These peanut butter swirl black bean brownies are so fudgy and so delicious. The texture can’t be beaten! They seriously are like fudge. I’m becoming a peanut butter swirl cheerleader. It should go on top of all brownie recipes! This recipe is gluten-free and sweetened with only maple syrup. Black Bean Brownies are among my all-time favourite comfort foods. Don’t knock ‘em ‘til you try ‘em!

My husband recently took 6 weeks off work as we were welcoming a new baby this past winter and transitioning to our busy new life with three children.

During his time off we made it a priority to visit my sister and her family a few hours away to see their new house for the first time. After renting in an expensive city, she and her husband moved to a new community to purchase their first home. My sister has always placed a high value on homeownership and she and her husband worked hard towards that goal which really isn’t easy in Canada these days.

My sister has a great eye for curating beautiful decor pieces, making a lovely, welcoming and cozy space. I was excited to see their new home that they had worked so hard for.

Stepping into my sister’s house for the first time, we were greeted with the heartwarming smell of banana and chocolate muffins. After a whirlwind house tour led by my nieces, my sister said that she had made the muffins for us and we were welcome to eat as many as we’d like.

My husband and I appreciated her welcoming gesture, especially after a long drive. I’m always on the lookout for great examples of hospitality and tips and tricks for helping people feel at ease. Making food available for guests to enjoy whenever they wish is a great idea, especially for guests staying a few days. I’m going to adopt this idea next time I have longer-term guests. Just set out a delicious snack or baked good and let your guests know that you made it especially for them!

This brownie recipe would be excellent for this purpose. While your guests are getting used to poking around your kitchen and finding food for themselves, they know that it’s free reign on the brownies. So if you have guests coming, whip up a batch of Chocolate and Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies and let your guests know upon arrival that you made this treat especially for them. “Help yourself anytime!”

Recipe and Nutrition Notes

This is a great recipe to have in your back pocket when you’re welcoming guests who have dietary restrictions such as requiring dairy-free or gluten-free foods. For those who eat a vegan diet, just omit eggs and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

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.

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!

I always keep these brownies in the fridge, I prefer the texture when they’re cold.

If you make these brownies, take a photo for your instagram stories and tag me. (@christy.faber) I would love to see your creation!

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten Free?

Yes! Just ensure that the brand of oats that you’re using is certified gluten free.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan and Dairy Free?

Yes! You can actually omit the egg yolks. Just ensure that you are using dairy free chocolate chips.

Can I Make This Recipe Without the Peanut Swirl?

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.

Can Black Bean Brownies Be Frozen?

Yes, I have frozen black bean brownies many times and it doesn’t effect the flavour or texture.

How to Make Peanut Butter Swirl Black Bean Brownies

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8×8 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.

In a small bowl, combine the oat flour you just made with salt, baking powder and cocoa powder. Stir together thoroughly.

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 wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Add to the brownie pan 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 and 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. These brownies are best if you let them set in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying them.

Makes 9-12 brownies.

Peanut Butter Swirl Black Bean Brownies Recipe

Name: Peanut Butter Swirl Black Bean Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rolled oats ((gluten free, if desired) ); 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 and a 1/2 cups canned black beans ((19 oz can)); 1 tbsp brewed coffee ((optional)); 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 cup melted coconut oil; 2 egg yolks; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/3 cup chocolate chips; 4 tbsp smooth peanut butter; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 pinch salt