Triple Chocolate Black Bean Brownies

Scroll down to watch the step-by-step video.

*This recipe is from the archives.  I’ve updated a few of the ingredients and added a video.  These brownies are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy.

I’ve been reading about Back Bean Brownies for some time now and was so intrigued by the idea of using a can of black beans in a batch of brownies!

There’s just something fun about incorporating a nutrient-rich ingredient like black beans into what would normally be a nutrient-depleted, yet delicious sweet treat!  Wouldn’t you agree?

But here’s the thing, I didn’t want to just make a traditional butter and sugar-laden brownie with a can of black beans thrown in. I was going for a brownie made with “cleaner” ingredients; more whole food choices and less of the processed, refined choices. You know, something that looks like a brownie and acts like a brownie, that I could feel good about eating!

The result was these very rich, dense, fudge-like brownies that were a welcoming canvas for a schmear of my Honey Sweetened Chocolate Icing.

These brownies are super rich and decadent.  And while they are more nutrient-dense, they are definitely not lite or low-calorie but they are insanely delicious.

They are best enjoyed once they’ve completely cooled and have been topped with some chocolate icing.

I also love to freeze them, and then warmed quickly in the microwave, just long enough to get the ice-cold edge off.

And although they are not your traditional brownie (no Duncan Hines here my friends!) they are kid-tested…

…and approved!

Print Recipe

4.78 from 48 votes

Triple Chocolate Black Bean Brownies

Course: bars + brownies, DESSERT, DIET

Cuisine: American, kids, vegetarian

Author: Dani Spies

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 16 servings

Calories:

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup white whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder sifted
• 15 oz can of black beans drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• A bit of oil to grease cooking pan
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp. coconut oil melted
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• Pre heat oven to 350.
• Coat and 88 baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
• In a large bowl combine flour, salt, baking powder, and sifted cocoa powder.
• In a blender, combine black beans, water maple syrup and vanilla extract. Blend until everything si combined and the beans are broken down. This will be a very liquid-y mixture.
• Pour the bean mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well combined. Stir in the nuts and the chocolate chips.
• Pour mixture into greased pan and pop in the oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the pan comes up clean.
• While the brownies are baking, make your icing by simply combining the unsweetened cocoa powder, coconut oil, honey and vanilla in a small bowl. Mix until you have a thick, rich chocolate icing.
• Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the icing all over the top of the brownies. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy!