Traditional desserts are often laden with ingredients that aren't the most nutritious. Black bean dessert recipes are a great choice if you're looking for more nutrient-dense options, and that doesn't mean you have to compromise flavor.
Black beans are versatile, and because they don't have a potent taste, they actually blend into desserts easily. Black beans are high in fiber and protein, and they'll also give your recipes a rich, fudge-like texture.
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We tapped a registered dietitian to get the scoop on desserts made with black beans and we're sure they won't disappoint. Keep reading for 10 black bean-infused desserts that are both delicious and nutritious.
1. Avocado Black Bean Brownie Bites
- 344 calories
- 12 grams of protein
This recipe can double as breakfast and dessert, according to Hannah Magee, RD. "They offer protein, fiber-rich carbs and fat, that when eaten together promote feelings of fullness and satiety to keep hunger at bay."
Get the Avocado Black Bean Brownie Bites recipe and nutrition info here.
2. Black Bean Melt With Slaw
- 455 calories
- 32 grams of protein
If you're looking for a sweet and savory dessert, this black bean "melt" is for you. Cranberries and honey give this dessert its sweetness, and adding savory-yet-mild Swiss cheese is the perfect compliment.
"This recipe offers 15 grams of fiber thanks to the beans, whole-grain bread and cabbage," Magee says. Because it is a bit high in sodium, consider reaching for canned beans without added salt.
Get the Black Bean Melt With Slaw recipe and nutrition info here.
3. Chocolate-Mint Energy Truffles
- 228 calories
- 9 grams of protein
"Hemp seeds are like little nutrition powerhouses because they're packed with plant-based protein, fiber, omega-3s and minerals like magnesium, iron, manganese and thiamine," Magee says. "Just 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds offer 10 grams of protein."
Get the Chocolate-Mint Energy Truffles recipe and nutrition info here.
4. Fudge Brownie Chocolate Protein Bars
- 129 calories
- 7.3 grams of fiber
Because store-bought protein bars are typically made with artificial sweeteners and preservatives, this homemade version with whole-food ingredients is a smart option, Magee says. If this isn't filling enough on its own, consider serving with a cup of dairy or soy milk to make it more satiating.
Get the Fudge Brownie Chocolate Protein Bars recipe and nutrition info from Chocolate Covered Katie.
- 198 calories
- 7 grams of protein
These cookies are full of protein thanks to peanut butter and black beans. If you're allergic to nut butter, consider swapping for sunflower butter instead. Just be sure whichever butter you choose is well-stirred, or you'll end up with too much oil in your recipe.
Get the Double Chocolate Vegan Black Bean Cookies recipe and nutrition info from The Roasted Root.
- 156 calories
- 6 grams of protein
Enjoy this edible cookie dough by the spoonful without worrying about a sugar rush. Instead of reaching for white or brown sugars, this recipe uses pure maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
Get the Double Chocolate Edible Cookie Dough recipe and nutrition info from The Roasted Root.
7. Black Bean Avocado Chocolate Chip Fudge Brownies
- 138 calories
- 4 grams of protein
"While there's nothing wrong with having a traditional brownie for dessert, if you're looking for a more nourishing brownie recipe, these look great," Magee says. "I like that the black beans add fiber and protein and avocado adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats."
Get the Black Bean Avocado Chocolate Chip Fudge Brownies recipe and nutrition info from Ambitious Kitchen.
8. Vegan Chocolate Protein Pudding
- 459 calories
- 13.8 calories
Serve this pudding to your dinner guests and they'll have no clue it's full of fiber-rich black beans. You can serve this creamy pudding with coconut whipped cream and fresh fruit to make this dessert even more enjoyable.
Get the Vegan Chocolate Protein Pudding recipe and nutrition info from Minimalist Baker.
9. Flourless Black Bean Banana Bread
- 202 calories
- 10 grams of protein
This bread recipe is a great way to use up ripe bananas and that can of black beans that's been sitting in your pantry. If you don't have coconut sugar on hand, feel free to replace it with white sugar or maple syrup.
Get the Flourless Chocolate Black Bean Banana Bread recipe and nutrition info from The Roasted Root.
10. Double Chocolate Black Bean Brownies
- 200 calories
- 9 grams of protein
This black bean brownie recipe is one for the chocolate lovers out there. The fudgy texture of these brownies combined with the sweetness of decadent chocolate chips and natural coconut sugar is sure to wow your taste buds. You won't even be able to tell there are beans in them.
Get the Double Chocolate Black Bean recipe and nutrition info at The Roasted Root.