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    Home » Vegan Black Bean Brownies with Peanut Butter

    Vegan Black Bean Brownies with Peanut Butter

    Published: Jun 20, 2016 · Modified: Nov 26, 2021 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    2 stacked vegan brownies with blue pan in background.
    Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies stacked in a pretty manner.
    2 Black bean brownies with description and title.
    Stacked vegan brownies with peanut butter spoon next to it. There is also a title.

    These Vegan Black Bean Brownies with Peanut Butter are a delicious healthy dessert that's ready in 30 minutes! They are super fudgy and they're gluten-free & dairy-free. 

    Overhead view of a stack of Vegan Black Bean Brownies with Peanut Butter with a peanut butter swirl on top.

    I have a thing for brownies. I seriously could spend an entire month sharing nothing but brownie recipes with you. However, man cannot live on brownies alone...so I will intersperse recipes full of chocolatey goodness, like these Peanut Butter Vegan Black Bean Brownies in with other recipes for actual meals.

    I almost always top my brownies with some sort of nut butter (because chocolate + peanut butter = happiness). So I decided to bake the peanut butter directly on top of this healthy black bean brownie recipe.

    It cuts out a few steps in the eating process (i.e. taking out the jar of peanut butter, unscrewing the top, scooping it onto the brownie, closing the jar, putting it away....I'm exhausted just thinking about it)....which means that these Vegan Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies can go directly from the pan into your mouth. Total win.

    I love that these Peanut Butter Vegan Black Bean Brownies are crazy healthy! They are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined-sugar free, and vegan. They are packed with protein and fiber. So what I'm trying to say is...brownies for dinner.

    2 vegan black bean brownies stacked next to a blue pan.

    Vegan Black Bean Brownies: Ingredients & Substitutions 

    • Powdered Peanut Butter. These healthy black bean brownies get an extra boost of peanut buttery flavor not just from the peanut butter swirl on top, but also from the addition of 2 TBS of powdered peanut butter in the brownie batter. If you do not have powdered peanut butter, you can use 2 TBS of regular peanut butter and get equally tasty results. If you're allergic to peanuts, you can substitute any nut butter of your choosing.
    • Flaxseed eggs. Two real eggs or egg replacer can be used in place of the flaxseed eggs (flaxseed and water).
    • Coconut sugar. Any granulated sugar works well in this recipe.
    • Coconut oil. Butter or ghee are great substitutes for coconut oil.

    How to make Vegan Black Bean Brownies

    A Note on Eggless Brownies

    I've been approached by a few of you about egg-free recipes. Whether you have an allergy, simply choose not to eat them, or have vegan friends who you would like to show some chocolatey love to...this dessert is the perfect option!

    How to make a Flaxseed Egg

    •  Make sure to use ground flaxseed. Whole seeds do not make a great egg replacement.
    • Use hot water. Mix 2.5 TBS ground flaxseed with 1 TBS of  hot water to replace 1 egg in baked-goods. In this recipe, the flaxseed/water combination is used as a substitute for two eggs...so mix 5 TBS ground flaxseed with 2 TBS hot water.
    • Let the flax & water mixture sit. Let your flax eggs sit for at least 5 minutes at room temperature after mixing. You will know the mixture is ready to be added into your recipe when the flaxseed has soaked up the water and it looks gelatinous (just like a regular beaten eggs)

    Use a Vitamix

    To make these brownies you need a great blender or food processor. As I've mentioned many (many) times, I use my Vitamix for everything. If you would like to see some step-by-step photos, you can check out my other black bean brownie recipe (which these are adapted from) where I show the process in more detail.

    Baking pan size & baking time

    I have baked this recipe in both an 8x8" and 9x9" pan with equal success. If you like your brownies extra fudgy, I recommend baking them for 25 minutes. If you like them to hold their shape a little more, leave your brownies in the oven for 30 minutes. Even with the full baking time the result will still be a rich, decadent, fudgy brownie that is not in the slightest bit cakey (because cakey brownies aren't brownies...they're cake).

    3 vegan brownies stacked with chocolate chips surround it.

    Peanut Butter Vegan Black Bean Brownies: Serving Suggestions

    These vegan black bean brownies stand on their own thanks to a delicious peanut butter swirl and the fact that they are healthy chocolatey brownie perfection. However, here are some fun ways to make them extra special: 

    • with a scoop of this dairy-free vanilla ice cream, or this dairy-free chocolate peanut butter ice cream!
    • slathered with some vegan peanut butter frosting or this dairy-free frosting.

    Recipe FAQs

    Are Black Bean Brownies vegan?

    This black bean brownie recipe is vegan.

    Are Black Bean Brownies good for you?

    Yes! They are an excellent source of protein, fiber and quality carbohydrates.

    Should vegan brownies be refrigerated?

    Store in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 1 week (but I guarantee they won’t last that long)!

