No Bake Black Bean Fudge Brownies + 5 Healthy Black Bean Recipes
Just 1 bowl and less than 10 minutes to make these black bean fudge brownies which require no baking at all! Vegan, allergy friendly, gluten free and refined sugar free, they are also chock full of protein and fiber too- A healthy snack or dessert!
Pssst. Before we get into the post, remember to enter the Birthday giveaway (3 winners with a $500 prize pack!) and also this giveaway here– Hello, Holiday!
Beans in desserts have become more and more popular over the last few years. From seeing them in blondies, to dips to even cookie dough- They have been appearing left, right and centre.
I’ve always been skeptical of it and to be honest, refrained from it. When black beans were suggested as the theme for our first month of recipe collating, I wanted to throw a pie at Alexis thank Alexis for throwing a challenge my way.
Black beans…you met your match. I wanted to stick to something I’ve become known for on here- No Bake treats. This in itself was another challenge. Having the black beans baked or cooked in something really does allow it to mask the ‘bean’ taste. With no baking required, the beans needed to be very well disguised. After some failed attempts, wasted maple syrup and smelling like Chipotle minus the deliciousness, I hit success. SUCCESS.
However, I didn’t trust myself or my taste buds. I mean, I did but I needed confirmation. I asked my epic buddy Alison to taste test them. Why? Because she’s a blogger who loves her healthy eats and would NOT be fooled by beans. If they were Alison approved, they would be blog approved.
This was the text I got.
Did you see that? THE WORLD NEEDS THOSE FUDGE BARS.
hihi.
Before we jump into my recipe, check out these other beauties from these four epic legumes.
Linds from The Lean Green Bean had me saying ‘Ola, Hombre!’ with her Mexican Layer Dip.
Kylie from Immaeatthat has made me want to dance around a tandoori oven with her Black Bean Naan Bowls.
Alexis my Hummusapien brought my claws out to battle the Cookie Monster for these Fudgy Black Bean Zucchini Cookies.
Julia from The Roasted Root has me balancing out my Ben and Jerry’s with these Sweet Potato Black Bean Breakfast Wraps.
So let’s talk these No Bake Black Bean Fudge Brownies. They are so easy to whip up, short ingredient list and are pretty darn healthy too! They are full of protein thanks to the beans, full of fiber thanks to the coconut flour (and the beans again) and only use a half cup of coconut sugar– No maple syrup required. You can keep them as it is or if you want to do what I did, add dairy free chocolate chips or homemade white chocolate chips (see this post for a tutorial). They are also vegan, gluten and dairy free!
Ready in 10 minutes flat, you have no excuses. They can be eaten as is or even better- Refrigerated for 20 minutes for some chocolate fudgy goodness. Bonus- To make it allergy friendly, use SunButter!
hihi.
- 1 can unsalted black beans, rinsed
- 1/2 cup almond butter (can sub for sunbutter or another nut butter of choice)
- 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar (or any granulated sweetener of choice)
- 1/4-1/2 cup dark cocoa powder (depending on how much chocolate flavour you want)
- 1/2 cup coconut flour, sifted*
- 1 T + dairy free milk of choice**
- 1/4 cup + mix ins of choice (I used dairy free chocolate chips + homemade paleo white chocolate chips)
- In a blender or food processor, pulse your beans completely (you can mash it by hand but it will take much longer and more beans may remain intact)
- In a small microwave safe bowl or stovetop, melt your nut butter/sunbutter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, melted nut butter, coconut palm sugar, cocoa and mix well. Add the coconut flour and ensure mixture is fully incorporated. Stir through mix ins of choice. If batter is too firm, add the dairy free milk 1 tablespoon at a time until a very thick batter is formed. If batter is not firm enough, add more coconut flour and omit the milk.
- Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Move the black bean brownie batter into the pan and press firmly. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or until firm.
- * You may need to add more depending on the consistency of the batter
- ** Only add if batter is crumbly
- Brownies can be kept at room temperature but best refrigerated.
Have you ever eaten a dessert with black beans?
What is your favourite legume?
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I wish you would include nutrition/calories per serving
Hi Pam, I don’t count calories and focus on the ingredients- You’re more than welcome to plug the ingredients into a calorie counting service like myfitnesspal if you want such information 🙂 Enjoy!
how does one get to be your epic friend and get these epic samplings? LOL!
hahaha live in New York!
Omg where have you been all my life and why am I only just discovering your blog in the last month. Seriously?! I want to eat every single recipe you post!
And I love how you said you didn’t trust your taste buds. I totally get that. I think pretty much everything I make is tasty, but I’m definitely used to “health food” and my taste buds have adapted. I always worry that the average person wouldn’t actually like it.
