These black bean two bite brownies are rich, chocolatey and fudgy. The best part? They're also packed with plant based protein and fibre making them the perfect sweet snack or treat!
If you are like me and have a can of black beans you need to use or are just looking for a new way to sneak in some extra protein and fibre to your diet these black bean two bite brownies are the way to do it! My mom decided to buy 48 cans of black beans when they were on sale at Costco SO I've been working overtime trying to figure out new things to do with them. Black bean brownies were one of the recipes I first started testing when I became interested in "healthier" recipes and FINALLY after years of trial and error I can say I have perfected my black bean brownie recipe!
These black bean two bite brownies are incredibly good. I promise if you didn't know they had black beans in them you would still think they were amazing. They are moist, rich, decadent and packed with that chocolatey-flavor we all love in a good two-bite brownie. PLUS they are cute little bites so they're perfect to bring to a party.
Why black bean brownies? What's wrong with regular brownies?
As a Registered Dietitian that is a firm believer in balance one question I get asked whenever I make recipes with non-traditional substitutes (like fudgy sweet potato brownie and best chickpea blondies) is "whats wrong with just the regular version?"
My answer is always the same: NOTHING! I cannot stress enough that there is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a traditional version of your favourite desserts or sweet treats. However I enjoy a challenge and love sneaking in some added nutrition to my favourite treats whenever I can! I still love to enjoy regular two-bite brownies from time to time but I love treats that double as part of a more nourishing snack as well!
What do black bean brownies taste like?
As someone who frequently eats recipes made with beans/ legumes I personally think these are just as good if not better than normal brownies. However I do have to note (because I know I will get this comment) that they are very rich. The black beans create a more dense, dark chocolate composition than a typical brownie.
Before that scares you away I have given these to SO many of my friends and family members and have been told by everyone that their amazing and just taste like a "real brownie". I just want to always make sure that you have clear expectations before making any recipe of mine!
I don't have a muffin pan! Can I still make these brownie bites?
YES! Don't worry if you can't find a muffin pan in your house. These brownies bake just as well in a square 8x8 baking pan. The bake time will change slightly and will be closer to 25-30 minutes!
What ingredients do I need for these black bean two bite brownies?
Black beans- I use canned black beans. I have only ever tested this recipe with canned black beans. I can't see why dried and cooked beans wouldn't work though! The beans add the most amazing moist texture PLUS some added fibre and protein!
Egg- I use egg as a binder in this recipe! If you are vegan or would like to use a substitution feel free to make a flax egg by combining 1 tablespoon ground flax seed with 3 tablespoon of water, mix this together and set aside for 15 minutes before adding it into the batter!
Brown Sugar- For a touch of sweetness! I find black bean brownies very rich so a small amount of brown sugar is the perfect addition to help sweeten them up just the right amount.
Chocolate- Melted chocolate is the secret ingredient to making the best black bean two bite brownies. It helps add the perfect amount of chocolatey flavour, a little sweetness and chocolate just makes everything better in my opinion. Dairy free chocolate chips are a great substitute if you are vegan!
Cocoa Powder- For that rich chocolatey flavour! Any cocoa powder will work.
Oat flour- To keep everything together! I use oat flour in many of my recipes as it's a great low cost, whole grain way to add extra fibre into recipes, typically almond flour or regular flour can be used as a direct substitute. I have not tested any other flours with this recipe so if you decide to try let me know how it turns out!
Coconut Oil- I love the subtle coconut flavour coconut oil brings to baked goods. We use this coconut oil as it's the best price we've found however if you are looking for a substitute- butter works perfectly!
Toppings- melted chocolate, smooth peanut butter and chopped pecans are the best way to turn these from regular black bean two bite brownies into TURTLES black bean two bite brownies!
Food processor- I personally use a food processor for my recipes that involve blending (I have this one and love it- it’s also currently on SALE). I recently got one and haven’t looked back. It’s made recipes that involve a lot of chopping, grating or mixing like these fritters, this salsa, or even these carrot cake muffins so much easier.
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you make these black bean two bite brownies don't forget to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram - @nourishedbynic or leave a comment below!
📖 Recipe
Black Bean Two Bite Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie base
- 1 395 mL can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 egg * see below for substitutions
- ¼ cup +1 tbsp melted chocolate
- 3 tablespoon coconut oil melted *see sub below
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ½ cup oat flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup +1 tbsp brown sugar
Toppings
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoon peanut butter heated in microwave for 15 seconds
- 2 tablespoon chocolate chips melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a food processor or high-powered blender add all base ingredients and blend until smooth. Note if you are using a blender you may need to stop and stir periodically as the batter is thick! If you are having trouble blending try adding 1 teaspoon of water at a time to help thin slightly.
- Once brownie batter is smooth, grease or line a 12-cavity muffin tin (NOT a mini muffin tin) to ensure batter does not stick! Add about 3tbsp of batter into each cavity.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean.
- Allow to cool and drizzle with softened peanut butter, melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Sara
Can i use coconut sugar in place of the brown sugar?
Nicole Addison
Yes of course! Coconut sugar can be used as a one to one substitute for the brown sugar.
Sara
Can i sub coconut sugar for the brown sugar?