This Recipe for Protein Brownies with Black Beans are an indulgent chocolate dessert. They are healthy, delicious and easy to make when you’re craving something sweet.

Sliced Protein Brownies made with black beans.

This Recipe for Protein Brownies is one you will never feel guilty about eating. They’re made with wholesome and simple ingredients that you probably have on hand!

These brownies are naturally vegan AND gluten free! I’ve tried out this recipe many times now (not mad about it) and have finally perfected the brownies to share it with you all.

Some highlights about this recipe besides being nutritious is that it’s delicious, easy to make and an easy cleanup!

If you’re looking for a healthy dessert that you could have for breakfast if you wanted to, then these Brownies with Black Beans are perfect for you.

Main Ingredients

  • Black beans
  • Flax eggs (See FAQ section for How to Make a Flax Egg)
  • Banana
  • Cacao Powder (unsweetened)
  • Maple Syrup
  • Chocolate Chips
Ingredients measured out in bowls to make the Recipe for Protein Brownies with black beans.

Will this Recipe for Protein Brownies taste like black beans?!

This is the first thought or question people have when they hear “Black Bean Brownies”.

I can honestly tell you, no! You won’t taste the black beans. The cocoa powder, banana and chocolate chips take over any trace of bean flavor.

When you bite in, it’s moist and the ultimate fudge brownie.

How to Make Healthy Protein Black Bean Brownies

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Line an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick
  3. Add all of the ingredients in the food processor in the ingredient list EXCEPT for the chocolate chips (we’ll add those later)
  4. Process until you get a smooth texture and everything is combined
  5. When complete, pour into the greased 8×8 pan (or loaf pan) and add the chocolate chips on top (as many as you desire)
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking after this point to see if it needs more time (mine took about 35 minutes)
  7. When fully baked, a toothpick should come out clean
  8. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing
  9. Enjoy!
Black beans in a food processor
Add black beans to a food processor
Making black bean brownies in a food processor
Add the banana and flax egg
All ingredients in a food processor to make brownies with black beans.
Next, add the cocoa powder, dates and remaining ingredients
Black bean brownie batter in food processor
Pulse until blended
Black bean brownie batter in food processor with chocolate chips
Fold in chocolate chips
Batter in 8x8 baking pan
Spread batter into an 8×8 square baking pan that is lined with parchment paper
Batter in 8x8 baking pan topped with chocolate chips
Add extra chocolate chips on top
Black bean brownies with chocolate chips and flake sea salt
Bake and top with flake sea salt
Sliced Black Bean Brownies ready to eat
Let cool, slice and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a flax egg?

A flax egg is the combination of ground flax seeds and water to create an egg-like texture.

Combine 1 tbsp of ground flax seed and 2 tbsp of water. Mix and let sit for about 10 minutes before adding into the batter. This makes 1 flax egg, multiply the amounts by how many eggs you need for the recipe. In this case you would double it!

Can I use regular eggs in this recipe?

Yes! It will just no longer be vegan friendly.

What are the black beans replacing in this brownie recipe?

The black beans replace the flour in this recipe. In some recipes, it may be the substitute for butter/oil but in this recipe we use a banana for that!

What adds the “protein” to this recipe?

The black beans! They are an excellent source of protein as well as fiber and healthy carbs.

Can I add mix-ins to the brownie batter?

You can! Add nuts, nut butter, white chocolate, fresh fruit, caramel or anything your heart desires!

How should I store the leftover brownies? (If there are any!)

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 1 month.

Stack of black bean brownies with sea salt.
Holding a black bean brownie in my hand.
Sliced Protein Brownies made with black beans.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Recipe for Protein Brownies with Black Beans

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 9 servings
This Recipe for Protein Brownies with Black Beans are an indulgent chocolate dessert. They are healthy, delicious and easy to make when you're craving something sweet.
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 15 oz can black beans (about 1.5 cups), rinsed and drained
  • 2 flax eggs, see faq for instructions
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup cacao powder, unsweetened
  • 4 dates
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • chocolate chips or chunks, optional

Equipment

  • 1 food processor or blender

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  • Line an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick
  • Add all of the ingredients in the food processor in the ingredient list EXCEPT for the chocolate chips (we'll add those later)
  • Process until you get a smooth texture and everything is combined
  • When complete, pour into the greased 8×8 pan (or loaf pan) and add the chocolate chips on top (as many as you desire)
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking after this point to see if it needs more time (mine took about 35 minutes)
  • When fully baked, a toothpick should come out clean
  • Let the brownies cool completely before slicing
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1brownie, Calories: 130kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Sodium: 64mg, Potassium: 346mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 12IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 36mg, Iron: 2mg
Author: Jessica Selensky
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keywords: black bean brownies, flourless, fudge brownie recipe, fudgy brownies, gluten-free brownies, healthy brownies, loaf pan brownies

If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a rating and comment at the end of this blog post. It is incredibly helpful to my small business and to your fellow readers!