    Front view of a stack of two Vegan Black Bean Brownies with peanut butter.

    More Delicious Recipes

    • Love brownies? Try these delicious recipies: Chocolate Zucchini Brownies, Peppermint Brownies, Best Homemade Brownies Recipe (from Scratch), Best Flourless Brownies (Easy, Gluten-Free, Paleo), Healthy Greek Yogurt Brownies.
    • Try this delcious Flourless Peanut Butter Brownies recipe!
    • Enjoy peanut butter? Try Vegan Peanut Butter Eggs or Homemade Peanut Butter Recipe (Video).
    Overhead view of one vegan black bean brownies with peanut butter with two in the background.

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Overhead view of a stack of Vegan Black Bean Brownies with Peanut Butter with a peanut butter swirl on top.

    Vegan Black Bean Brownies Recipe

    Laura
    These Vegan Black Bean Brownies with Peanut Butter are a delicious healthy dessert that's ready in 30 minutes! They are super fudgy and they're gluten-free & dairy-free! #
    4.75 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 9 brownies
    Calories 238.6 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • spatula
    • Vitamix blender
    • 9x9" baking pan

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 TBS ground flaxseed
    • 5 TBS water
    • 2 TBS powdered peanut butter
    • ¼ cup cocoa powder
    • ¼ cup coconut sugar
    • ½ tsp baking powder
    • ¼ tsp baking soda
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
    • ¼ cup coconut oil
    • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup for strictly vegan
    • 1 tsp vanilla
    • ½ cup chocolate chips
    • ¼ cup peanut butter melted

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x9” baking pan, set aside.
    • In a small bowl, mix 2 TBS ground flaxseed with 5 TBS hot water. Set aside for at least 5 minutes. After 5 minutes it should be gelatinous and have the consistency of beaten eggs.
    • In another small bowl, mix together your dry ingredients (powdered peanut butter, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt). Set aside.
    • Add your rinsed and drained black beans, coconut oil and honey to your Vitamix (preferred) or food processor fitted with an “S” blade. Blend until well combined.
    • Add vanilla and dry ingredients and blend until well combined.
    • Add your flaxseed mixture and blend until completely smooth (the smoother the better)!
    • Mix in your chocolate chips by hand.
    • Pour batter into your greased 9x9” baking pan.
    • Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the top and swirl it around!
    • Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The sides will spring back when touched, but the middle may still be a little jiggly. Shorter bake time = gooier brownies.
    • Place on a wire rack until cooled enough to eat. Cut and serve!
    • Store in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 1 week (but I guarantee they won’t last that long)!

    Notes

    Ingredient Substitution 

    • Powdered Peanut Butter. These healthy black bean brownies get an extra boost of peanut buttery flavor not just from the peanut butter swirl on top, but also from the addition of 2 TBS of powdered peanut butter in the brownie batter. If you do not have powdered peanut butter, you can use 2 TBS of regular peanut butter and get equally tasty results. If you're allergic to peanuts, you can substitute any nut butter of your choosing.
    • Flaxseed Eggs. Two real eggs or egg replacer can be used in place of the flaxseed eggs (flaxseed and water).
    • Coconut Sugar. Any granulated sugar works well in this recipe.
    • Coconut Oil. Butter or ghee are great substitutes for coconut oil.

    Storage

    Store in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 1 week (but I guarantee they won’t last that long)!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1brownieCalories: 238.6kcalCarbohydrates: 26.8gProtein: 5.8gFat: 13.8gSaturated Fat: 8.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.8gSodium: 56mgPotassium: 172mgFiber: 5gSugar: 17.2gCalcium: 22mgIron: 1.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Courtney

      November 24, 2019 at 5:37 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been craving all things sweet. I made these tonight. They are healthy and delicious. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Laura

        November 25, 2019 at 7:13 am

        I'm so glad you loved them Courtney! I make my regular black bean brownies all the time, but I need to make these again!!!

        Reply
    2. Morgan

      September 10, 2019 at 6:28 pm

      These look delicious!!! I'm totally going to try them. I just had one clarification I wanted to ask, In your blog post on how to make flax seed eggs it says 5 TBS of flax to 2 TBS of water but in the recipe it says the exact opposite. I'm sure the recipe is the correct one and it was just a typo but I wanted to make sure. I've never made egg-less brownies before. I'm excited to try it. Thank you!!!

      Reply
    3. Elizabeth

      April 20, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      4 stars
      Best black bean brownies I’ve made yet. Been on the hunt for a gooey peanut butter topped vegan no flour version and this hit the spot. I usually have to reduce sugar in virtually every recipe I make to my tastes but this is great as is. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Laura

        April 20, 2019 at 8:04 pm

        So glad you enjoyed them!! I’m not a fan of overly sweet desserts either! 😉

        Reply
    4. Francesca Stafford

      July 27, 2017 at 9:24 pm

      Do you have the calorie content and what is the serving size?

      Reply
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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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