Protein Brownies With Black Beans

As a home cook, I’ve always been on the lookout for recipes that pack a nutritional punch without breaking the bank. My husband, who’s usually a bit picky, always asks for seconds when I whip up a big batch of my Protein Brownies with Black Beans. And let me tell you, it’s a godsend! Not only are these brownies deliciously fudgy, but they’re also a game-changer for meal prep. With this recipe, you’ll be able to feed your family a healthy, satisfying snack or dessert for weeks to come, all while keeping costs in check.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 brownies
• Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Protein Brownies with Black Beans

• High-Protein: With 20g of protein per serving, these brownies are a great post-workout snack or supplement to your protein-rich meal prep.
• Cost-Effective: At just £1.50 per serving, these brownies are a budget-friendly option for a healthy snack.
• No-Added-Sugar: These brownies rely on natural sweetness from the black beans, making them a great option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
• Make-Ahead-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, these brownies can be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, much like a High Protein Cold Noodle Salad, High Protein Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps, or even a No Bake High Protein Blueberry Cheesecake can be prepared ahead for quick lunches.online/no-bake-high-protein-blueberry-cheesecake/”>No Bake High Protein Blueberry Cheesecake can be prepared ahead for quick lunches.online/high-protein-cold-noodle-salad/”>High Protein Cold Noodle Salad can be prepared ahead for quick lunches.
• Customizable: Add-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit make it easy to get creative and tailor these brownies to your taste preferences.

Protein Brownies with Black Beans

15 min prep  ·  30 min cook  ·  4 servings

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)

Tip: Make sure to use cooked black beans, as canned black beans can be too salty for this recipe.

How to Make Protein Brownies with Black Beans

1. Mix together the black beans, oats, almond butter, honey, egg, Greek yogurt, and baking powder in a large bowl until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and relatively free of lumps. (Colour: the mixture will be a deep brown, with a subtle sheen from the almond butter.)
2. Add in the chopped dark chocolate, walnuts, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter. (Texture: the mixture will start to thicken and develop a crumbly texture from the oats and chocolate.)
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped fresh mint leaves (if using). (Smell: the mixture will start to emit a sweet, malty aroma from the almond butter and honey.)
4. Press the mixture into a lined or greased 8-inch square baking pan. (Sound: the mixture will make a satisfying ‘thud’ as it settles into the pan.)
5. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the brownies comes out clean. (Colour: the edges will be lightly golden, while the centre will be still slightly soft and underbaked.)
6. Store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. (Colour: the brownies will retain their colour and remain moist, even after storing.)
7. Reheat the brownies in the microwave or oven before serving. (Sound: the brownies will make a satisfying ‘splat’ as they reheat, releasing a fragrant aroma into the air.)

Tips From My Kitchen

• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in tough, dense brownies. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined, and then stop mixing.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavour and nutritional benefits.
• If you find the brownies too sweet, reduce the amount of honey or try using maple syrup instead.
• Experiment with different add-ins, such as chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit, to create unique flavour combinations.
• For a fun twist, try using different types of flour, such as almond or coconut flour, to create a gluten-free or low-carb version of the brownies.

What to Serve With Protein Brownies with Black Beans

• Fresh fruit: a simple but satisfying pairing that’s perfect for a healthy snack or dessert.
• Yogurt parfait: layer the brownies with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and granola for a nutritious and filling breakfast or snack.
• Ice cream: for a decadent treat, top the brownies with a scoop of your favourite ice cream and a drizzle of honey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Protein Brownies with Black Beans

Rich and fudgy brownies made with black beans and oats for a protein-packed, gluten-free dessert. The almond butter and honey add natural sweetness, while dark chocolate and walnuts provide texture. Optional mint leaves add a fresh twist.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients
Method
Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate at least 70% cocoa
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves optional

Method

 

1. Mix together the black beans, oats, almond butter, honey, egg, Greek yogurt, and baking powder in a large bowl until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and relatively free of lumps. (Colour: the mixture will be a deep brown, with a subtle sheen from the almond butter.)
2. Add in the chopped dark chocolate, walnuts, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter. (Texture: the mixture will start to thicken and develop a crumbly texture from the oats and chocolate.)
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped fresh mint leaves (if using). (Smell: the mixture will start to emit a sweet, malty aroma from the almond butter and honey.)
4. Press the mixture into a lined or greased 8-inch square baking pan. (Sound: the mixture will make a satisfying ‘thud’ as it settles into the pan.)
5. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the brownies comes out clean. (Colour: the edges will be lightly golden, while the centre will be still slightly soft and underbaked.)
6. Store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. (Colour: the brownies will retain their colour and remain moist, even after storing.)
7. Reheat the brownies in the microwave or oven before serving. (Sound: the brownies will make a satisfying ‘splat’ as they reheat, releasing a fragrant aroma into the air.)

Notes

For best texture, use well-cooked, drained black beans. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving for optimal flavor.

And there you have it – a delicious, healthy, and cost-effective recipe for Protein Brownies with Black Beans that’s perfect for meal prep, snacking, or satisfying your sweet tooth. What’s your go-to protein-rich snack? Share with me in the comments below!