This post was sponsored by S&W Beans as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Ultimate Healthy Black Bean Brownies: A Rich, Fudgy, and Guilt-Free Indulgence

Stepping beyond my kitchen comfort zone has always been a personal goal, especially when it comes to experimenting with new recipes and finding innovative ways to make beloved dishes healthier. For 2018, I challenged myself to tackle recipes that once seemed daunting or unconventional. This culinary adventure took an exciting turn when S&W Beans presented me with a unique proposition: transform a chef-inspired recipe into a healthier version using their incredible black beans. My mind immediately gravitated towards a surprising, yet intriguing, concept: creating a Black Bean Brownies recipe. The idea of using beans in a dessert might sound unusual, but it promised a delightful journey into the world of wholesome baking.

The quest to find the perfect recipe began with countless hours scouring cookbooks, Pinterest boards, and various food blogs. As I brainstormed, the omnipresent allure of chocolate recipes kept catching my eye. Why not combine my love for chocolate with this healthy challenge? The vision for a truly fudgy, deeply satisfying brownie that secretly packed a nutritional punch began to take shape. This recipe isn’t just about making brownies; it’s about redefining what a healthy dessert can be – a treat that delights your palate while nourishing your body.

Unlock the Hidden Health Benefits: Why Black Beans Belong in Your Brownies

Now that we’ve settled into our new home, equipped with a spacious pantry and ample storage, I’m thrilled to keep a wide array of S&W Beans on hand. These versatile legumes are a fantastic addition to countless recipes, offering both convenience and a powerful nutritional boost. While commonly used in savory dishes, black beans are a surprisingly brilliant secret ingredient for elevating the health profile of baked goods, particularly brownies.

Beyond their role in creating a rich, fudgy texture, S&W Black Beans are a nutritional powerhouse. They are an excellent source of magnesium, a vital mineral known for its role in lowering the risk of diabetes. With a family history of diabetes, I am always seeking ways to incorporate foods that support blood sugar regulation into our diet. The S&W website also highlights research showing that individuals who regularly consume beans tend to maintain a healthier weight, making these brownies a truly guilt-free indulgence.

Furthermore, the health benefits of black beans extend to cardiovascular wellness. It’s astonishing to learn that just four servings of beans a week can reduce your risk of heart disease by an impressive 14%! This fact alone solidified my commitment to integrating more beans into our meals. While my previous experience with beans was primarily limited to hearty soups and robust chilis, exploring the extensive S&W Beans Recipe Page revealed a world of creative possibilities, including their unexpected yet perfect fit for decadent chocolate desserts.

S&W Black Beans: Quality and Convenience for Your Culinary Adventures

Choosing the right ingredients is paramount, especially when venturing into innovative recipes like black bean brownies. S&W Beans stand out for their consistent quality, taste, and the sheer convenience they offer. Their beans are meticulously prepared, ensuring they are ready to be incorporated into your recipes with minimal effort. This reliability is particularly beneficial when you’re experimenting with unconventional ingredients, providing a solid foundation for successful baking.

The S&W Beans Recipe Page is a treasure trove of inspiration for cooks and bakers alike. It’s not just about black beans; you’ll find an incredible variety of recipes featuring all the diverse beans offered by S&W. Whether you’re looking for savory main courses, vibrant side dishes, or surprising sweet treats, this page offers endless ideas to help you incorporate more legumes into your diet. And to make healthy eating even more accessible, be sure to look for S&W Coupon Offers, allowing you to save on your favorite beans at the grocery store.

Crafting the Perfect Black Bean Brownie: The Recipe Unleashed

It’s time to unveil the recipe that will change your perception of healthy desserts. These black bean brownies are remarkably easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver an intensely rich, chocolatey, and delightfully fudgy experience. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this innovative twist on a classic treat.

Black Bean Brownies Recipe

Easy to make from scratch Black Bean Brownies that taste great and are packed with healthy goodness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 16

Calories per serving: 155 kcal

Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• ¾ cup S&W Black Beans (one 15-oz can, drained and thoroughly rinsed)
• ½ cup Vegetable Oil
• 2 Large Eggs
• ¼ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• ⅔ cup Granulated White Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
• ½ cup Mini Chocolate Chips (divided, ¼ cup for blending, ¼ cup for folding in)
• ⅓ cup All-Purpose Flour
• ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder
• ½ Teaspoon Salt
• ¼ cup Confectioners’ Powdered Sugar (for dusting on top, optional)

Instructions

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with butter or a non-stick cooking spray.
3. In a powerful blender or food processor, combine the thoroughly drained and rinsed S&W Black Beans with the vegetable oil. Process until the mixture is completely smooth, ensuring no bean chunks remain. This step is crucial for the brownies’ texture.
4. Add the eggs, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to the blender with the bean puree. Blend again until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth.
5. Melt ¼ cup of the mini chocolate chips (you can do this in a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or over a double boiler). Add the melted chocolate to the blender mixture and blend one final time until fully incorporated and the batter is velvety smooth.
6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
7. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the blender with the wet ingredients. Pulse the blender just until the flour mixture is incorporated into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
8. Remove the blender jar and, using a spatula, gently fold in the remaining ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips by hand.
9. Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared 9×9 inch baking pan.
10. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The brownies should still feel slightly soft in the center for that perfect fudgy texture.
11. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. This patience is key for their optimal fudginess and clean cuts. Once cooled, optionally dust with confectioners’ powdered sugar or sprinkle with extra mini chocolate chips before serving.

