These Peanut Butter Swirl Black Bean Brownies combine the richness of chocolate, the creaminess of peanut butter and the unexpected addition of nutrient and fiber packed black beans into one delicious treat! They are so fudgy and so delicious. The texture can’t be beaten! They seriously are like fudge. (speaking of fudge! Try my Healthy Chocolate Peppermint Fudge)
This recipe is gluten-free and sweetened with only maple syrup. (Oh! And so are these Healthy Chocolate Haystack Cookies) Black Bean Brownies are among my all-time favourite comfort foods. Don’t knock ‘em ‘til you try ‘em!
If you have guests coming, whip up a batch of these incredibly healthy brownies and let your guests know upon arrival that you made this treat, especially for them. “Help yourself anytime!”
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- They're naturally and lightly sweetened with maple syrup.
- Surprisingly nutritious with the addition of black beans, providing fiber and protein.
- Super fudgy texture!
- These brownies are a perfect way to introduce healthier ingredients to picky eaters because the beans are undetectable!
- This is a great recipe to have in your back pocket when you’re welcoming guests who have dietary restrictions.
- They're dairy-free. (Just like my Chocolate Mint Fudge recipe!)
- And gluten-free.
- Easily converted to a vegan recipe. Just omit the eggs and use dairy-free chocolate chips!
Ingredients
- Rolled oats - also known as old fashioned oats.
- Cocoa powder - choose unsweetened.
- Sea salt - I choose an unrefined grey salt like one by Maison Orphee for the extra minerals it provides.
- Baking powder
- Black beans - drained and rinsed.
- Pure maple syrup
- Coconut oil
- Vanilla extract - choose pure vanilla if you can, it makes a big difference. I have made my own which makes it more cost effective.
- Egg yolks - these are actually entirely optional! I added them to this recipe because I really believe in the nutritional powerhouse of egg yolks but they can be omitted.
- Chocolate chips - choose dairy free or sugar free chips if desired.
- Peanut butter - well stirred.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
- You can experiment with switching the peanut butter for any nut or seed butter. Try sunflower seed butter or tahini or almond butter next time!
- Swap the maple syrup for honey if that's what you have on hand.
- Nuts: Add some crunch and flavor by mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky salt on the brownies when they come out of the oven for some crunch and flavor enhancement.
- Swirl Variations: Instead of peanut butter, experiment with other swirl options like almond butter, chocolate hazelnut spread, softened cream cheese or seedless raspberry jam for a fruity twist.
- You can totally omit the egg yolks if desired. I just added them for a nutritional boost but they aren't necessary.
I have not experimented with any other substitutions or alterations for this recipe. If you decide to make any changes by adding or substituting ingredients, I would love it if you could share your results with us by leaving a comment below.
How To Make Black Bean Brownies
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8x8 pan by either greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Add oats to a blender or food processor. Pulse until you have a smooth flour-like consistency.
Step 2: Blend ingredients.
In the blender, add together the black beans (drained), brewed coffee, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, 2 egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Blend until quite smooth.
Add the oat flour you just made with salt, baking powder and cocoa powder to the blender and blend thoroughly.
Step 3: Add the batter to a pan.
Pour the brownie batter into a 8x8 brownie pan prepped with parchment paper. Stir in the chocolate chips with a spoon and smooth out the top.
Step 4: Add the peanut butter swirl topping.
In a separate small bowl, stir together peanut butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Make 9 small dollops of the peanut mixture on the top of your brownie batter.
Step 5: Create the swirl.
With the end of a chopstick or a similar kitchen tool swirl the peanut butter through the brownie batter to create a beautiful swirl pattern.
Step 6: Bake.
Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 20 minutes and allow to cool completely then transfer to the fridge to cool and set. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Make sure to thoroughly drain and rinse the black beans to remove any excess liquid.
- After blending the black beans you should see no lumps of black beans whatsoever. Keep blending until smooth and you only see flecks of the beans throughout.
- If you don’t have a blender, you can use a food processor and combine all ingredients together (except chocolate chips and the peanut butter swirl). I do find, however, that a blender gives a much better final texture to the brownies.
- Let the brownies cool completely. They will cut much cleaner after being cooled in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- I always keep these brownies in the fridge, I prefer the texture when they’re cold.
- You can serve these brownies with a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated version of this healthy dessert.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Just ensure that the brand of oats that you’re using is certified gluten free.
Yes! You can actually omit the egg yolks. Just ensure that you are using dairy free chocolate chips.
Yes, of course you can omit the peanut swirl! If you’re doing so because of a peanut allergy you could replace the swirl with sunflower seed butter or tahini or almond butter etc.
Yes, I have frozen black bean brownies many times and it doesn’t effect the flavour or texture.
Storage
Fridge
Store the brownies in an air tight container in the fridge and enjoy within 5 days. You can store them on the counter well covered for a few days but I prefer the firmer texture of the brownies when they're directly out of the fridge.
