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    Home » Desserts

    Vegan Black Bean Brownies (Gluten Free + No Oil)

    Updated: Sep 13, 2022 by Verna Rindler · This post may contain affiliate links · 30 Comments

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    vegan black bean brownies on a cutting board

    Dense and fudgy Vegan Black Bean Brownies are so incredibly delicious that you’ll forget how healthy they are! Completely flourless, naturally gluten and oil free, and loaded with walnuts, every bite tastes like a chocolate lover’s dream.

    vegan black bean brownies cut into squares on a cutting board

    Brownies made out of beans?? You betcha! These Vegan Black Bean Brownies are so chocolatey, sweet, and fudgy. Plus, they’re naturally gluten free, oil free, and healthy!

    You may never go back to regular vegan brownies recipes after taking a bite of these gluten free black bean brownies. They’re full of chocolatey goodness as well as walnuts and orange zest, and taste nothing like beans (so great, right?!). 

    I really think you’re going to love them because they’re:

    • Made without flour, flax eggs, oil, or dairy!
    • Can be made refined sugar free without the chocolate chips.
    • Not overly sweet.
    • Moist, chocolatey, and rich.
    • The perfect healthy vegan dessert!

    Looking for more healthy vegan gluten free brownies to try? Make these Raw Vegan Brownies next!

    Black bean brownie ingredients

    • Black beans - This is the perfect recipe to make when you have leftover cans of black beans to use up.
    • Dates - Soaked dates help form the sticky brownie batter, keep everything intact, and add a touch of natural sweetness.
    • Almond butter - Peanut butter, another nut butter, or seed butter also works.
    • Maple syrup - You could also use granulated sugar or another liquid sweetener. If using granulated sugar, go with 1/3 to 1/2 of a cup.
    • Cocoa powder - Because you can’t have chocolate brownies without cocoa powder!
    • Instant espresso - Don’t worry, this doesn’t make the brownies taste like coffee! The espresso, instant coffee, or brewed coffee or espresso will only enhance the chocolatey flavor.
    • Walnuts - Optional, but they add some nice texture. You can always replace these with almonds, pecans, peanuts, or another nut you love.
    • Chopped chocolate - Use dark chocolate or vegan chocolate chips to make these vegan brownies taste extra chocolatey.
    • Orange zest - This is also optional but tastes so fresh and bright among the rich chocolate.
    ingredients for vegan black bean brownies in a mixing bowl
    Jump to:
    • Black bean brownie ingredients
    • How to make vegan black bean brownies
    • Tips for success
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Hungry for more vegan chocolate desserts
    • Vegan Black Bean Brownies (Gluten Free + No Oi)

    How to make vegan black bean brownies

    Dates and black beans are mixed together with wet and dry ingredients to form the easy chocolate brownie batter. After a few minutes in the oven, you’ll be able to enjoy this ooey gooey vegan dessert! Here’s how it’s done:

    1. Place the dates in a bowl and cover them in boiling water. Let them soak for a few minutes so they can soften, then drain the water.
    2. Add the soaked dates and black beans, milk, maple syrup, and almond butter to a food processor. Blend together and Mix until smooth.
    3. Add the rest of the ingredients to a large bowl along with the date and bean mixture and gently stir everything together until combined.
    4. Pour the brownie batter into a brownie pan and bake.
    5. Let the finished black bean brownies cool completely before slicing and enjoying. For full ingredients and instructions see printable recipe card below.
    step by step photos how to make vegan black bean brownies
    black bean brownies sliced in the pan ready to serve

    Tips for success

    • You can make this healthy brownie recipe in a blender if you don’t own a food processor.
    • Drain, rinse, and dry the canned black beans beforehand so the brownies don’t have too much liquid in the batter. 
    • Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of the brownie batter before they go in the oven.
    • If you don’t own a brownie pan, use a regular 9 x 13 baking dish or a greased muffin tin instead.
    • Make the gluten-free brownies easier to cut by placing the baked batch in the fridge first.
    • For nut free black bean brownies, omit the walnuts and replace the almond butter with sunflower seed butter or soy butter instead. You might need an extra tablespoon or so of plant milk to thin the batter slightly.
    • Decorate the cooled brownies with chocolate frosting, ganache, or cream cheese frosting.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do black bean brownies taste like beans?

