If you’re on the hunt for a healthier alternative to traditional brownies without compromising on taste, look no further than these Chocolate Black Bean Brownie Bites. These mini brownies are packed with rich chocolate flavor and the nutritious benefits of black beans, making them a perfect guilt-free treat for any occasion. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet, looking to boost your fiber intake, or simply craving a delicious snack, these brownie bites are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why Choose Chocolate Black Bean Brownie Bites?
Unlike regular brownies, which can be loaded with refined sugars and fats, these chocolate brownie bites are made with wholesome ingredients. The star of the recipe is black beans, which add moisture and a dense, fudgy texture while providing fiber and protein. The natural sweetness of the cocoa and a touch of honey or maple syrup ensures a satisfying dessert without the sugar rush. These brownies are also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free (if you use dairy-free chocolate chips), and can be easily customized for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Chocolate Black Bean Brownie Bites
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan version)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but adds extra chocolatey goodness)
Instructions: How to Make Chocolate Black Bean Brownie Bites
- Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin with paper liners to make clean-up easy.
- Blend the Black Beans: In a food processor or blender, combine the black beans, cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth and well-combined. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is mixed properly.
- Add the Chocolate Chips: If you like extra chocolatey brownie bites, fold in the chocolate chips. You can also sprinkle some on top for an added touch.
- Scoop and Bake: Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the brownie bites cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Brownie Bites
- For Extra Fudgy Brownies: Reduce the baking time slightly to keep the texture dense and fudgy.
- Add a Twist: Experiment by adding a dash of cinnamon, a pinch of espresso powder, or a few tablespoons of peanut butter for unique flavor variations.
- Make Them Vegan: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) in place of regular eggs to make the recipe vegan.
- Storage: Store these brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Health Benefits of Chocolate Black Bean Brownie Bites
- High in Protein and Fiber: Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making these brownie bites a filling and satisfying snack.
- Lower in Sugar: By using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, these brownie bites have less sugar than traditional brownies.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Cocoa powder provides a healthy dose of antioxidants, promoting overall health and well-being.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chocolate Black Bean Brownie Bites are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even a post-workout treat due to their balanced combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. With their fudgy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and health benefits, these brownie bites are a perfect way to indulge in a healthier version of your favorite chocolate dessert.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a treat, these brownie bites are a win for both your taste buds and your health! Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious combination of chocolate and beans in every bite.
Serving and Storage Tips for Chocolate Black Bean Brownie Bites
Serving Tips:
- Perfect for Every Occasion: These Chocolate Black Bean Brownie Bites are ideal for a variety of occasions. Serve them at parties, potlucks, or as a snack during movie night. Their mini size makes them easy to share, and they’re a great option for satisfying your chocolate cravings without overindulging.
- Pair with a Beverage: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these brownie bites with a glass of almond milk, coffee, or a rich hot chocolate. The cocoa flavor of the brownies pairs wonderfully with both warm and cold beverages.
- Top Them Off: If you want to elevate the flavor, try adding a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce. For a more festive touch, top each brownie bite with a berry or a few chopped nuts.
- Serve with Fresh Fruit: These brownies are delicious when served with fresh fruit like raspberries, strawberries, or banana slices. The fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the dense, fudgy texture of the brownies.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy your brownies within a few days, simply store them at room temperature in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: To extend the shelf life, you can store the brownie bites in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag, and they will keep for up to a week. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing for Later: These brownie bites freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep or stocking up on healthy treats. Place the brownie bites in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Avoid Overstoring: For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to consume the brownie bites within a week. Over time, they may lose their fudgy texture and become more firm, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Chocolate Black Bean Brownie Bites stay fresh and delicious, ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
1. Can I make these brownie bites without eggs?
Yes, you can make these brownie bites egg-free by using flax eggs. To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. This will work as a binding agent in place of eggs and keep the texture similar to the original recipe.
2. Are these brownie bites gluten-free?
Yes, these Chocolate Black Bean Brownie Bites are naturally gluten-free since they are made with black beans instead of flour. Just be sure to double-check that the chocolate chips you use are also gluten-free, especially if you’re following a strict gluten-free diet.
3. How can I make these brownie bites sweeter without using refined sugar?
If you’d like to add more sweetness to your brownie bites without refined sugar, you can increase the amount of honey or maple syrup. Alternatively, you can use stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or another natural sweetener of your choice, adjusting the quantity to taste.
4. Can I use canned black beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned black beans for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove any excess sodium and preserve the flavor. If you prefer, you can also cook dried black beans yourself, but canned beans make the recipe quicker and more convenient.
PrintChocolate Black Bean Brownie Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 mini brownie bites 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These chocolate black bean brownie bites are rich, fudgy, and secretly packed with protein and fiber from black beans. Perfect as a guilt-free dessert or snack, they’re naturally gluten-free and can be made sugar-free for a healthier treat.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar or preferred sweetener (e.g., coconut sugar, erythritol for keto)
- 1/4 cup (25 g) cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (40 g) chocolate chips (regular or sugar-free), plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- Blend the black beans:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the black beans, eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add chocolate chips:
- Stir in the chocolate chips by hand.
- Fill the muffin tin:
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
- Cool and serve:
- Let the brownie bites cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store brownie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- For a nutty twist, add 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water).