Black Bean Avocado Brownies are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional brownies. Made with black beans and avocado instead of flour and butter, these brownies are a great option for those looking for a gluten free or vegan dessert option.
Or try naturally gluten free Vegan Chickpea Brownies.
Black beans are a great source of protein and fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a great addition to any diet. Avocado, on the other hand, is another great ingredient to use in brownies, since it is high in healthy fats and helps make the brownies moist and velvety.
While some people may be hesitant to try Black Bean Avocado Brownies, they are actually quite delicious and anyone can enjoy them, regardless of their dietary restrictions. Whether you are looking for a healthier dessert option or simply want to try something new, Black Bean Avocado Brownies are definitely worth a try.
Origin of Black Bean Avocado Brownies
While black beans and cocoa powder originated in Latin America, Black Bean Avocado Brownies have their origin in the trend to eat healthier foods and explore alternative ingredients in baking. People all over the world now enjoy this healthy, tasty twist on the classic chocolate brownie recipe.
Health Benefits of Black Bean Avocado Brownies
Black Bean Avocado Brownies are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for the human body. Black beans are, for example, a great source of iron, potassium and antioxidants, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Avocados, on the other hand, are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, which helps to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin.
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Ingredients in Black Bean Avocado Brownies
BLACK BEANS – Puréed black beans serve as the base of these brownies, providing a rich, fudgy texture. They are also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. You can use canned black beans for this recipe, but make sure you rinse and drain them well before using.
AVOCADO – Avocado is a key ingredient in these brownies, replacing traditional butter or oil. This superfood adds vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and creaminess to the brownies while also keeping them moist. Make sure you use ripe avocado for best results.
COCOA POWDER – Cocoa powder is what gives these brownies their chocolate flavor. Look for unsweetened cocoa powder to keep the sugar content of the recipe in check. To make dark chocolate Black Bean Avocado Brownies, use half regular cocoa powder and half Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
GRANULATED SWEETENER OF CHOICE – Sugar or your preferred sweetener. For fewer calories, opt for a sugar free sweetener such as zero-calorie monk fruit, a natural sweetener derived from the monk fruit plant.
BAKING POWDER – adds some rise to this flourless dessert.
EGG OR VEGAN EGG
ALMOND FLOUR
VANILLA EXTRACT – for flavor and aroma and to enhance the other flavors.
CINNAMON (optional) – goes exceptionally well with chocolate and adds a seductive aroma.
HEMP HEARTS or ALMOND FLOUR – Hemp hearts add a nutty and crunchy texture to these gluten free brownies. If you don’t have any, just use almond flour.
WALNUTS (optional) – If you like adding nuts to your brownies, walnuts taste great in these.
Get Your Frosting Fix with Rich and Creamy Healthy Chocolate Frosting
CHOCOLATE-AVOCADO FROSTING – Black bean brownies are soft and fudgy to begin with. So topping this flourless delight with creamy, dairy free Chocolate-Avocado Frosting makes them more gooey than ever. Half a recipe of this vegan frosting, i.e., 1 avocado suffices for frosting the brownies. But if you make the entire low carb Chocolate-Avocado Frosting recipe, you can freeze any leftover chocolate frosting or enjoy this low-calorie, plant-based treat on its own as naturally dairy free, keto, vegan chocolate-avocado mousse.
Indulge in perfection: Black Sesame Pie Crust delights!
How to Make the Perfect Batch of Fudgy Black Bean Avocado Brownies
WITHOUT A FOOD PROCESSOR: Purée the black beans and avocado with an immersion blender or in a blender. Then use an electric mixer to mix all the ingredients together.
WITH A FOOD PROCESSOR: Process the black beans and avocado until smooth. Then, add the cocoa powder, sweetener, baking powder, egg (or vegan flax egg ), almond flour, vanilla extract, hemp hearts (or almond flour), and optional cinnamon. Pulse until everything is well combined. Then, stir in the optional walnuts.
Pour the batter into an 8 x 8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Smooth out the top with a spatula before baking for 15–20 minutes or until set.
Let cool completely before slicing into squares and serving. These gluten free chocolate brownies are perfect on their own or topped with Chocolate-Avocado Frosting, fresh berries, nuts or ice cream.
Want to make brownies with chickpea flour? Try naturally grain free Chickpea Flour Brownies.
Serving Suggestions
Black Bean Avocado Brownies are a unique and delicious treat that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various toppings. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your brownie experience:
- Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries make a refreshing and colorful addition to Black Bean Avocado Brownies. The tartness of the fruit contrasts nicely with the rich chocolate flavor of the brownies.
- Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of a warm brownie adds a creamy and decadent touch. For a healthier option, try using coconut whipped cream or Greek yogurt instead.
- Nuts: Chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to complement the brownies. Sprinkle them on top or mix them into the batter before baking.
- Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream alongside a warm brownie creates a classic and indulgent dessert. For a dairy free option, try using coconut or almond milk ice cream.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over a brownie adds a sweet and gooey layer that takes the dessert to the next level. For a healthier option, try using date caramel or maple syrup instead.
