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
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.
Can I use deglet dates?
I don’t know what are those but unless they are large, moist and meaty then no.
These look delicious Olena! I’m such a fan of beans in desserts, so I will definitely give these a shot!
Let me know.:) Congrats on your baby boy! You are one busy momma now with a perfect set of kids.
Yummm!!! I love black bean brownies. But I have never tried a raw version . . . these look delicoius:)
These look incredibly tasty! I haven’t tried black bean brownies yet but they’re so popular, the black bean and chocolate combo must be a winner. I finally tried avocado and chocolate last year and was blown away by how delicious it was. Hmm.. that has me thinking maybe the three together would be fabulous too. As always, thanks for the foodie inspiration!
These are awesome! Thankyou for creating.
I have a request…I have so many sour cherries (vesni) and want a healthier version of cherry pie. Do you happen to have any yummy recipes for this?
I don’t. I have never seen sour cherries in my area. However, I will look for them this summer since I found an organic cherry grower and am going to farmer’s market right now. Have you looked online?! I will be testing and posting pies this summer and fall.
These were amazing and they were gobbled up in no time when I made them! I have to make some more! I have the crappiest little food processor and they still turned out. I’m shopping for a new more powerful one and can’t wait to see how they turn out with it.
Hello, could I use olive oil instead?
No. Brownies wouldn’t be tasty. Olive oil has a very specific strong taste. You don’t buy coconut oil? It is everywhere and so good for you.
I love brownies and have never tried no-bake brownies. These look so delicious that I might just need to make some! Is there a reason you use black beans instead of kidney or chickpeas?
Yes. They have milder taste plus colour.
Wow – Olena – I am in luv with the texture of these! Fantastic recipe – thanks for sharing!
They are amazing!!!