Black Bean Brownies
You can’t beat the convenience of boxed brownie mix, but of course, it’s not up for any health awards—ahem ;).
In this simple recipe, I mix the dry powdery mix with a can of pureed black beans (no egg, oil or butter needed) to infuse the brownies with protein, fiber and nutrients. Trust me, there’s no trace of beany flavor… just pure chocolate bliss. And while the chopped almonds and/or chocolate chips on top are optional, I highly recommend them for extra deliciousness in every bite.
Try this Fudgy Lentil Brownies!
Black Bean Brownies
You can’t beat the convenience of boxed brownie mix, but of course, it’s not up for any health awards—ahem ;).
Ingredients
- 15 ounces black beans
- 1 box brownie mix
- ¼ to ½ cup toasted almonds or chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
- Mist an 8×8 brownie pan with nonstick oil spray and set aside.
- Rinse and drain black beans. Add the beans and one cup water to a blender and purée until completely smooth. Combine bean purée and dry brownie mix in a mixing bowl and stir to create a velvety batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle optional chopped almonds or chocoalte chips over top.
- Bake according to box directions and check doneness a little over halfway through (oven temp and cooking time will vary dependent on the size pan you use).
Nutrition Information per serving
Calories: 125Carbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gTotal Fat: 1.5g— Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g— Saturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 90mgFiber: 2gTotal Sugar: 14g— Natural Sugar: 1g— Added Sugar: 13g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe!
If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!
My grandchildren and I love those recipe. I saw this recipe on the Today’s show. Thank you for sharing
Hi Olga. Thanks for watching Joy on the Today Show and for stopping by to share your thoughts. We’re so glad you and the grandkids enjoyed Joy’s brownies. The canned beans trick is such an easy way to add nutrition to a favorite treat!
—Team Joy
Is this a mix for an 8 x 8 , 9x 9 ?
Hi Lynne, Joy uses an 8×8 square pan. Please let us know if you decide to give the recipe a try…we’re hoping you love it!
—Donna
Joy to increase chocolate flavor i use a cup of cooled coffee and i “frost “ with a PB or nut spread. The best combination IMO! Thx for the recipe!
Hi Susan, we’re so glad you enjoyed the brownies and we love to hear how you put your own personal spin on it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
—Donna
Delicious! You would not ever know there were black beans in these brownies. I used a Ghirardelli gluten free mix. Would make again!
So happy you enjoyed these brownies, Karen!! It’s such a great trick 😉 Thanks for sharing this wonderful review!
Mmh but is this to much sugar for Diabetic..we are diabetocs.
Hi Dolores! If you’d like, you can try using a sugar-free brownie mix to cut out the added sugar. Also, check out the diabetes section in my recipe index. Hopefully you’ll find a few new favorite recipes!
I made these brownies last night and they were delicious! I used sugar free brownie mix but next time I think I’ll use a richer mix or use the sugar free mix and add chocolate chips. They’re even better the next day. Definitely worth making time and time again! Thanks Joy!!
Hi Tricia! Thanks for sharing your feedback. So glad you loved this recipe! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Everybody loved the brownies! I was upset that you weren’t showcased in the Today Show cookbook.
Hi Dianne! I’m thrilled everyone loved the brownies! And you’re so sweet to say that about the cookbook… no worries, I’ll be showering you with recipes right here! xx
Delicious and healthy. Easy to make. I used a gluten free brownie mix and it worked perfectly.
I had my husband and father in law try the brownies. If they knew black beans were in it they wouldn’t have eaten them. They thought they were delicious and couldn’t tell a difference from the box recipe.
I’m not sharing with them they are made with black beans. My secret to get them to eat healthier
A must try!
Another delicious Joy recipe.
Jackie, this made me laugh out loud…I love your secret strategy! I’m so happy everyone enjoyed them (shhh… our little healthy secret!!).
What size box of brownie mix did you use?
Hi Amber! Joy used a standard-sized box of brownie mix, which is ~18 oz. Enjoy! If you choose to give it a shot, let us know what you think! — Eliza (Team Joy)
This is a great recipe! A sweet I can have without too much sugar, I am grateful for your recipe suggestions. Thanks!
Boom
Boom, thank you so much! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying these brownies and I really appreciate your kind words. Thanks for baking with me! xx
I made these today and I was skeptical because it seemed watery but my oh my they were delish! Nice and fudgy. I added the chocolate chips and my 8 year old couldn’t tell that they were made with beans. This is definitely a keeper.
My only question is how should I store them? Should they go in the fridge?
Hi Lex! So glad you and your 8-year-old loved these! We will keep the secret 😉 You can store these at room temp in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but if you want to keep them fresher longer, store then in the fridge for 5-7 days. Tip: If you’re stacking the brownies in a container, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Great, Thank you!
I love this recipe!! I add dried cranberries to my brownies. That’s my favorite!!!
Hi Scott!! We love this twist!! Thank you for sharing your favorite add-in — now we’re craving a batch with cranberries, too! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Excellent way to incorporate beans into a brownie, and taste delicious‼️
So happy you loved this one, Connie! xx