Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies

If you love brownies but want to skip the gluten, these gluten-free black bean brownies are for you!

They’re packed with rich, chocolatey flavor, and you’ll never guess they’re made with black beans. The secret? The beans give them a soft, gooey texture that’s just perfect.

Add in the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, and you’ve got a treat that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

These brownies are perfect for when you’re craving something sweet, and the best part? They’re super easy to make.

Plus, you can store them in the fridge or freeze them for later—because let’s face it, having a stash of homemade brownies on hand is never a bad idea.

Try making these today, and you’ll have a go-to treat that’s both satisfying and guilt-free!

Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies Recipe

Ingredients

For The Brownies

2 cans (400g each) black beans, drained, rinsed, and thoroughly dried

2 ripe bananas
1 cup gluten-free oats
4 tablespoons coconut sugar (or your preferred sweetener)
6 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
6 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or any cooking oil of choice)
6 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk)
90g dairy-free dark chocolate chips (approximately 6 tablespoons)

For The Chocolate Sauce

75g dark chocolate (70% cocoa, dairy-free) (about 5 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1.5 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon almond butter (or sunflower butter for a nut-free option)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4. Line a square 20×20 cm baking tin with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

In a food processor or blender, add the black beans, ripe bananas, oats, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and dairy-free milk. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully combined.
Gently stir in the dark chocolate chips by hand, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the batter.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking tin and spread it evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

While the brownies bake, prepare the sauce. Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir until smooth, then add the honey (or maple syrup) and almond butter. Mix until well combined.
Once the brownies are cooled, drizzle the chocolate sauce generously over the top. Slice into squares and enjoy the delicious, healthy treat!

Helpful Tips For Perfect Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies

To make sure your brownies come out perfect every time, follow these simple tips:

Dry Beans Well: After draining and rinsing the black beans, make sure they are completely dried. Excess moisture can affect the texture of the brownies.
Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and smoother the batter will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
Don’t Skip the Coconut Oil: It helps keep the brownies moist and gives them a rich texture. You can also use other oils like vegetable oil or avocado oil if you prefer.

Test for Doneness: Since these brownies are a bit different from traditional ones, use a toothpick to check if they’re fully baked. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Let Them Cool: Don’t rush the cooling process. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares for the best texture.

Variations For Black Bean Brownies

Want to mix things up with your brownies? Here are some fun and simple variations you can try:

Add Nuts: Toss in a handful of chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for a bit of crunch.
Use Different Sweeteners: If you want to switch up the sweetness, feel free to swap coconut sugar for maple syrup or date syrup.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.

Fruit Add-ins: Try adding dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for a fruity twist.
Top with Frosting: Spread a light layer of dairy-free chocolate frosting or coconut cream on top of the brownies for an extra treat.

How To Store Black Bean Brownies?

Keep your brownies fresh and ready to enjoy with these easy storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This will keep them soft and chewy.
Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to avoid drying out.
Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the brownies. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to eat.