Don’t let the name fool you, this healthy black bean brownie batter actually tastes indulgent! Great for meal prep and snacks, it’s easy to make and even my kids like it.

ABOUT THIS RECIPE

I know, I know, black beans and brownie batter don’t belong in the same sentence, but hear me out.

Last year I tried Hungry Root, a meal prep delivery service that has quite a few gluten free options. It was kind of expensive but I really enjoyed the convenience and they had some great-tasting food!

One of my favorite items was a black bean brownie batter. You could bake it into cookies, but I really liked to just eat it by the spoonful.

Months later, I set out to recreate it and am happy to report that it is even better-tasting than the original, and also ridiculously easy to make. WINNING.

This healthy brownie batter is delicious fudgy and I promise you can’t taste the black beans. I love keeping some in the fridge so I can grab one (or 2!) when the sugar cravings hit.

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This is a pretty straightforward recipe, but I have included frequently asked questions and some basic tips to set you up for success.

Feel free to use the table of contents below to jump around if you want, then you can print the recipe and get baking!

If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out on social media or leave a comment and I’ll get back to you soon.

Looking for more healthy snacks? I love making energy bites and these Chocolate Brownie Protein Balls to keep in the freezer for when we need something quick and filling. Sometimes my kids will pack them in their lunch boxes, too.

INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

What Ingredients do I Need to Make Black Bean Brownie Batter?

You only need a few simple, real ingredients (nothing weird here!)

*Get the amounts and full instructions in the recipe card below.

low sodium black beans drained, rinsed, and patted dry
smooth nut butter (I used regular peanut butter)
cocoa powder
coconut sugar or brown sugar (coconut sugar has a caramel taste and isn’t as likely to spike your blood sugar)
real maple syrup
salt
mini chocolate chips (you can use any size chocolate chips, but I love that mini chocolate chips show up equally in every bite)
Flaky salt for sprinkling on top, if you want

For this recipe, I combined the ingredients list on the Hungry Root brownie batter container with a recipe from Plant Based RD Blog.

a food processor is filled with a fudgy brownie batter.

HOW TO MAKE EDIBLE BLACK BEAN BROWNIE BATTER

Making healthy edible brownie batter is super easy! All you need is a food processor (you can use a high-power blender too) and about 10 minutes.

Pssst! Did you know I’m on YouTube? Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more gluten free how-to’s!

Step 1:

Drain black beans and rinse them well, until water runs clear. Spread out on a towel or paper towel and pat gently to dry.

Step 2:

Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips and flaky salt in a food processor and blend in 30 second increments until smooth.

PRO TIP: Use a spatula to scrape edges as needed. If using a high-speed blender, put wet ingredients in the blender first and stop often to scrape sides with a spatula. If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of nondairy milk (or dairy, if that’s what you have on hand) to thin it out.

Step 3:

Stir in chocolate chips.

HOW TO STORE BLACK BEAN BROWNIE BATTER

You can store this healthy edible brownie batter right into a container for storage, or scoop into small balls for an easy grab-and-go snack or treat. sprinkle the top with flaky salt just before serving.

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

You might also like these Avocado Brownies!

Can You Freeze Brownie Batter?

This brownie batter stores well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To freeze, roll or scoop into balls and set in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper so the sides aren’t touching. Freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw before serving.

Scoops of brownie batter on a marbled surface. They are studded with chocolate chips and sprinkled with flaky sea salt.

HOW TO SERVE BROWNIE BATTER

Brownie batter is delicious by the spoonful, but you can also serve as a dip or spread on fruit, crackers, or even cookies! If your brownie batter is too thick to spread, thin it out with a tablespoon or two of milk.

CAN YOU BAKE EDIBLE BROWNIE BATTER?

This recipe is meant to be consumed raw and will not bake well.

WHY MAKE HEALTHY BLACK BEAN BROWNIE BATTER?

I love a regular sweet treat as much as anyone else, and do enjoy them sometimes. But I also love a sweet treat that is also healthy and filling and leaves me feeling good after I eat it!

This black bean brownie batter is packed with plant based protein, fiber, iron, and other nutrients and doesn’t spike your blood sugar.

IS IT SAFE TO EAT BROWNIE BATTER?

While regular brownie batter is unsafe because it contains raw eggs and flour, this edible brownie batter is perfectly safe to consume raw. In fact, it tastes best that way!

MORE CHOCOLATE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Nutella Rice Krispie Treats

Quinoa Chocolate Cake

Gluten Free Chocolate Waffles

Brownie batter is piled high in a green blown glass sundae cup.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does this taste like black beans??

No, you really can’t taste the black beans! Chocolate is a pretty intense flavor an black beans are actually fairly mild so they are easily drowned out.

Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Yes you can, just make sure they’re cooked nice and soft and don’t have added seasonings like cumin. Use 1 1/2 cups drained, cooked beans instead of the 15 oz can.

What do black beans replace in brownie batter?

Black beans replace the oil/butter and eggs in traditional brownie butter. This makes them a great substitute in edible brownie batter!

Can I use any nut/seed butter?

Yes, but be aware that it will affect the taste and possibly the texture. I recommend sticking with peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower butter for best results, but feel free to play around!

Why do recipes say to rinse black beans?

Recipes tell you to rinse black beans to remove excess starch and sodium.

Do I have to use low sodium black beans?

No, you can use regular salted black beans and omit the salt called for in the recipe.