The holiday season always brings a special kind of energy — a whirlwind of shopping, wrapping, decorating, and, of course, baking. As Christmas draws closer, the excitement reaches a peak, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by whipping up a batch of decadent, festive treats.
Enter: Vegan Peppermint Black Bean Brownies — a dessert so rich, so fudgy, you’d never guess they’re packed with good-for-you ingredients.
Perfectly suited for your Christmas table or New Year’s festivities, these brownies are a healthier twist on a holiday classic, and they’re shockingly easy to make. Let’s dive into the magic.
One Bowl, One Food Processor, Pure Chocolate Bliss
Forget about juggling multiple mixing bowls and piles of dirty utensils — the batter for these brownies comes together entirely in your food processor.
Not only does this save time, but it also ensures that the black beans — the not-so-secret star ingredient — are completely blended and undetectable in the final bake.
The texture of the batter is so luxuriously smooth and fudgy, it’s hard to resist sneaking a spoonful before baking. And honestly? Since there are no raw eggs involved, you can indulge a little with zero guilt. That’s holiday science for you.
Why Black Beans?
You might be wondering: black beans in brownies? Really?
Yes, really.
The beans give the brownies their dense, fudgy texture without needing any flour or extra oil. Plus, they sneak in a hefty dose of fiber, protein, and other nutrients. It’s a treat your tastebuds and your body can agree on — a rare win in the dessert world.
And don’t worry — no one will suspect a thing. In fact, the only thing you’ll hear is how fast they disappear from the table.
Muffin Tin or Baking Pan — Your Choice
These brownies are typically baked in a muffin tin, which creates individual bites with those coveted crisp edges and gooey centers. But if you prefer traditional square brownies, feel free to use a baking pan — both methods yield delicious results.
Personally, I love the mini version. Something about bite-sized desserts makes them feel even more special (and let’s be honest — easier to justify grabbing a second… or third).
Double the Peppermint, Double the Fun
What’s a holiday dessert without a little festive flair?
These brownies bring the holiday cheer with two layers of peppermint:
- A splash of peppermint extract blended into the rich chocolate batter, creating a cool, minty backdrop that perfectly complements the cocoa.
- A generous sprinkle of crushed candy canes over the top for a festive crunch and extra burst of peppermint sweetness.
The combination of chocolate and mint is timeless, and these brownies are proof that some pairings are simply meant to be.
Rich, Moist, and Perfectly Chocolatey
Each bite of these brownies is pure indulgence:
- The edges are firm without being dry.
- The centers are irresistibly moist and fudgy.
- The flavor is deep, intense, and perfectly balanced by the refreshing zing of peppermint.
Thanks to a blend of cocoa powder and chocolate chips, you get double the chocolate goodness in every bite — a must for true chocolate lovers.
Crowd-Tested and Approved
If you need more convincing, just know these brownies have been thoroughly taste-tested — and passed with flying colors.
When shared with the staff at my apartment building, the response was unanimous. They were “inhaled” within minutes, with not a single person suspecting the sneaky, healthy ingredients hidden inside. Total win.
Pro Tip: Coconut Whipped Cream
Want to take these brownies to the next level?
Top them with a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
The light, creamy frosting pairs beautifully with the rich, minty chocolate, making each bite taste like a full-fledged holiday dessert masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, looking for a fun holiday baking project, or simply craving a treat that feels indulgent but nourishes you too, these Vegan Peppermint Black Bean Brownies are a must-try.
They’re:
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Made in just one bowl
- Packed with chocolate and peppermint flavor
- Shockingly healthy and nutrient-rich
- An absolute crowd-pleaser
Best of all, they bring a little extra magic to your celebrations — the kind of magic that comes from surprising everyone (even yourself) with just how delicious healthy baking can be.
So fire up that food processor, crush some candy canes, and let the holiday baking begin. Trust me — your festive spirit (and your sweet tooth) will thank you.
Happy holidays and happy baking!
