Skinny Black Bean Brownies
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I had no idea brownies made out of black beans could be so delicious! With the help of cacao nibs and powder, you can turn healthy, clean ingredients like black beans, oats, and honey into the most delicious and decadent chocolate treat! These skinny black bean brownies are a healthier alternative for an easy and delicious dessert!

Thank you to Viva Naturals for sponsoring this post. All opinions are truthful to my experience with the product. This post contains affiliate links that will earn me a small commission when used to order from Viva Naturals.
I’m trying to use some healthy ingredients in a few of my recipes for the new year. But for me it’s baby steps. That’s why I love these “skinny” black bean brownies. I get the same chocolatey deliciousness while still focusing on a healthier lifestyle. Win, win.
At first I didn’t believe black beans and oats could make brownies that actually taste good. I was so wrong! Of course, I got some help in the flavor department from Viva Naturals chocolatey cacao powder and cacao nibs.
This is the black bean brownie recipe if you’re working on getting stronger, leaner, or healthier this new year without sacrificing delicious dessert.
About Viva Naturals
Viva Naturals believes wellness should be available to everybody. Their line of organic foods, supplements, and personal care products are as comprehensive as they are affordable. Their core value and mission is to “provide high-quality products at a reasonable price.” And they do precisely that. Viva Naturals is committed to finding high-quality, non-GMO products and many certified organic products and pricing them affordably to make healthy options accessible to all. Check out Viva Naturals’ full line of products here.

Why You’ll Love These Brownies Made From Black Beans
- These brownies are a delicious, healthier alternative to regular brownies.
- They have far less sugar but no less taste.
- They’re made with clean ingredients. Perfect for those focusing on a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients For Skinny Black Bean Brownies
These skinny black bean brownies are made with healthy ingredients like oats, honey, cacao nibs, and of course, black beans. You won’t believe the delicious flavor you’ll get from these healthful ingredients!
Viva Naturals Cacao Powder – rich chocolate flavor without any unwanted additives, preservatives, or extra sweeteners. Not the same as cocoa powder.
Viva Naturals Cacao Nibs – chocolate at its purest and most delicious.
Canned Black Beans – drained and rinsed very well.
Salt – Regular table salt is fine
Honey – swap out for maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan or plant-based option
Baking Powder – Make sure your baking powder is fresh for best results. Once it has been opened, baking powder is best for six months. It should then be replaced.
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How To Make Black Bean Brownies
Follow these simple directions for absolutely delicious brownies that will make you forget there’s even beans in the recipe!
Strain and rinse your black beans well. You will not want the liquid in the can in the brownies.
Preheat your oven to 350°F degrees.

In a food processor, or a blender capable of this, layer in all your ingredients EXCEPT for the cacao nibs. The order on this step does not matter at all, and will not require a bowl.
If you use old-fashioned rolled oats, I recommend pulsing them to a powder in the food processor before adding other ingredients. If you want a gluten-free version, ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.

Blend ingredients with the food processor very well. I did the pulse option a couple of times to make sure everything was well blended.

Once blended, fold your cacao nibs in gently.

Grease an 8×8 baking pan and pour in your batter evenly. You can sprinkle on more cacao nibs on the top.
Bake the brownie batter for about 15-18 minutes. Mine took 16 minutes to bake, but you may have some time variances with your oven.

Allow the cooked brownies to cool completely before cutting to serve. Mine had a fudgy texture and were so good!
TIPS & TRICKS
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before attempting to slice them.
- Wipe and keep your knife clean while slicing the brownies for even, smooth edges.
- If using old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats, pulse them to powder in the food processor before adding other ingredients.
Alternate Ingredients For Dairy-Free Black Bean Brownies
- Vegetable Oil
- Canoil Oil
- Almond Extract
- Light Brown Sugar
- Stevia
- Nuts
- Dried cherries
- Peanut Butter

How To Serve Delicious Black Bean Brownies
Sure the obvious way to eat these tasty brownies is straight from the pan. But you can definitely add to them for some great dessert ideas that are more than just a plain old brownie!
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries on top
- As the base for a brownie sundae. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, whipped cream, caramel, or chocolate sauce.
- You can also crumble a brownie for an easy ice cream topping

How To Store Black Bean Brownies
Store black bean brownies in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
You can keep them out at room temperature and they’ll be good for 2 days after baking. Or you can store them in the fridge (they do have black beans in them, after all.)
Stored properly and in the refrigerator, brownies will be at their best 5-7 days.

Viva Natural Baking Products
Viva Natural offers a wide line of affordable organic foods. Many of which are also great for healthier baked goods. These are a few of my favorite options from their line.
Cacao Powder – Pure cacao powder without the sugars and additives commonly found in other processed cocoa products. A bold chocolate flavor.
Cacao Nibs – Chocolate in its purest form. Unlike chocolate chips, this ancient superfood offers a deep, rich chocolate flavor without any added sweeteners or other ingredients at all.
Chia Seeds – Chia seeds are packed with plant-based healthy fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. They’re also packed with fiber and protein! There’s a lot of nutrition in these little, little seeds.
Ground Flaxseed – Also a great source of protein, Omega 3, and fiber. Flax Meal is a great egg substitute in baking recipes as a binder.
Quinoa – Quinoa is a magical food. It’s a plant-based complete protein that is also packed with magnesium, iron, and fiber. Oh, and it’s also gluten-free and delicious!
Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is perfect for searing, baking, frying, or as part of your hair or beauty regiment. Viva Naturals’ coconut oil is unrefined, so that means it will have a slight coconut taste to it.
Coconut Flour – is an excellent alternative to traditional grain-based flours. Coconut flour is also low-carb, gluten-free, and suitable for keto and paleo diets.

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 15 Ounce Black Bean
- 2 Tablespoon Viva Naturals Cacao Powder
- 1/2 Cup Quick Oats
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/3 Cup Honey
- 2 Tablespoon White sugar
- 1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
- 2 Teaspoon Vanilla
- 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- 2/3 Cups Cacao Nibs
Instructions
- Strain and rinse your black beans well.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- In a food processor layer in all your ingredients EXCEPT for the nibs.
- Blend with the food processor very well.
- Once blended stir in your cacao nibs.
- Grease an 8×8 baking pan and pour in your batter.
- Bake for about 15-18 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting to serve.