    Nope! The bean flavor in the brownie batter is hidden by the chocolate, espresso, vanilla extract, dates, and maple syrup. All you’ll taste is a rich chocolate flavor.

    Why should you use black beans to make brownies?

    Think of this black bean brownies recipe like energy or protein bars. The beans are full of protein, fiber, and nutrients, transforming what’s usually a sugar-loaded dessert into a healthy treat! The question should really be, “why WOULDN’T you use black beans in brownies?”

    How do you serve black bean brownies?

    I love to heat up the brownies for a few seconds in the microwave before serving. Enjoy them with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream, and sprinkles!

    How do you store these?

    Keep the brownies in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days so they stay fresh and moist.

    Can you freeze these brownies?

    Yep! Just wrap them really well in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. 

    Hungry for more vegan chocolate desserts

    • Vegan Chocolate Cake
    • Chocolate Coconut Date Balls
    • Chocolate Bars
    • Vegan Chocolate Pudding

    Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

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    vegan black bean brownies cut into squares on a cutting board

    Vegan Black Bean Brownies (Gluten Free + No Oi)


    ★★★★★

    5 from 8 reviews

    • Author: Verna
    • Total Time: 55 minutes
    • Yield: 12-18 servings 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Dense and fudgy Vegan Black Bean Brownies are so incredibly delicious that you’ll forget how healthy they are! Completely flourless, naturally gluten and oil free, and loaded with walnuts, every bite tastes like a chocolate lover’s dream.

     


    Ingredients

    Scale

    For brownies:

    • 2- 19 oz cans of black beans (no salt), rinsed well and drained well (pat them dry a little)
    • 1 cup whole pitted dates
    • 1/4 cup unsweetened plant milk 
    • 1/2 cup of almond butter
    • 1/3 cup of maple syrup 
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, I like Hershey's 100% natural 
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon instant coffee
    • zest of 1 large orange
    • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
    • 200 grams dairy free dark chocolate, chopped or 1 slightly heaped cup of vegan chocolate chips

    Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 350° degrees. Set aside a 7x11 non stick baking pan or a glass pan of similar size or little larger. You can lightly grease pan or not for oil free.
    2. Add the dates to a bowl, cover with boiling water (from kettle) for a few minutes (this softens the dates). Drain the dates and add to a 10 cup (or larger) food processor along with black beans, milk, almond butter, maple syrup and vanilla. Process until smooth scraping down the sides as needed.
    3. Add the mixture to a large mixing bowl with the cocoa, salt, baking power and soda, cornstarch, coffee and zest. Mix until combined, the batter will be thick. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate. Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan. sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
    4. Bake for 35 minutes. Set brownies on wire rack. Run a sharp knife around the edge of pan. Cool to room temperature. At this point you can slice them but if you find them too soft, set them uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill. Slice serve and enjoy! Makes 12 -18 brownies, depending on how big you cut them.

    Notes

    • Store: brownies will keep in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
    • Almond butter: sub peanut butter -or sunflower seed butter for nut free (omit walnuts)

    Recipe was originally posted June, 2018 It has been updated with new photos and easy to follow instructions. The recipe itself is unchanged.

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 35 minutes
    • Category: Desserts, gluten free
    • Method: Oven
    • Cuisine: American, Canadian

    Keywords: vegan black bean brownies, gluten free black bean brownies

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cheeky_chickpea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #cheeky_chickpea_

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alexandria

      February 25, 2021 at 3:11 am

      I made them yesterday, delicious!! My husband couldn’t believe that they were made with 2 cans of beans 🤣
      We have just changed our diet to GF and plant based, thank you for a great go to treat.

      Reply
      • Verna

        February 25, 2021 at 7:07 am

        Thrilled you enjoyed the brownies. Thank you so much for your comment Alexandria

        Reply
    2. Erratic Plaid

      September 15, 2020 at 3:16 am

      Really great! My family didn't know they were made with black beans!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        September 15, 2020 at 2:23 pm

        Thrilled your family enjoyed the brownies. thanks so much for your comment!