Kitchen Tools

• Blender or Food Processor
• 9×9 inch Baking Pan
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula

Nutrition Facts

(Based on 16 servings)

Nutrition Facts	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	155
Calories from Fat	72
Total Fat	8g	12%
Saturated Fat	6g	38%
Cholesterol	21mg	7%
Sodium	115mg	5%
Potassium	71mg	2%
Total Carbohydrates	18g	6%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	13g	14%
Protein	1g	2%
Vitamin A	40IU	1%
Vitamin C	0.2mg	0%
Calcium	21mg	2%
Iron	0.6mg	3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tips for Baking Perfect Black Bean Brownies Every Time

Achieving that coveted fudgy texture and rich flavor in your black bean brownies is all about paying attention to a few key details. Follow these essential tips to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly delicious and truly surprising:

• Rinse Your Beans Thoroughly: Always ensure your S&W Black Beans are well-drained and thoroughly rinsed before use. This step is vital to remove any excess sodium and the canning liquid, which could otherwise subtly alter the taste profile of your sweet treat.
• Blend Until Silky Smooth: The secret to seamlessly incorporating black beans into brownies without any “beany” taste or texture is powerful blending. Use a high-speed blender or food processor to puree the beans with the oil until the mixture is absolutely silky smooth, with no discernible chunks. This creates the foundational moisture and fudginess.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until they are combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, less tender brownie. A few gentle pulses in the blender or careful folding by hand is usually all that’s needed.
• Precision in Baking Time: Brownies can quickly go from perfectly fudgy to disappointingly dry if overbaked. Keep a close watch on your oven. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), your brownies are ready. Remember, they will continue to set slightly as they cool.
• Cool Completely for Best Texture: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to brownies. Allowing them to cool entirely in the pan on a wire rack is crucial. This not only allows the fudgy texture to fully set but also makes for much cleaner, more precise cuts when you’re ready to serve.
• Enhance Chocolate Flavor: For an even deeper chocolate taste, consider adding a pinch of instant espresso powder or a tiny amount of brewed coffee to the batter. These subtle additions won’t make your brownies taste like coffee, but they will amplify the cocoa notes beautifully.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Healthy Brownies

While the classic black bean brownie recipe is a revelation on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative with additions and substitutions. These brownies are incredibly forgiving and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences:

• Add a Nutty Crunch: For an extra layer of texture and healthy fats, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter with the chocolate chips.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Elevate the chocolate experience by using different types of chocolate chips – think dark chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips. A final drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled brownies adds a gourmet touch.
• Spice It Up: Introduce a hint of warmth by adding a ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a tiny dash of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a Mexican-inspired chocolate kick.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: To make these brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Always check that your baking powder is also certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Friendly: For a completely plant-based version, replace the eggs with “flax eggs” (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg, let sit for 5-10 minutes until gel-like) or a commercial vegan egg replacer. Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free and vegan-certified.
• Citrus Infusion: For a bright, refreshing twist, add the zest of one orange or a few drops of orange extract to the batter. Chocolate and orange is a classic pairing that works beautifully here.

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

These black bean brownies are not only delicious but also store exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping healthy treats or enjoying throughout the week.

• Room Temperature: Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigeration: To extend their freshness, particularly in warmer climates, place the brownies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. They are delightful served chilled, or you can let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
• Freezing for Long-Term: For longer storage, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature for an hour or two, or gently warm them in the microwave for a quick treat.

Exploring More Healthy & Delicious Dessert Recipes

If these surprising black bean brownies have ignited your passion for healthier baking, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is a hub of creativity, constantly buzzing with new recipe ideas designed to satisfy your cravings while keeping wellness in mind. Dive into our extensive collection of other fantastic brownie creations and diverse dessert options:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
• Classic Scratch Made Chocolate Brownies
• Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies
• Bourbon Cherry Brownies
• Smores Brownies

Don’t stop there! Explore all of our Dessert Recipes for even more inspiration. We also offer a delightful range of copycat recipes and convenient CrockPot Recipes, perfect for any occasion and lifestyle.

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Recipe originally shared on March 12, 2018. Updated December 2020.