Freezer
These brownies freeze really well! Once they're totally cool and cut into squares you can transfer them to a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
More Chocolate Recipes You'll Love
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!
Leave a review or comment below!
Recipe
Peanut Butter Swirl Black Bean Brownies
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats (gluten free, if desired)
- 4 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 and a ½ cups canned black beans (19 oz can)
- 1 tablespoon brewed coffee (optional)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- 2 egg yolks (optional)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips (dairy free if desired)
Peanut Swirl
- 4 tablespoon smooth peanut butter
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8x8 pan by either greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Add oats to a blender or food processor. Pulse until you have a smooth flour-like consistency. Remove from the blender.
- In the blender, add together the black beans (drained), brewed coffee, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, 2 egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Blend until quite smooth.
- Add the oat flour you just made, salt, baking powder and cocoa powder to the blender and blend again.
- Add the batter to the brownie pan, stir in chocolate chips with a spoon and smooth out the top.
- In a separate small bowl, stir together peanut butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Make 9 small dollops of the peanut mixture on the top of your brownie batter.
- With the end of a chopstick or a similar kitchen tool swirl the peanut butter through the brownie batter to create a beautiful swirl pattern.
- Bake for 20 minutes and allow to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
If you make this recipe please leave a comment and give this recipe a rating! I aim to respond to every single comment. I am so grateful when you trust me and try one of my recipe creations in your own kitchen. I love to hear how it went! Let’s connect on Instagram and tag me in your food pics!
‘Til next time,
Christy
Rita says
The peanut butter swirl topping is genius! Turned out great
Nancy L Stewart says
Was looking for a good black bean brownies, and this is it! I am prediabetic and this fits the want for chocolate but no sugar. Love the peanut butter swirl, too.
Victoria says
This recipe is amazing! We love to eat these cold as they are very fudgy then. I have never found a black bean brownie recipe that has tasted this delicious before. Definitely a go to recipe for us now!
Kristy says
It is funny the things you can use in recipes these days and not notice a real difference with the healthier version of a classic...thanks for sharing.
Christy Faber says
It's so true!
Sadie says
This looks so good! I love that you used black beans in this. Will have to try soon!
Christy Faber says
Thank you! It sounds crazy but it works!
Janai says
These brownies were so delicious! I couldn’t help myself from snacking on them throughout the day. I tried the vegan option by omitting the eggs and I was so happy they turned out so well! Definitely going to add this to my list of go to desserts.
Christy Faber says
Thank you for trying them! One of my favourite things about this snack is how versatile it is for almost any dietary restriction! Thanks for the review
Taylor says
I have been looking for a great black bean brown recipe and I am so excited to try this! This will definitely be made ASAP. I can tell by looking the ingredients over, that this recipe is exactly what I have been looking for.
Danielle says
This recipe was so easy and fun to make with my kids! My son was especially curious about the peanut butter swirl the brownies tasted delicious straight from the pan. We can’t wait to try them once they’ve cooled down.
Christy Faber says
I love to hear that your kids got involved! I always sneak a little hot out of the pan as well!
Bekah says
Absolutely LOVE this recipe! I made it for some company a few weeks ago and each guest asked me for the recipe. Definitely a crowd pleaser!
I’m a also diabetic, so it’s so nice to have a treat that won’t spike my blood sugar! All the fibre and protein is absolutely perfect.
Christy Faber says
I love to hear that!
Diana Cartwright says
These brownies are absolutely awesome - so fudgy and rich (with good fat!). Next time i'm going to quadruple the recipe, so i can just eat several instead of meal and not feel guilty, lol!! 😉
Christy Faber says
Quadruple the recipe! You're a true fan! Thank you so much for the kind comment.
BradyBrady McCann says
Loving this site, and these brownies are awesome. It's just the recipe that I was looking for. My wife is gluten/dairy free and has mild reactions to refined sugar, so these were perfect!
Christy Faber says
I love to hear that! Those dietary restrictions can be tough and finding sweet treats that work are a must! Thank you for the kind comment.
Carly | My Green Toddler says
Yum! Brownies are my absolute favourite food and I've been experimenting lately with squeezing some veggies in like beetroot and sweet potato so looking forward to giving black beans a go.
Christy Faber says
YES! Sneaking veggies in anywhere you can!
Ashley says
These brownies were AMAZING! I had tried a bean brownie recipe before but they were terrible so I was hesitant to try it again but I'm so happy that I did. As a regular brownie these were phenomenal...then add in the simple and healthy ingredients and beans...I'm in heaven!
Thank you so much for sharing this. This will be a repeat in our home!
Christa says
This recipe was easy and I wasn't sure how it would turn out without flour and sugar but the oats and maple syrup worked wonders. These satisfy my chocolate desire and are absolutely delicious.
I'll definitely make them again. And the secret is to keep the black beans a secret.
Christy Faber says
Yes! Don't tell anyone about the black beans until after they've enjoyed. They will never know!