Sugar-Free Black Bean Brownies

Looking for a decadent brownie that won’t derail your healthy eating goals? These Sugar-Free Black Bean Brownies are a game-changer! They’re incredibly fudgy, intensely chocolatey, and surprisingly made with black beans! Yes, you read that right. The beans create a naturally moist and dense texture while adding fiber and protein. You’d never guess they’re hiding in there. This sugar-free brownie recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt.
I was skeptical the first time I heard about using black beans in brownies, but I was blown away by the results. They create such a wonderful fudgy texture, and you honestly can’t taste the beans at all. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you. These healthy brownies are a must-try!
How to Make It (Overview)
These sugar-free black bean brownies are made by blending black beans with other ingredients like cocoa powder, eggs, and a natural sweetener. The batter is then baked until fudgy and delicious.
How to Make It (Detailed)
We start by rinsing and draining canned black beans. This removes excess sodium and any residual canning liquid.
The black beans are then blended in a food processor or blender until completely smooth. This is key for achieving a smooth brownie texture.
We then combine the blended beans with the remaining ingredients: cocoa powder, eggs, a natural sweetener (like stevia or erythritol), oil, vanilla extract, and baking powder.
The batter is mixed until everything is well combined.
Finally, the batter is poured into a prepared baking pan and baked until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
Make Ahead Method
The batter for these brownies can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also bake the brownies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well.
Pro Tips
- Use good quality cocoa powder: This will enhance the chocolate flavor of the brownies.
- Make sure the beans are blended smoothly: Any remaining bean chunks will affect the texture of the brownies.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry brownies.
- Add chocolate chips or nuts: For extra flavor and texture, you can add sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter.
- For extra fudginess: Add a tablespoon of nut butter (like almond or peanut butter) to the batter.
Storage
Storing Leftover Brownies:
- Room Temperature: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Tools For This Recipe
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
FAQs!
- Can you taste the black beans? No, you shouldn’t be able to taste the black beans at all if they are blended properly. They primarily contribute to the moist and fudgy texture.
- Can I use a different sweetener? Yes, you can use other sugar-free sweeteners like monk fruit or allulose. Adjust the amount according to the sweetener’s sweetness level.
- Are these brownies gluten-free? Yes, these brownies are naturally gluten-free as they do not contain any wheat flour.

Sugar-Free Black Bean Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar-free sweetener stevia, erythritol, monk fruit, or allulose
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: 1/2 cup sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Blend the Beans:
- Rinse and drain the canned black beans thoroughly. Place the rinsed beans in a food processor or blender and blend until completely smooth. There should be no visible bean chunks. This is crucial for the brownie’s texture.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended black beans, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar-free sweetener, large eggs, vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil), vanilla extract, and baking powder.
Mix the Batter:
- Mix all the ingredients together until everything is thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. If using, fold in the sugar-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Bake the Brownies:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as this will make the brownies dry.
Cool and Cut:
- Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Cooling is essential for the brownies to set properly and prevents them from crumbling when cut.