Speak for yourself- I’m not going to lie, I spent last week stalking your blog and your recipes!
Haha, when I was back in Australia, I’d have to get my sister to triple test everything
Beans are tough on my system in general, which is hilarious considering the amount of fiber that I consume on a daily basis. I’m also not the biggest black bean fan, but I really do like Cuban black beans (like, give me the spoon, walk away, the pain is worth it). But I want to try again! Maybe these will be my entre back into the world of beanage.
I agree with Lindsay, I’ll take some samples, shipping them to Philly isn’t far 🙂 LOVE that these are no bake, thank you for not making me turn on my oven when it’s 90 degrees!
OF course! That’s my goal! 😉
I can practically taste these through the screen and I’m loving them! Black bean brownies all day every day.
Right? They are tooooo good!
OH MY YUM. Do you think it would work if I used peanut butter in these? Sort of like PB Chocolate Brownies! Chocolate with peanut butter is one of my favorite combos 🙂
It definitely works with peanut butter, I made that version for a friend!
I love the fudgeyness of black beans brownies, but have not tried a no-bake version before, sounds like a fun experiment.
I adore black beans in general, but have a soft spot for lentil too!
Nice one! these are great Cara!
Dude! I am a huge fan of black beans! I used to not like them as a kid because we just never ate them. (You know, anything that you didn’t eat as a kid just isn’t good, right?) But some number of years ago, I overcame that fear of black beans. Now I love them! I usually toss them with some cheese into a quesadilla…but now I’ll have to save some for these bars! But you know what would have been awesome? Adding some maple syrup.
hahaha touche! Now I realllllly want a quesadilla!
pretty much dying over these. and the photos = epic
Speak for yourself! I was dying over your layer dip like…massive Mexican cravings!
When the world needs those bars then I have to try it 🙂 I wonder if I can plant this on Stefan without him noticing that it has black beens in it. I once made him eat bean brownies. The recipe was horrible and ever since he is quite aloof when it comes to beans in a dessert 😀
I love black beans! Fun fact: we have 1 brand that sells canned black beans here. I once tried to make dried ones in my slow cooker. They cooked for 24h after I watered them for 12h!
Promise he won’t be able to taste it- I made sure over 5 people try it out!
Yes, I read ‘THE WORLD NEEDS THOSE FUDGE BARS’. What?? Then I need one
You got me inspired with the whole bean thing. In Asia the use it often in their deserts, most of which I don’t like. However there are a couple that would be quite interesting to revamp.
Thanks for sharing!
Hahaha YES. Seriously try it out- I’ve always been so skeptical with them!
My dad prefers your treats over the ones I make. You don’t even know how many times he asked, “Do you still have those bars from Arman?” In my head: “But like, what about these oatmeal bars I made you?”
It’s okay though because these babies are seriously amazing. Pop never would have guessed there were black beans in there, and neither would I! Thanks for letting me try them as you struggled to find nourishment in the form of Fage yogurt.
Haha really?! Oh mad, well expect a tonne more, I’m experimenting next week 😀
Wow, Arman, these look great! I love baking with black beans, but have never thought to do a no bake dessert with them! Fantastic!
Thanks so much, Kelly- I was so skeptical but they turned out well 🙂
HAh! I love your texting conversation because it reminds me a lot of how my college friends and I communicate, minus a whole lot of vulgar terms to describe how they feel about the treats I give them ;).
These look great! I’ll admit that I am a little skeptical about beans in desserts still, but if you say so and have photos like this to shove in my face, my mouth is wide open!
LOL. I was fortunate it was cut off haha!
I am DEAD RIGHT NOW. And really jealous that Alison got to try these and the PB&J bars because those two are now my next two recipes. (just about to finish off another “bar” before i restock/fill up the freezer =l) and having a chocolate and peanu-jelly option for pretty much the only two cravings my life consists of. Me and my blender are going to become best friends just in time TO SEE YOUUUU!!!
P.s. chickpeas make bangggggginnn blondies.. just saying 😉
I’m STOKED you enjoyed these but best of all, I’m glad we hung out!
Arman, you GENIUS! I love me a baked black bean brownie, so you can imagine I’m dreaming about what these fudgy hunks of goodness do for my face trap. I’m pretty obsessed with the fact that they’re no-bake…just sayin. 😉 LOVE being a part of this group with you!
Thanks Julia! looking forward to next month already! 🙂
I’ve never done the baking with beans things – I was pretty convinced it couldn’t be done without, you know…tasting like beans? But you might have me convinced that it’s worth a shot 😉
Promise it’s good!!!
