This rich, fudgy healthy brownie recipe tastes indulgent—you won’t believe how wholesome the ingredients are.
The best healthy brownies
Picture a homemade brownie that’s secretly healthy but still rivals any classic chocolate brownie in taste and texture. These brownies contain no flour, no refined sugar, and deliver more than five grams of protein per serving while remaining decadently chocolatey and fudgy.
This recipe can easily be adapted to be vegan, oil-free, low-fat, egg-free, dairy-free, and cholesterol-free, while providing fiber, potassium, and iron.
Also try this healthy Frozen Yogurt Recipe
Flourless brownie ingredients
These low-calorie, super chocolatey brownies use simple pantry items: unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, quick oats (or almond flour for grain-free), pure maple syrup (or honey, agave, or another liquid sweetener), banana, nut butter (or coconut oil), pure vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and black beans.
If you prefer grain-free brownies, swap the 1/2 cup quick oats for 1/2 cup almond flour. For higher protein, replace cocoa with a chocolate protein powder you know and trust for baking.
The recipe calls for a standard 15-ounce can of black beans (or 1 1/2 cups cooked beans). I haven’t tested other legumes in this exact version, though there are other recipes that use chickpeas if you’d like to try them.
Use whatever nut butter you like—almond, cashew, peanut—or sunflower butter for a nut-free option. Dark chocolate chips are my preference, but semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate all work. For a no-sugar variation, try sugar-free chocolate chips.
Suitable liquid sweeteners include maple syrup, honey (not vegan), raw agave, date syrup, or a keto syrup for sugar-free versions.
Healthy brownie recipe video
Above, watch the step-by-step video
Healthy brownies without banana
The main recipe uses banana for natural sweetness. If you can’t or don’t want to use banana, try a similar black bean brownie recipe without banana. Other alternatives like applesauce, avocado, or Greek yogurt might work if you increase the sweetener, though results can vary.
Feel free to experiment and share how your substitutions turn out.
How to make vegan healthy brownies from scratch
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining or greasing an 8-inch square baking pan. In a food processor, blend all ingredients except the chocolate chips until completely smooth. Stir in the chips, then spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. If you like, sprinkle extra chips on top.
Bake on the center rack for about 15 minutes. Let the brownies cool before cutting. For an extra gooey texture, serve soon after cooling; for firmer, fudge-like bars, refrigerate loosely covered overnight—the brownies will set and develop a richer flavor.
Chocolate brownie storage tips
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four to five days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a single layer or separated with parchment; thaw before serving. Top with cream cheese frosting, melted chocolate, ganache, or a scoop of banana ice cream for an extra treat.
Thanks to their protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, these brownies are even tempting as a hearty breakfast option.
Health benefits
Cut into nine pieces, each brownie is about 150 calories and contains roughly 5.6 grams of protein and 5.7 grams of fiber. They’re low in saturated fat and sodium, and provide iron, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants from black beans and unsweetened cocoa powder.
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Healthy Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup quick oats (or almond flour for grain-free)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or honey or agave)
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup nut butter (or coconut oil)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (not optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Blend all ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor until completely smooth. Stir in the chips and smooth the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan. Add extra chips on top if desired. Bake on the center rack for 15 minutes. Let cool before cutting; refrigerate overnight to firm up if you prefer a denser, less gooey brownie.
Video
Notes
Healthy Dessert Ideas
Healthy Chocolate Cake
Homemade Chocolate Bars
Protein Ice Cream
Brownie In A Mug
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate Banana Bread