Tools to Make Black Bean Avocado Brownies
- 1 square 8-inch baking pan – Be sure to line the bottom with parchment paper and spray the sides with baking spray.
- Parchment paper – to line the bottom of the pan.
- 1 food processor – or make this recipe with 1 immersion blender or 1 blender and 1 electric mixer.
- 1 large mixing bowl – to mix the brownie ingredients if you’re not using a food processor.
Or try mouthwatering Sweet Potato Brownies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Black bean brownies are a popular alternative to traditional brownies because they offer several benefits. They are healthier since black beans provide protein and fiber, and they are lower in calories compared to regular brownies. Additionally, black bean brownies are an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions, such as gluten free or vegan diets, as they typically don’t contain flour or animal products. Lastly, some people enjoy the rich, fudgy texture that black beans add to the brownies.
To achieve a fudgy texture in black bean brownies, it is important to not overbake them. The brownies should be slightly undercooked, with a moist and gooey center. Additionally, using a high-quality cocoa powder helps enhance the richness and fudginess of the brownies.
Avocado is a great substitute for butter or oil in brownie recipes, as it is high in healthy fats and nutrients such as fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and K. These nutrients in avocado can help support heart health, digestion, and overall wellbeing.
Yes, it’s easy to make black bean brownies gluten free. This Black Bean Avocado Brownie recipe, for example, uses almond flour instead of wheat flour.
While black bean brownies have a slightly different taste and texture than traditional brownies, they are still delicious and satisfying. The black beans add a nutty flavor and fudgy texture, while the avocado adds a creamy richness. Overall, Black Bean Avocado Brownies are a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional brownies.
Why Sweeten Black Bean Avocado Brownies with Monk Fruit?
There are several reasons to sweeten your Black Bean Avocado Brownies with Monk Fruit:
- Low-Calorie and Sugar Free: Monk fruit sweetener is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the monk fruit plant. So, monk fruit is a great option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake or avoid sugar while still enjoying sweet treats like brownies.
- Low Glycemic Index: Monk fruit sweetener has a glycemic index score of zero, which means it does not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels when consumed. This makes it a suitable sweetener for individuals following low carb or diabetic-friendly diets.
- No Aftertaste: Unlike some other sugar substitutes, monk fruit sweetener typically does not have a strong aftertaste or bitter flavor. It closely mimics the taste of sugar, making it a desirable choice for sweetening baked goods like brownies without altering their flavor.
- Natural Origin: Monk fruit sweetener is derived from the monk fruit, a small green gourd native to China.
- Stability in Baking: Monk fruit sweetener is heat-stable, meaning it retains its sweetness when exposed to high temperatures during baking. This makes it suitable for use in recipes like brownies where sugar plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture and structure.
Overall, sweetening brownies with monk fruit provides a sweet and indulgent flavor without the drawbacks of sugar, making it a popular choice for those seeking healthier or low-sugar alternatives.
Storage and Preservation
Black bean avocado brownies are a tasty and healthy treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. However, to ensure that they remain fresh and delicious, it is important to store them properly.
- You can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to one week.
Can I Freeze Black Bean Avocado Brownies?
Yes, definitely. Just put your gluten free Black Bean Avocado Brownies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. I love keeping these luscious black bean brownies handy for a snack or excursion.
DID YOU MAKE THIS BLACK BEAN AVOCADO BROWNIE RECIPE?
I’d love to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment/star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below. And, of course, be sure to tag me on Instagram as I love seeing photos of the recipes you’ve made.
Black Bean Avocado Brownies Recipe
Equipment
- 1 square 8 inch baking pan
- parchment paper
- 1 food processor – or make this recipe with 1 immersion blender or 1 blender and 1 electric mixer.
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl if you aren't using a food processor
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can of black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup pureed avocado
- ¾ cup cocoa powder For very dark brownies, use half Dutched cocoa powder and half regular cocoa powder.
- 1 cup granulated sweetener of choice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg or vegan flax egg
- 3 tablespoons almond flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons hemps hearts or almond flour
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup walnuts (optional)
Optional Chocolate-Avocado Frosting Recipe
Instructions
If you don't have a food processor, puree the black beans and avocado with an immersion blender or in a blender. Then use an electric mixer to mix all ingredients together.
- Line baking pan.
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Rinse and drain the black beans. Then add to food processor and blend.
- Add pureed avocado to food processor and blend well.
- Add the cocoa powder, sweetener, baking powder, egg (or vegan flax egg), almond flour, vanilla extract, hemp hearts (or almond flour), and the optional cinnamon. Pulse everything until well combined.
- Stir in the optional walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan lined with parchment paper. Smooth out the top with a spatula before placing in the oven for 15–20 minutes or until set.
- Let cool completely before slicing into squares and serving. These gluten-free chocolate brownies are perfect on their own or topped with chocolate-avocado frosting, fresh berries, nuts or ice cream.
- Refrigerate. The brownies will firm up some more in the refrigerator.
Jon says
These brownies are really tasty. Great idea. We loved them.
Jo says
I cannot have cocoa.
Will carob work?
Cathy @ Cathy's Cake Salon says
Hi Jo! I don’t know. I haven’t tried that. If you try it, let me know.