        Reply
    3. Megan

      March 17, 2020 at 6:39 pm

      These black bean brownies are so easy and SO good! My kids love them. Thank you

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        March 18, 2020 at 12:20 am

        So happy to hear that Megan! Glad you're all enjoying them!

        Reply
    4. Dawn Burton

      October 17, 2019 at 6:22 am

      Hello! Have you tried these without the orange zest? How were they? Also, have you tried to sub wild orange essential oil in place of the orange zest?

      Reply
      • Verna

        October 17, 2019 at 11:45 am

        Hi Dawn, no I have not tried without the orange zest but I'm sure the brownies would still be tasty, I have not used orange essential oil in my baking. Have a great day Dawn!!

        Reply
      • Erratic Plaid

        September 15, 2020 at 3:18 am

        I made without the orange zest/oil. Fabulous!

        Reply
        • Verna

          September 15, 2020 at 2:21 pm

          Wonderful! glad you enjoyed them

          Reply
    5. Karen

      September 29, 2019 at 1:24 am

      I took your brownies to my son’s college for feed the team after their soccer game. They were a hit!

      Reply
      • Verna

        September 29, 2019 at 1:53 pm

        oh that's awesome!! So glad everyone enjoyed them!? Thank you so much for your comment Karen!

        Reply
    6. Iona

      May 27, 2019 at 4:29 pm

      Looks wonderful, will be making this on day off. Tried subscribing but could not make entry on 'nof a robot' box. Would love to be subscribed. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Verna

        May 27, 2019 at 4:48 pm

        Hi Iona, thank you for bringing this to my attention. I am working to fix the problem. Enjoy the Brownies!?❤️

        Reply
    7. Janice

      April 12, 2019 at 6:41 pm

      Are you kidding me! We are blown away by these brownies! Looking for so long for a healthy tasty vegan brownie!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        April 13, 2019 at 12:35 am

        Oh wow! this makes me so happy! thank you so much Janice!

        Reply
    8. Natalie

      February 15, 2019 at 3:39 pm

      Is there anything I can sub for the espresso or can I omit? I'm allergic. Thanks.

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        February 15, 2019 at 3:49 pm

        Hi Natalie, just leave it out. Add another teaspoon of vanilla if you'd like. Enjoy!

        Reply
    9. Brian

      September 28, 2018 at 2:15 pm

      just can't stop eating them. Can you live on these?

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        September 28, 2018 at 4:07 pm

        Haha! My husband thinks you can? thanks for the comment Brian. Have a great day!

        Reply
    10. Carrie

      August 27, 2018 at 7:40 pm

      Made these last week for a get together everyone loved them! Thank you for the recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        August 27, 2018 at 10:07 pm

        Oh Yeah!! I'm so glad , thanks so much for the comment Carrie.

        Reply
    11. Leana

      August 27, 2018 at 7:38 pm

      These are our favorite brownies. I love quilt free treats

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        August 27, 2018 at 10:10 pm

        I'm so glad you love them, they are my husbands favourite too. I love guilt free also haha. I'm posting some chocolate cookies in a couple of days and they are definitely not guilt free, lol

        Reply
    12. Britt Leeworthy

      July 26, 2018 at 2:51 am

      The Best !!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        July 28, 2018 at 4:55 am

        Aww thx so much! So appreciated? Happy day to you

        Reply
    13. Alexa

      June 26, 2018 at 11:17 pm

      These are SO yummy and I love that they are guilt free?!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        June 27, 2018 at 3:08 pm

        Thank you!?

        Reply
    14. Jenny

      June 21, 2018 at 11:32 am

      Soooo good! A new favourite recepie! Best I found so far!!Thanks from
      Finland!

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        June 21, 2018 at 2:43 pm

        OH Thank you! I'M so glad you love them! They are my husbands favourite. Its a bonus they're healthy. Happy Day to you? Jenny from Finland.

        Reply

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    Hi, I’m Verna! Major foodie of all things vegan! Welcome to The Cheeky Chickpea; here, you’ll find hundreds of restaurant-worthy easy vegan recipes. Some oil-free and gluten-free, from veggie-powered plant-based comfort foods to decadent desserts. Lots of tricks and tips up my chef sleeve…Grab your apron let’s get cooking!

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