Will the brownies taste like black beans?

No, not if the beans are rinsed well and the batter is blended smooth. Cocoa, vanilla, sweetener, and chocolate chips carry the flavor.

Can I make these brownies nut-free?

Yes. The recipe is designed to work without nuts; just check dairy-free chocolate and any packaged ingredients for nut cross-contact warnings.

Why do the brownies need to cool before slicing?

The avocado and bean base firms as it cools. Slicing too early can make the brownies look wet or crumbly even when they are fully baked.

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Desserts

Gluten-Free Vegan Black Bean Brownies with Avocado

Name: Gluten-Free Vegan Black Bean Brownies with Avocado
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 servings
Cuisine: American-inspired
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar; 1/4 cup gluten-free oat flour; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional); 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

By Freeflourish Test KitchenReviewed by Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished Apr 12, 2026 · Updated Jul 1, 2026

American-inspired 40 mins glutenfreevegandairyfreenutfreedesserthealthyfamilymealfreezableeasykidfriendly

Fudgy gluten-free vegan black bean brownies made with avocado, cocoa, dairy-free chocolate, and pantry-friendly plant-based ingredients.

Gluten-Free Vegan Black Bean Brownies with Avocado

Prep 15 min

Cook 25 min

Total 40 min

Servings 16

Difficulty easy

Cuisine American-inspired

Ingredients

Servings 16

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
1/4 cup gluten-free oat flour
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Ingredients for FreeFlourish gluten-free vegan black bean brownies with avocado

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine black beans, ripe avocado, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, baking powder, and salt.
Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed to remove any bean bits.
Add gluten-free oat flour and pulse a few times just to incorporate without over-mixing.
Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips if desired for extra fudgy pockets throughout the brownies.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Cut into 16 equal squares and serve.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Fudgy FreeFlourish gluten-free vegan black bean avocado brownies cut into squares

Tips

Allergen Overlap Note

Use gluten-free labeled black beans, cocoa powder, baking powder, vanilla, and dairy-free chocolate chips. If oats or flour appear in the original ingredient list, choose certified gluten-free versions and avoid shared scoops or baking pans from wheat desserts.

Texture Expectations

Black bean brownies should be dense, moist, and fudgy rather than cakey. Blend the batter until completely smooth, bake just until the center sets, and cool fully before slicing so the squares hold together.

Dining With Non-GF Family Note

Cut the gluten-free brownies with a clean knife before serving other baked goods. Keep regular cookies, cakes, and shared toppings on a separate plate so crumbs do not land on the vegan gluten-free batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the brownies taste like black beans?: No, not if the beans are rinsed well and the batter is blended smooth. Cocoa, vanilla, sweetener, and chocolate chips carry the flavor.
Can I make these brownies nut-free?: Yes. The recipe is designed to work without nuts; just check dairy-free chocolate and any packaged ingredients for nut cross-contact warnings.
Why do the brownies need to cool before slicing?: The avocado and bean base firms as it cools. Slicing too early can make the brownies look wet or crumbly even when they are fully baked.

Ingredient Replacements

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free. For further customization and accommodating other dietary preferences or ingredient availability, consider these substitutions:

Avocado: Replace with mashed ripe banana or unsweetened applesauce for a different flavor and moisture profile.
Coconut Sugar: Swap with organic brown sugar or date sugar to maintain refined sugar-free sweetness.
Gluten-Free Oat Flour: Substitute with almond flour (if nuts are allowed) or cassava flour as alternative gluten-free options.
Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: Use carob chips or chopped dairy-free dark chocolate for varied sweetness and flavor.
Black Beans: Red kidney beans or pinto beans can be used, provided they are well-cooked and soft, for a slight taste variation.

These ingredient swaps maintain the recipe's ease, kid-friendliness, and suitability for freezing without compromising the wholesome and healthy dessert qualities.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months with parchment between layers. Enjoy chilled for the fudgiest texture, or warm briefly in the microwave if you prefer softer chocolate chips.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Gluten-Free Vegan Black Bean Brownies with Avocado

Recipe Details

Ingredients

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