These healthy no bake black bean brownies are fudgy, dense, and packed with chocolate flavor without tasting like black beans! The whole family will love them and never know what the hidden ingredient is!
This isn’t the first time I’ve used ‘alternative’ ingredients in my brownies either. In fact, every single brownie recipe on my blog has a hidden element; healthy zucchini brownies, almond flour brownies, and healthy pumpkin brownies!
Don’t let anyone know these no-bake brownies are made with black beans and applesauce, let them try first. I have heard it many times from my readers and friends, they say none of their family or friends can taste black beans, and the brownies are usually gone in no time.
I made black bean brownies last year and as temperatures kept rising, I thought what if I make a no-bake brownies version. I mean, I already have healthy no bake strawberry cheesecake, peanut butter pie, and healthy no bake nutella pie – so why not brownies, too?!
Oh my, these applesauce brownies are sensational!!! I took them on a hike with a friend and she loved them (despite the fact they got defrosted and too soft). I sent her recipe the same day, she made them and her whole family loved them. Nobody tasted the beans, so try it!
What I love about these brownies the most is the fact they are so guilt free. Made with black beans, dates, applesauce, coconut oil, and cacao powder. Really that’s it. And come together in 10 minutes. You store them in a freezer and can enjoy them pretty much immediately, no need to thaw long.
Super, super, super good no-bake black bean brownies for a hot summer day! I mean, there’s no reason why black beans should stay to just savory recipes right?! Although I do love this mango black bean salad, black bean nachos, black bean soup, and healthy black bean burgers!
black beans for every course, maybe?!
Other No Bake Recipes
- Healthy key lime pie bars
- No bake protein cookies
- No bake peanut butter oatmeal bars
- Coconut oil fudge
- Chocolate chia pudding
- Date bark
- Chocolate berry bars
Also check out my full list of no-bake recipes!
No Bake Black Bean Brownies
Ingredients
- 14 oz can black beans drained & rinsed
- 13 Medjool dates pitted
- 1/4 cup applesauce unsweetened
- 1/3 cup cacao powder
- 3 tbsp coconut oil melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt*
- 2 tbsp cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips
- Chocolate drizzle on top optional**
Instructions
- In a powerful blender or food processor, process all ingredients (except cacao nibs and drizzle) until very smooth. Add cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips and pulse a few times. Pour into lined with parchment paper 8″ x 8″ square dish. Level with spatula, drizzle with chocolate (optional) and freeze for at least 3 hours. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Store: Store in a freezer in a glass airtight container for up to 3 – 4 months.
- *Might need less for canned beans as I used cooked ones without salt.
- **Melt a few tbsp of chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave.
Olena, this was a lovely recipe. I just made it and enjoyed it so much! Although I think my healthy eating is starting to pay off … I found it a tad too sweet but can be fixed with one or two less dates next time. Thank-you for sharing the recipe.
Woohoo, that’s a great sign! That is so amazing to hear! Glad you enjoyed my recipe!
Would maple syrup or honey work instead of applesauce?? Thanks!
No, unfortunately it won’t. Need applesauce.
I do not see black bean brownies recipe for instapot?
Actually here in this video I make them – recipe below in description of video https://youtu.be/AdIJAyP-ohw
I made this it was not good .the only thing I did was use cocoa powder veg oil and butter everything is just like the receipe . It was to salty and not enough sweetness at all it tasted 2 salty can u tell me what I did wrong
Your usbtitution didn’t work because it is vegetable oil. You have to use only coconut oil as it is the only oil that is solid. You melt it for teh recipe and it solidifies to form brownies. Once you use coconut oil, brownies won’t be salty or under sweet. With baking it’s best to follow teh recipe. It’s a science. Not like soup where you can throw whatever is on hand and adjust to taste. Hope this helps in the future.:) Not today I know.
Thank you no not today I played with it I even put brown sugar in it did not get better I will try it another time later.i never thought the oil made a difference so cocoanut oil can not be sub.learn something new .I will try again later lol
Can you use chopped walnuts in the brownie
yes.
I will have to find a way to trick my husband to make him try this. He is soooooooo picky!
can i use noir dates instead of medjool dates?
I have never heard of noir dates. Generally, you could use smaller dates but you would need more of them and soak in hot water for a bit. Hope this helps.
Haha. Yes. Brownie cookie dough dip.:)