These healthier black bean brownies are the ultimate chocolate treat! They are protein-rich, with no wheat flour, no eggs, and only a tiny amount of sugar! So, if you are looking for a sweet treat that tastes good and can be shared sporadically with your little ones (> two years old) with no guilt, look no further!
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Table of Contents
Reasons to Love this Black Bean Brownie Recipe
- Protein-rich for a satisfying snack or dessert. This recipe is an easy way to add extra protein to your little one’s diet.
- No wheat is used, only oats, so it is gluten-free and rich in fiber (make sure to get oats labeled as such)!
- No eggs are used, so these are a great option for little ones with allergies.
- There is a low amount of sugar added, so it is a no-guilt snack that the entire family can share on a special occasion.
Ingredients to make the Best Black Bean Brownies
This recipe calls for the healthy ingredients below:
- Cooked black beans: The secret ingredient in this recipe. You can cook your black beans or use canned ones. Make sure to rinse and drain before using! I assure you that the brownie has no bean flavor, it tastes like yummy chocolate!
- Cacao powder: I like to use this brand of 100% cacao powder, but any unsweetened cocoa powder will work!
- Oat flour: I love baking with oat flour, a healthier option full of fiber and nutrients.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: I prefer to use maple syrup in the recipe, but you can use honey or agave syrup.
- Brown sugar: I use a small amount of brown sugar for added sweetness.
- Avocado oil (or coconut oil melted): Avocado oil or any neutral-tasting vegetable oil will work in this recipe.
- Vanilla extract: For added flavor. I love using this water-based vanilla extract in recipes for littles.
- Salt: To enhance the chocolate flavor! Don’t skip it.
- Baking powder: To add texture to the brownies and make them rise.
- Bittersweet chocolate chips: I love using 60% bittersweet chocolate chips in my recipes. Make sure to get good quality chocolate as it impacts the flavor. Use extra chocolate chips to decorate the brownies if you wish!
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 356F and prepare an 8x8in brownie pan or mini muffin pan.
- Using a food processor combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients (except the chocolate chips).
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Using a small cookie scoop (1 tbsp), split the brownie mixture into the mini muffin holes or spread the brownie batter if using a regular brownie pan. Top with more chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes. If you like fudgy brownies, bake for 12-13 minutes until set.
- Let the brownies rest for about 10 minutes before cutting.
Useful Tips to Make the Best Black Bean Protein Brownies
- For this recipe, you will need a food processor; a regular blender will not be able to handle this mixture as it is very thick. I use this food processor, and it has been a game-changer.
- For best results, allow the brownie to firm up for 10-15 minutes before cutting it.
- To prepare the brownie pan, I like to grease it first and then add parchment paper. This way, the paper will stick to the bottom, making it easier to get the brownie dough to set. If using a mini brownie pan, grease it lightly (even silicone ones as sometimes they will stick).
Tools Needed
- Good food processor: You need a high-capacity processor, this is one of the best things I have in my kitchen for making energy balls, brownies, etc.
- Mini muffin pan: Bake these as mini brownie bites to meal prep and freeze. These are great protein-sweet treats to add to lunchboxes!
- 8×8 brownie pan: You can bake these in a standard brownie pan.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store the brownies at room temperature for three days.
- Refrigerator: Store the healthy brownies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds.
- Freezer: Let the brownies cool down, add them to an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze them for up to 3 months! To defrost, add them to the refrigerator overnight or defrost them directly in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions and Substitutions
Snack: Serve the black bean brownies as a snack. You can add a drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter and pair them with fruit for a high-protein snack. This will keep your little ones full until the main meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
First, I recommend offering sweet treats on special occasions and not as part of the daily weekday routine. Each brownie slice (if you cut it into 12) has 12g of sugar. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends less than 25 grams of added sugar daily for children two years and older. So, considering that the child will have other sources of sugar during the day, one slice would be appropriate.
Black beans are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is high in plant-based protein.
Yes. If you buy a good brand of beans that only contain beans, water, and salt, they are still a great option and a more convenient way to add protein and fiber to your diet.
Yes, in this recipe you need to rinse and drain the black beans before using.
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🥣Recipe
Healthier Black Bean Brownies
Equipment
- 1 Brownie baking pan 8x8in (or use a mini muffin pan)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans no seasoning and drained. If canned, rinse.
- 3 tbsp cacao powder 100% cacao – unsweetened
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup avocado oil or coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips + more to top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 356F and prepare an 8×8 brownie pan or mini muffin pan.
- Using a food processor combine all ingredients (except the chocolate chips).
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie mixture, top with more chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake for 15 minutes approximately.
Notes
- To prepare the brownie pan, I like to grease it first and then add parchment paper. This way, the paper will stick to the bottom, making it easier to get the brownie dough to set. If using a mini brownie pan, make sure to grease it lightly (even silicone ones, as sometimes they will stick).
- For this recipe, you will need a food processor. A regular blender will not be able to handle this very thick mixture. I use this food processor, and it has been a game changer.
- For best results, allow the brownie to firm up for 10-15 minutes before cutting it.
Nutrition
More Sweet Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this yummy, healthier black bean brownie recipe, I think you may like these other sweet recipes:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
- Eggless Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Creamy Avocado Fudgesicles
- Healthier Almond Flour Brownies
Meal Planning Bundle
Are you looking for more resources to start weaning your baby? I have just what you need: the cutest printables to organize meal planning for your baby!
Delicious…… love it
Glad to hear that you enjoyed! Thanks for taking the time to rate and comment this recipe:)