The Black Bean Chocolate Cake Recipe is a delicious, guilt-free dessert that’s as nutritious as it is indulgent. Made with black beans, it’s naturally gluten-free, high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate cakes.
With a rich, moist texture and deep chocolate flavor, this cake is simple to prepare and requires only a few basic ingredients like eggs, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.
Perfect for any occasion, it’s a versatile treat that can be customized with chocolate chips, nuts, or spices!
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through every step of making this decadent cake, with tips on how to make it your own.
Plus, we’ll share the benefits of using black beans in desserts, and how this recipe can be modified to suit your dietary needs.
Why Choose Black Bean Chocolate Cake?
Before we dive into the Black Bean Chocolate Cake Recipe, let’s talk about why black beans are such a great ingredient for baking:
1. Gluten-Free: If you have gluten sensitivities or are following a gluten-free diet, this cake is the perfect choice. Black beans naturally contain no gluten, making them a great substitute for traditional flour in many recipes.
2. Nutrient-Packed: Black beans are loaded with protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. This means you’re not only satisfying your sweet tooth but also giving your body a nutritious boost.
3. Moist and Fudgy Texture: The black beans add moisture and density to the cake, creating a rich, fudgy texture that’s reminiscent of a flourless chocolate cake.
4. Lower Sugar Content: Because black beans are naturally sweet and provide a creamy texture, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe without sacrificing taste.
5. Perfect for Special Diets: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and can easily be adapted for vegan diets if needed.
How To Prepare Black Bean Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Calories: 220
Cuisine: American, Gluten-Free
Yield: 8 servings
Equipment Needed
- Food processor or blender
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed (or about 1 ½ cups cooked black beans)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan version)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- ⅓ cup coconut oil (melted) or butter
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup almond flour (or oat flour)
- ¼ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (optional for extra chocolatey goodness)
How to Make Black Bean Chocolate Cake Recipe
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process for making this decadent, healthy chocolate cake.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Black Beans
Place the drained and rinsed black beans into a food processor or blender. Blend them until smooth and creamy, with no chunks remaining. This will serve as the base for your cake.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
To the food processor, add the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil (or butter). Blend everything together until fully incorporated. You want a smooth, silky batter.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the processor. Pulse to combine until the mixture is thick and evenly mixed. Scrape the sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully blended.
Step 5: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now. This will add little pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cake, making it extra indulgent.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). The cake will be dense and moist, so don’t be alarmed if it’s a little fudgy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost it with a simple chocolate ganache, powdered sugar, or enjoy it as is.
Serving And Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your black bean chocolate cake recipe as a healthy dessert, or pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, make a lovely garnish to complement the richness of the cake.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. This cake actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.
Freezing:
This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Nutritional benefits Of Black Bean Chocolate Cake Recipe
1. High in Protein: Black beans provide a solid protein boost, supporting muscle repair and keeping you feeling full longer.
2. Rich in Fiber: The beans also offer a good amount of fiber, promoting healthy digestion and helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.
3. Antioxidant-Rich: Cocoa powder adds antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage and support heart health.
4. Gluten-Free: Made without flour, this cake is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
5. Lower in Refined Sugar: Using natural sweeteners like maple syrup reduces the sugar content, offering a healthier dessert alternative.
Can You Make Black Bean Chocolate Cake Vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this Black Bean Chocolate Cake Recipe vegan by swapping the eggs for flax eggs. To make a flax egg, simply mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2 ½ tablespoons water.
Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the recipe. The result will be just as moist and delicious!
The Bottom Line
This Black Bean Chocolate Cake Recipe is the perfect example of how healthy ingredients can be transformed into a decadent dessert.
With its rich chocolate flavor and super moist texture, you won’t believe it’s made with beans! It’s a great way to indulge without feeling guilty, and I promise your friends and family will love it.
It’s gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. So, next time you’re craving something sweet, give this recipe a try.
I guarantee you’ll be surprised at just how amazing this black bean chocolate cake tastes. Happy baking!
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Black Bean Chocolate Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz of black beans, drained and rinsed (or about 1 ½ cups cooked black beans)
- 2 large eggs or flax eggs for a vegan version
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- ⅓ cup coconut oil melted or butter
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup almond flour or oat flour
- ¼ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips optional for extra chocolatey goodness
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Black Beans
- Place the drained and rinsed black beans into a food processor or blender. Blend them until smooth and creamy, with no chunks remaining. This will serve as the base for your cake.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- To the food processor, add the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil (or butter). Blend everything together until fully incorporated. You want a smooth, silky batter.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Add the cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the processor. Pulse to combine until the mixture is thick and evenly mixed. Scrape the sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully blended.
Step 5: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
- If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now. This will add little pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cake, making it extra indulgent.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). The cake will be dense and moist, so don’t be alarmed if it’s a little fudgy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost it with a simple chocolate ganache, powdered sugar, or enjoy it as is.