Vegan Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

$Black beans are the star of these brownies. They add moisture and richness. They also boost protein and fiber. This makes your dessert a bit healthier. Using one can (15 oz) rinsed and drained gives a perfect base. You won’t taste the beans at all. Instead, they create a dense and fudgy texture. They make these brownies unique and fun! I often use almond butter, but you can swap it out. Peanut butter works well, adding a nutty flavor. Sunflower seed butter is a good choice for nut allergies. Each option slightly changes the taste, but they all keep the brownies moist. Use 1/2 cup of any nut or seed butter. Just ensure it's smooth for the best texture. Maple syrup is my favorite sweetener for these brownies. It adds a rich flavor that pairs well with chocolate. You can use agave syrup or brown rice syrup instead. These alternatives keep the brownies vegan and sweet. Use 1/4 cup of your chosen sweetener. Adjust to your taste if you prefer a sweeter treat. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the brownies bake evenly. Next, grab an 8x8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the brownies out later. Now, it’s time to make the brownie base. In a food processor, mix the black beans, almond butter, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides. This ensures everything gets mixed well. Once your base is smooth, add the baking powder, salt, and almond milk. Blend again. The goal is to create a fudgy, dark mixture. It should feel thick but smooth. This is where the magic happens! To get that perfect fudgy texture, start with the right beans. Use a can of black beans, rinse them well, and drain them. This step removes extra salt and helps the brownies stay moist. Blend the beans with almond butter, maple syrup, and cocoa powder until smooth. A smooth mix adds to the fudginess. When you bake them, leave a few moist crumbs on the toothpick. This keeps the brownies soft and chewy. Overmixing can ruin your brownies. Blend the batter until smooth, but don’t go too far. After adding the baking powder and almond milk, mix just until everything is combined. When you fold in the chocolate chips, use a spatula gently. This keeps the batter airy. Air helps the brownies rise and stay light. To boost the chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder. Choose a brand that you enjoy eating. Adding extra vegan chocolate chips on top gives a great melt-in-your-mouth experience. Consider mixing in a splash of espresso or strong coffee to deepen the chocolate taste. This trick works wonders to elevate the flavor, making your brownies even more delicious. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your black beans are fresh and well-rinsed to avoid any canning residue that may affect the flavor. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup to make the brownies sweeter or less sweet. Experiment with Nut Butters: Try different nut or seed butters like cashew or sunflower seed butter for varied flavor profiles. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week for maximum freshness. {{image_2}} These brownies are naturally gluten-free. Black beans replace flour. They give a rich, fudgy texture. You do not need to worry about gluten at all. Just make sure your chocolate chips are also gluten-free. You can add nuts for crunch. Walnuts or pecans work great. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg add warmth. You can also mix in fruits like chopped bananas or berries. These will bring new flavors and textures. Maple syrup gives a nice sweetness. You can use agave syrup for a lighter taste. Honey is another option if you are not strictly vegan. Adjust the amount to meet your sweet tooth. Each sweetener can change the flavor just a bit. Experiment and find what you like best! To keep your Vegan Fudgy Black Bean Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, freezing is a great option. Freezing brownies is simple. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take out a piece and let it thaw at room temperature. To reheat your brownies, place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 10-15 seconds. Check to see if they are warm enough. If you want a softer texture, add a small drizzle of almond milk before heating. This tip helps to keep them fudgy and delicious. Enjoy your brownies warm for a delightful treat! Yes, you can use canned black beans. They save time and work well in this recipe. Just rinse and drain them before blending. This keeps your brownies smooth and fudgy. Vegan brownies last about 5 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also refrigerate them for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze them. Yes, you can substitute cocoa powder with dark chocolate. Use about 4 ounces of melted chocolate. This will give your brownies a rich flavor. Make sure the chocolate is dairy-free to keep them vegan. You can use any plant-based milk you like. Options include soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Each type adds a unique flavor, so choose one that you enjoy! In this article, we explored the key ingredients for tasty brownies, like black beans and sweeteners. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you make the perfect batch. We covered tips to ensure a fudgy texture and fun ways to customize your brownies. Storing and reheating them properly keeps them fresh and delicious. Enjoy your baking journey, and remember, simple swaps can lead to great results!$

Vegan Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

Deliciously fudgy brownies made with black beans and almond butter, perfect for a vegan treat.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Dessert

Cuisine Vegan

Servings 16

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz)
0.5 cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter of choice)
0.25 cup maple syrup
0.25 cup cocoa powder
0.25 cup vegan chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons almond milk (or any plant-based milk)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a food processor, combine the black beans, almond butter, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Add the baking powder, salt, and almond milk. Blend again until everything is well incorporated and the mixture is fudgy and dark.
Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips by hand using a spatula.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Smooth the top with the spatula.
Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for added indulgence.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay for fudginess).
Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang and place them on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Keyword brownies, dessert, gluten-free, vegan