Sargent Choice Test Kitchen: Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

October 30, 2023
Ashly Estrada, Nutrition Student

Why We Chose This Recipe

  • A twist on a favorite recipe, including black beans is an easy way to create a satiating snack.
  • Including peppermint is a fun way to celebrate the upcoming holiday season.

Recipe modified from Meal Makeover Mom’s book, No Whine with Dinner
Yield: 16 2-inch brownies

Ingredients

  • 1 15-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, optional
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil or coat an 8 x 8-inch.
  2. Place the black beans in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, oil, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, peppermint extract (if desired), baking powder, and salt and process until smooth. Add ¼ cup of the chips and pulse a few times until the chips are incorporated.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top with a rubber spatula, and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup chocolate chips.
  4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan before slicing into 2-inch squares.

What We Liked

  • Black beans were an easy replacement for flour and we loved that the texture was still fudgy.
  • We appreciate how this recipe is easier to create than most baking recipes since almost all the ingredients are added all at once in a food processor.

    Suggestions

    • Given the recipe includes beans instead of flour, we recommend taking the brownies out of the fridge in advance of serving to soften.
    • When cutting the brownies, it can be helpful to first run the edge of the knife under warm water for a smoother cut.

    Nutritional Value

    • This recipe includes black beans instead of all-purpose flour, which is what is usually used to make brownies. Black beans are rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, and also provide fiber and protein, which help with lasting satiety.