well-rinsed and pureed smoothly.
Can I customize or modify the black bean brownie recipe?
Yes, you can add nuts like walnuts or pecans. Drizzle with peanut butter or use flax eggs for a vegan version. You can also reduce sugar or bake in a muffin tin for crispy edges.
How long can I store the black bean brownies, and how should I reheat them?
Store them in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen brownies in the fridge. Then, warm them in an air fryer for a few minutes.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making black bean brownies?
Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough brownies. And don’t overbake, as it dries them out. Make sure the beans are well-rinsed and pureed smoothly. Use room temperature eggs to prevent oil clumps. Avoid strong oils that might overpower the chocolate flavor.
