The countdown to Christmas is on, and if you’re anything like me, you’re riding that final wave of holiday energy — wrapping gifts, checking off to-do lists, and baking up a storm. Right at the heart of all this festive buzz are these little marvels: Vegan Peppermint Black Bean Brownies.
These brownies are everything the season calls for — rich, fudgy, perfectly minty — and best of all, you’d never guess they’re loaded with wholesome ingredients. Vegan, gluten-free, packed with fiber and protein, yet every bite feels as indulgent as a traditional treat. Holiday magic? I think so.
One Bowl, Big Flavor
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to pull together. In the middle of holiday chaos, who has time for complicated?
All the action happens in a single kitchen hero: your food processor.
Just toss in your ingredients — including the secret weapon, black beans — and let the machine do all the hard work. This ensures a silky-smooth batter where the beans completely disappear, leaving behind nothing but deep, chocolatey goodness.
Honestly, once you see (and smell) that luscious batter, you’ll understand the temptation to grab a spoon and dive in. Since there are no eggs involved, it’s totally safe to sneak a few bites — and I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t done it myself a few times.
Baked to Perfection: Your Choice of Pan
When it comes to baking these beauties, you have options.
Using a muffin tin gives you individual brownie bites with slightly firm edges and gooey, melt-in-your-mouth centers — my personal favorite. Plus, mini-sized treats just feel extra festive, don’t they?
Prefer a classic slab of brownies? No problem. Pour the batter into a baking dish and slice them up once they’re baked. Either way, you’re guaranteed a batch of rich, fudgy brownies that’ll leave everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds).
Double the Peppermint, Double the Fun
What makes these brownies truly holiday-ready is the peppermint twist — and it comes in two delightful layers.
First, a splash of peppermint extract stirs right into the batter, infusing every bite with a cool, refreshing zing that plays perfectly against the deep chocolate flavor.
Then, once baked, the brownies get a joyful sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
That bit of crunch and extra burst of mint is just the finishing touch they need to sparkle on any dessert table.
Chocolate and peppermint are a timeless pairing, and these brownies are a shining example of why they’re simply meant to be together.
A Healthier Sweet You Can Feel Good About
Here’s the real kicker: these treats aren’t just delicious, they’re genuinely better for you.
Thanks to black beans, each brownie packs a punch of plant-based protein and fiber. No refined flours, no heavy dairy, no processed ingredients to weigh you down — just simple, nourishing goodness disguised as decadent holiday cheer.
They’re so secretly healthy, you could easily make a batch for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or even as a sweet gift for neighbors and friends. Bonus points for not having to reveal the black bean secret until after they’re hooked. (Trust me — they won’t believe it.)
Serving Ideas: Go All Out
While these brownies are incredible on their own, there’s always room to elevate things just a little bit more.
Here are a few ways to serve them:
- Top with coconut whipped cream for a creamy, festive frosting.
- Warm them up slightly and serve with a scoop of vegan ice cream.
- Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for extra richness.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or peppermint tea for the ultimate cozy combo.
No matter how you serve them, expect them to disappear fast. When I shared these with the staff at my apartment building, “inhaled” was the word they used most to describe the experience. I couldn’t have been prouder.
Final Thoughts: A Holiday Must-Bake
These Vegan Peppermint Black Bean Brownies are proof that holiday treats can be both joyful and nourishing.
Rich, minty, fudgy, and incredibly easy to make, they’re perfect for Christmas week, New Year’s celebrations, or any winter gathering where you want to spread a little extra cheer.
Whip up a batch (or two) and watch the magic happen — one bite at a time.
Happy baking and happiest holidays!