I made black bean brownies before, but the flavor really relied on the choco chips AND they had to be baked. I can’t bother with having to bake my shit! These look like awesome square pillows of fiber-rich tastiness. Assistant, go get me my measuring cups.
Thanks Eva! These are delicious!
This recipe sounds so easy, I have to try it. I’ve never baked or used black beans in dessert recipes but your pictures and this post has convinced me to. They look great, Arman!
Thanks so much Joanie! 🙂
Need need need. Making ASAP. I have a can of black beans that needs used up anyway. I love black beans… and all beans, really. Those naan bowls too.. omg.
So good!
You’re weird. I love it. #strangebutgood
I love me too 😉
YUM! I love your no-bake recipes!
Me too! 🙂
We need to live closer so you can send me things like this to test 🙂
Who knew there was so much deliciousness to be made with black beans.
haha sure!
Dude – you have outdone yourself! These sound and look amazing for no-bake!! And only 7 ingredients!
Thanks Shashi! 😀
I have never tried the whole beans in desserts thing, but this looks really good!
These are sooo addictive!
i’m pretty sure you’re the only one who can make BLACK BEAN BROWNIES look good!
Haha thank you!
Not gonna lie — I always give the stank eye to bean desserts, which I know I shouldn’t because of how many times I’ve been surprised in the past when it comes to strange combinations, but yeah. I’m still bitter about the bean brownies I made 5+ years ago that weren’t even edible when they were basically drowning in nut butter. But I trust your tastebuds…
You and me both aha! I made Alison promise to be 100% honest and her dad too!
These black bean brownies are looking good! I posted a black bean chocolate muffin recipe awhile back and you just reminded me that I do like black beans in baked goods. My favorite legume is chickpeas for sure though!
you need to try these- So good!
Are those brownies real life!? I’ve been eating a can of beans daily for the last couple weeks….no joke the entire can and this recipe would be perfect to cater to that.
You need these, so good!
Can I be your friend who taste tests and gets yummy packages?? 🙂 So fun, I love this theme because weirdly, I love my bean desserts.
I’d love to get involved with this link up if possible for next time!
I’m surprised at how well the beans turned out in them! So good!
I tried chickpeas once in blondies and was really surprised that I liked them! I’ve yet to try black bean brownies because I’m still skeptical, but you just may win me over!
Trust me, if I can handle them, you can!
I love this new series you guys are doing! So many of my favorite bloggers. 🙂
And I’m glad you decided to share these brownies with the world. They look amazing!
Thanks Sarah! 🙂
I am all about the chickpeas! They make great hummus, brownies, cookies and are amazing roasted as a snack. I’ve never had black bean brownies mostly because I love black beans as they are so I eat them before I can put them into anything else 🙂
Oh nice!
No bake black bean brownies…I am so there! YUM!
Thanks Alida! 🙂
So creative! I love this collaboration and I can’t wait to give this a try!
Thanks Heather! 🙂
Great post! I love this 🙂 Thank you for all the inspiration!
Very welcome Cindy! 🙂
Can I sign up to sample some recipes, please?!
YES. So much yes.
I too would like to sign up to receive recipe samples. Also please include calories per serving. And can I make these with pickles instead of black beans?
It’s calorie free! If you drink pickle juice. You can definitely sub it for black beans! 🙂
Wow, I am crazy impressed. No bake dessert with black beans and you pulled it off too. I’m also wondering where my package is. Um I’m a great taste tester. Hello. 🙂
You bet. You get the ones made with gold, silver and tassels.
Is there perhaps an ingredient ,such as Cocoa, missing? Unless chocolate chips are selected as a mix in, these “brownies” are not chocolate.
Janis!! You are a lifesaver- Thank you so much for that, I’m such a goose. Obviously forgetting the key ingredient to make it chocolate like.
These were really good. It was very difficult to not eat the entire batch once it was firm!
Thanks so much for the feedback, Molly 🙂
Can I sub honey for the 1/2 cup granulated sweetener? or will that make it too wet?
Hi KB! I haven’t tried it but I don’t see it not working- You might need to add a dash more coconut flour 🙂
I went with stevia for the sweetener. I used a combination of carob and cacao powder… As far as the add ins go I put chia seeds, hemp hearts and goji berries… Yes this recipe is a keeper! Thanks for posting!
🙂 Yay! Thanks so much, Julie! Ooo I like the combo of carob and cacao!
Would this work with Almond Flour? Love your recipes 🙂
Hi Christina! I haven’t tried it with all almond flour but let me know if you try it using it! 🙂