Brownie Black Bean Muffins

Fudgy, flourless, and actually good for you. Make these chocolate brownie black bean muffins for a healthy but delicious dessert.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Need a healthy dessert you’ll actually want to eat? Look no further than this dietitian-designed recipe for chocolate brownie black bean muffins. These tasty muffins are rich, chocolatey, and without all the excess sugar and butter of the real deal.

Brownie black bean muffins are flourless with a base of black beans and oats — and I promise, you can’t even taste the difference. Even better? They’re made in a blender for minimal effort and easy clean-up.

Need more healthy recipes with chocolate? Try my chocolate baked oatmeal, chocolate chip protein muffins, or chocolate Greek yogurt.

Why they’re dietitian-approved

1. Designed for maximum nutrition. Flourless, low in sugar, and packed with protein and beta-glucan fiber to support your health and keep you full.
2. Made in your blender. The easier a recipe is, the more likely you’ll make it on repeat! Just blend, pour, and bake for a foolproof, no-fuss treat.
3. Naturally dairy-free and flourless. No dairy or wheat here, but that doesn’t mean you’re missing out. These muffins accommodate dietary needs while staying rich, chocolatey, and delicious.

What do flourless black bean muffins taste like?

These black bean muffins are inspired by chocolate brownie bites.

The texture is a little chewy, and surprisingly smooth and fudgy. Made from blended black beans, oats, maple syrup, and cocoa powder, these delicious muffins don’t taste as healthy as they seem. In fact, the main thing you’ll taste is chocolate.

I promise, you would never guess these muffins contained beans. Once everything is blended and baked, all you’re getting is a delicious and nutrient-packed muffin you’ll love to eat.

Ingredients and swaps

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and detailed recipe.

• Canned black beans: Make sure these are well rinsed and drained before adding to your blender.
• Quick oats: You can substitute rolled or large flake oats if necessary. Steel cut oats will not work.
• Eggs: You can likely substitute for flax eggs, but I haven’t tested.
• Maple syrup: I think the flavor of maple syrup works best here, so I wouldn’t recommend any swaps. If absolutely needed, another liquid sweetener like honey or agave should work.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: I don’t recommend using Dutch process cocoa powder.
• Avocado oil: Substitute for any neutral oil like light olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
• Instant espresso: Your muffins won’t taste like coffee — but this will deepen the chocolatey flavor. Skip it if you’d prefer.
• Vanilla extract: You can also use vanilla bean paste.
• Baking powder: This helps add a little height to your brownies.
• Salt: For flavor balance. Don’t skip it!
• Mini chocolate chips: Regular chocolate chips work fine, but mini distribute better.

How to make chocolate brownie black bean muffins

Step 1: Place all ingredients except chocolate chips into your blender.

Step 2: Blend on high until completely smooth, pulsing or scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Transfer batter into lined 12-cup muffin pan, filling each about halfway. Top with each muffin with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips.

Step 4: Bake for 16-20 minutes at 350 F or until brownies are set and lightly cracked on top. Let them rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Want more protein?

Serve these chocolate brownie muffins with a source of protein for a more filling snack:

• Glass of cow’s milk or soy milk
• Bowl of greek yogurt and berries
• Protein shake
• Protein-rich smoothie
• A few hard boiled eggs
• Handful of nuts and/or pumpkin seeds

Storage

• Store your black bean muffins in an airtight food container or sealed bag.
• Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days before transferring to fridge.
• They’ll last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Or, store them in the freezer for up to 3 months and defrost in the fridge overnight before eating.

More healthy muffins

Honey bran muffins
Chocolate chip protein muffins
Chocolate cottage cheese muffins
High protein blueberry muffins
Apple cinnamon oat muffins
Blender banana muffins
Kodiak cakes muffins

Frequently asked questions