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    Home » Beans

    Healthy Vegan Black Bean Brownies (Oil-Free)

    Published: Oct 1, 2022 by Larisha Bernard · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

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    These healthy vegan black bean brownies show that you can have a delicious vegan dessert while still being gluten-free, oil-free and refined sugar free!

    easy vegan black bean brownies with nuts close up.

    If you are looking for a delicious chocolate dessert, then you are going to love these healthy vegan black bean brownies.

    We do have another gluten free black bean brownie; however, we were being asked for an even healthier version – specifically one that was oil free and free of refined sugar.

    Still, our main goal was even though we wanted to provide you with a healthier chocolate dessert option; we didn’t want to sacrifice flavor or taste.

    And yes, we know, can it really taste delicious? Yes, yes it can!

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    stacked healthy vegan black bean brownies.

    Why You’ll Love Healthy Vegan Black Bean Brownies

    On Hand Ingredients

    We always try as much as possible, to use ingredients that most people have in their pantry and this recipe is no exception.

    This recipe only uses 10 ingredients and almost everything is one that most people have stocked in their pantry at all times if you do regular baking.

    Easy Clean Up

    All of the ingredients for this recipe go into a food processor to blend and then pour directly into a baking dish. That means less dishes for you in the end and an easy clean up process!

    Great Taste

    Through everything, what you’ll love most of all is that you can have a healthier delicious chocolate treat that still tastes great!

    Healthy vegan black bean brownie ingredients.

    Healthy Vegan Black Bean Brownies Ingredients

    Below are notes about the ingredients before we get into the full recipe located lower in this post on how to make this black bean brownie recipe:

    The ingredients that you need are: 

    • black beans – black beans are acting as a source of flour for this recipe. The biggest thing to note when using beans is to make sure that you get them as dry as possible
    • cocoa powder – we are using dutch processed cocoa for this recipe, but you can use any unsweetened cocoa that you have on hand
    • almond butter – the nut butter acts as a binder for the recipe helping to hold everything together and give a delicious nutty taste to the recipe as well
    • salt – salt helps to heighten and bring out the flavors of the dish
    • oats – oats are also helping with the binding and keeping this recipe completely gluten free
    • maple syrup and coconut sugar – we are using two different natural sugars in this recipe to help with the sweetness. The liquid and non-liquid versions helps to give the perfect balance of texture, as well as a delicious balance in sweetness
    • vanilla – like salt, vanilla helps to only enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients
    • baking powder – this helps with the rising of the brownies with the rest of the ingredients
    • dairy free chocolate chips – who doesn’t love more chocolate and we love adding chips for a bit of a difference in texture as well

    Substitutions and Variations:

    • black beans – we do not recommend you swap the black bean with other beans
    • almond butter – other nut butters or sunbutter can be used to replace almond butter in this recipe. Note that the difference in taste can affect the ending taste of the recipe. You can make your own nut butter easily as well!
    • oats – you could swap with almond flour, but you will need to measure by weight
    • sugar – maple syrup can be replaced with agave or date syrup. Coconut sugar could be replaced with brown sugar.
    • nuts– if you love nuts in your recipe, feel free to chop some up and add them to your recipe

    Step by Step Instructions:

    A food processor with healthy vegan black bean brownie ingredients.
    A food processor with blended ingredients for heathy vegan black bean brownies.

    Into a food processor, you want to pour all your ingredients except your non-dairy chocolate chips. Then process until smooth, uniform consistency is obtained.

    a baking dish with healthy vegan black bean brownie batter uncooked.

    Then, remove the center blade for your food processor and fold in the chocolate chips. Stir together and then add your mixture to a parchment lined 8×8 baking dish and spread into an even layer.

    Then bake until set. Remove and let cool.

    A close up healthy vegan black bean brownies with walnuts and chocolate chips on top.

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

    These healthy vegan black bean brownies are good for up to 7 days, so you can prep them ahead at least that many days in advance.

    How do you dry black beans?

    One of the most important steps is that you dry your black beans.  You can do this by placing them on a baking sheet and putting them in a 300 degree oven for 10-15 minutes or so until all the moisture is absorbed.  

    You could also leave them on a towel to dry out.  This method take about 30-60 minutes.  You could speed this method up by rolling them around in the towel yourself. 

    Can I make these top 8 allergen free?

    You’ll want to use sun butter instead of a nut butter. Additionally, use a non-dairy chocolate chip like Enjoy Life that is Top 8 Free.

    Can I make a smaller amount of brownies?

    Instead of the full recipe, you can cut it in half and instead of greasing an 8X8 pan, grease a standard bread loaf pan. Proceed to make the recipe as instructed. They will be the same thickness. 

    Gluten free vegan chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk.

    What other gluten free vegan dessert recipes should I try?

    Obviously once you try this and realize how delicious vegan desserts can be, you’ll want to try more.  Here are some amazing dairy free dessert recipes that you should try: 

    • Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Gluten Free Vegan Banana Bread
    • Gluten Free Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

    Most of our vegan cake recipes can also be made gluten free with a gluten free one-to-one flour blend.

    Pin these healthy vegan black bean brownies for later! 

    Healthy vegan black bean brownies with walnuts.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 4 votes

    Vegan Black Bean Brownies

    These healthy vegan black bean brownies show that you can have a delicious vegan dessert while still being gluten-free, oil-free and refined sugar free!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time20 minutes mins
    Resting Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time45 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 16 brownies
    Calories: 163kcal
    Author: Larisha Bernard

    Ingredients

    • 15 oz can black beans, drained, rinsed and thoroughly dried* (425g)
    • ½ cup almond butter (125g)
    • ½ cup rolled oats (45g)
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup (105g)
    • 2 tablespoon coconut sugar
    • 2 tablespoon dutch processed cocoa powder
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¾ cup dairy free chocolate chips (125g)

    Instructions

    • Drain, rinse, and completely dry your beans.* Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8X8 pan. 
    • In a food processor, add all your ingredients except chips and process until a smooth consistency. Remove center of the food processor and add in chips. Stir. Pour the brownie mixture into the greased pan. 
    • Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. 
    • Let sit for 15 minutes before cutting. Cut into 16 brownies (or desired size).

    Video

    Notes

    *See notes in post about how to dry the beans if unsure
    **See post for notes about Top 8 Allergy Free variation
    ***Nutritional facts are just estimates. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. 
    See post for tips and tricks, such as how to make a smaller amount. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 39mg | Potassium: 202mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 2mg

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Maurice Laurin

      November 02, 2022 at 8:33 pm

      Made yesterday. everyone was hesitant to try them because they were made from black beans. Once I tried and announced they were good and safe to eat they were soon gone.😎😂. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe. I’m just learning to cook at 65. I’m trying to eat healthier finding you has been a big help. Thanks

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        November 04, 2022 at 1:54 pm

        haha, i love that you had to be the tester! Happy it was all a hit! Great job for learning something new

        Reply
    2. Sue

      October 17, 2022 at 1:52 pm

      5 stars
      Love these! Super easy and super yum. Thanks

      Reply
    3. Daniela

      October 09, 2022 at 7:30 pm

      5 stars
      Very yummy and filling recipe! I love how easy it is to mix it all in a food processor and then bake it.

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        October 09, 2022 at 9:33 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    4. Clarence

      October 02, 2022 at 10:38 pm

      Great

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        October 06, 2022 at 10:36 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply

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