I heard about using black beans in brownies a few years ago, and never thought in a million years I would give it a try. But, something must have come over me last week because I made them. And <gasp> I liked them! This is a big deal for me, because I am a brownie girl. No, I do not mean I am a Brownie Girl Scout, and I never was. I mean, I.love.brownies. If you ask me my most regular craving, it is brownies - boxed brownies.
Although I still prefer regular chocolate fudge boxed brownies over these black bean brownies, I was very impressed with the texture, taste and even the look. I tried homemade brownies a few years ago and they turned out flat and gooey. I'm a cake-like brownie kinda gal. I always add the extra egg to the boxed mix. These black bean brownies? Definitely dense and fudgy, but thick enough to resemble the cake-like height that I like.
<pause>
This is what happens when I walk too fast with a plate of stacked brownies.
This is what happens when I don't pick them up fast enough. 🙂
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Some reviews to the original recipe complained the brownies turned out gritty. Mine were not at all gritty and I am almost certain that those reviewers did not fully process the beans until smooth. So, please don't make the same mistake. There were also mixed reviews on how powerful the black bean taste came through. My first bite, I thought the black beans were too noticeable. Then I realized that as long as I had one chocolate chip in my bite, the black beans were disguised. Ben didn't notice the black beans at all.
The best part? You can feel better about eating dessert! This is a great way to get your kids and even yourself consuming more fiber and protein. Plus, it seems these days that we all know someone who is on a gluten-free diet. Next time they come over, surprise them with brownies!
Fudgy Black Bean Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed very well
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips , divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease an 8-x 8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, process the black beans in the until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the chocolate chips then process again until smooth. Add ½ cup of the chocolate chips then pulse a few times until just incorporated.
- Transfer the batter into the greased pan and smooth with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle the top evenly with the remaining ½ cup chocolate chips.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the sides and it passes the toothpick test. Cool completely in the pan, then slice into squares.
Nutrition
Hayden says
These a great! I make them all the time only with 2 eggs instead of 3 to make them fudgier.
Sue Gladd says
In the oven...with walnuts...
Christine says
just made these and they were delicious! Couldn't taste the black beans at all, and my 3 year old daughter ate them up, and came after us for bites of ours!
Nikki says
Great! My 2-year old loves these as well. 🙂
Mildred says
Just put them in the oven, but due to the taste of the batter, I'm sure they're going to be great! Wonderful gift for my gf friends, and something I can do with black beans! Yay!!!
Nikki says
Great! Come back and let us know how you liked the actual baked brownies! 🙂
Meredith says
I was scared at first, but I enjoyed them. They may not be Ghiradelli box mix brownies, but they were very good considering they were made with beans. They made me very excited to try other bean-y recipes during my gluten-free fast. Easter doesn't seem so far away now.
Anonymous says
Ghiradelli box mix is GREAT with blk beans. Omit egg,water,oil. Rinse beans return to can, fill w/ water then stir in box mix and bake according to package.
Alicia says
Just an FYI, Bob's Red Mill GF Brownie Mix is made with Ghiradelli cocoa powder.
Rachel says
Made them yesterday and they were okay (I don't like black beans but couldn't taste them). Had another one a day later an they were really good. These are definitely better a day later!! Thanks for sharing
Valentina says
Hi Nikki! So great to meet you today! I'm loving your blog -- and loved these brownies! Fun to see them here after devouring a couple this morning! Your photographs are beautiful and what a little cutie son you have! 🙂
Presley's Pantry says
These brownies were yummy! Thank you for sharing these wonderful treats along with your smile. Love the post with the pics of baby boy and brownies on floor! hahahaha.
xoxo-Nicole
Nancy says
I was lucky enough to taste these brownies from Nikki today and was totally amazed they were made with black beans. They were one of the best brownies I've ever had. Really great job Nikki!
Melissa says
I am starring these to try next time I see my newly gluten-free sister in law! And I love the picture of Judah, too cute!
Jacqueline says
I'm so glad you posted this! Seeing these in a recipe book, I never would've made them - but I trust you, so I'll have to give them a whorl!
Ani says
I like the boxed version also. Same with mac and cheese. I have a recipe for boxed black bean brownies if you would like it.
Nikki says
Hi Ani,
Sure! Send it via the Contact tab and I'll take a look. Thanks!
Sue Gladd says
Oh Nikki! This looks fabulous! I love the "stories" behind (I mean, "in front of") your recipes...brownies on the floor, Judah eating...haha!
Jen @ BeantownBaker.com says
What a cute pic of your little guy! I haven't tried the black bean brownies yet either, but I think I should give them a shot too.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
You would never know those were black bean brownies by the look of them!