Sweet Potato Black Beans Brownies

Featured in: Sweet & Savory Treats

These brownies combine mashed sweet potato and black beans to create a rich, fudgy texture that's naturally gluten-free. Sweetened with maple syrup and enhanced by cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips, this dessert offers a moist, protein-packed treat. The blend of oat flour and coconut oil ensures a tender crumb, while optional nuts add crunch. Bake until just set for an indulgent yet wholesome experience that's quick to prepare and ideal for a satisfying sweet finish.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:23:00 GMT
Fudgy sweet potato brownies, freshly baked and topped with dark chocolate chips for a rich dessert. Save
Fudgy sweet potato brownies, freshly baked and topped with dark chocolate chips for a rich dessert. | nibbromeals.com

Rich, fudgy brownies made healthier with sweet potato and black beans—naturally gluten-free and packed with fiber and protein.

I first made these sweet potato brownies when searching for an easy treat that wouldn't compromise on taste. They have become a family go-to for anytime snacking or dessert nights.

Ingredients

  • Sweet potato: 1 cup (240 g) cooked and mashed (about 1 medium)
  • Black beans: 1 can (425 g/15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Pure maple syrup: 1/2 cup (120 ml), or honey
  • Coconut oil: 1/4 cup (60 g), melted, or unsalted butter
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/2 cup (50 g)
  • Oat flour: 1/3 cup (40 g), certified gluten-free if needed
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp pure
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp
  • Dark chocolate chips: 1/2 cup (90 g), dairy-free if needed
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans: Optional, 1/3 cup (35 g)

Instructions

Prepare pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
Blend base:
In a food processor, combine black beans and mashed sweet potato. Blend until completely smooth.
Add wet and dry ingredients:
Add maple syrup, melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, oat flour, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Blend again until well combined and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Mix add-ins:
Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if using, by hand.
Bake:
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and serve:
Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Warm, hearty sweet potato brownies are gluten-free, with a perfectly moist texture and intense chocolate flavor. Save
Warm, hearty sweet potato brownies are gluten-free, with a perfectly moist texture and intense chocolate flavor. | nibbromeals.com

My kids love helping puree the beans and sweet potato, and everyone enjoys this treat fresh out of the pan after dinner.

Required Tools

Food processor or blender, 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan, mixing bowl, spatula, parchment paper (optional)

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts if using nuts, possible traces of soy or dairy in chocolate chips. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains 145 calories, 6 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

A close-up shot of decadent sweet potato brownies, ideal for a healthier, delicious after-dinner treat. Save
A close-up shot of decadent sweet potato brownies, ideal for a healthier, delicious after-dinner treat. | nibbromeals.com

Enjoy these brownies as a nourishing snack or dessert. They freeze well, so you can always keep a stash for sweet cravings!

Common recipe questions

Can I substitute sweet potato with another ingredient?

Yes, pumpkin puree can be used as a substitute for sweet potato, offering a similar texture and mild sweetness.

What makes these brownies naturally gluten-free?

Using oat flour certified gluten-free ensures the brownies remain free from gluten, suitable for sensitive diets.

How can I achieve a fudgier texture?

To get extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them and chill before slicing for a denser consistency.

Are there optional ingredients to enhance flavor or texture?

Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added for a crunchy contrast, complementing the rich chocolate and sweet potato flavors.

What tools are helpful for preparation?

A food processor or blender helps create a smooth batter by combining black beans and sweet potato thoroughly.

Sweet Potato Black Beans Brownies

Rich, fudgy brownies made with sweet potato and black beans for a wholesome dessert option.

Time to prep
20 minutes
Time to cook
30 minutes
Overall time
50 minutes
Creator Ethan Cole


Level of difficulty Easy

Cuisine type American

Serves 12 Number of servings

Nutrition info Meatless, No gluten

Ingredient list

Vegetables & Legumes

01 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed (about 1 medium)
02 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Baking Ingredients

01 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
02 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or unsalted butter)
03 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 1/3 cup oat flour (certified gluten-free if needed)
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 1 teaspoon baking powder
07 1/4 teaspoon salt

Add-Ins

01 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
02 Optional: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Cooking steps

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

Step 02

Blend base ingredients: Combine black beans and mashed sweet potato in a food processor and blend until completely smooth.

Step 03

Add baking ingredients: Add maple syrup, melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, oat flour, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until mixture is well combined and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary.

Step 04

Incorporate add-ins: Fold in dark chocolate chips and nuts, if using, by hand.

Step 05

Transfer batter to pan: Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Step 06

Bake the mixture: Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Step 07

Cool before serving: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares.

Kitchen tools

  • Food processor or blender
  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper (optional)

Allergy details

Always check ingredients for allergens. Unsure? Talk to a healthcare expert.
  • Contains tree nuts if used; possible traces of soy or dairy in chocolate chips.
  • Gluten-free if certified gluten-free oat flour is used.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition details per serving

Details are shared for reference only. Reach out to your doctor with any health questions.
  • Energy (calories): 145
  • Total fat: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 22 grams
  • Protein content: 3 grams