Gluten-Free Black Bean Chocolate Cake

This Black Bean Chocolate Cake is a delicious, healthy twist on the classic chocolate cake, made with black beans for added protein and fiber.

 It’s rich, moist, and naturally gluten-free. The cake requires simple ingredients like cocoa powder, eggs, and maple syrup, and is topped with a creamy Greek yogurt frosting.

The recipe is easy to follow and takes about an hour to make. Each slice offers a good balance of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a satisfying treat with fewer sugars than traditional cakes.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the entire recipe step by step, and I’ll also share some tips, variations, and health benefits so you can make the most out of this unique dessert.

How To Prepare Black Bean Chocolate Cake?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Calories: 160 kcal

Cuisine: American, Gluten-Free

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 can (15 oz) of black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey (depending on your preference)
• ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional but recommended for extra richness)

For the frosting:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or you can use whipped cream cheese for a richer frosting)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

2. Blend the Black Beans

In a food processor, combine the black beans, eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Process until the mixture is completely smooth. You want the texture to be thick, almost like a batter, but smooth without any chunks of beans.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the food processor and pulse until everything is evenly combined.

4. Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional)

If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter by hand using a spatula. This will give you pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cake.

5. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Since ovens vary, I recommend checking at the 30-minute mark.

6. Cool and Frost

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by mixing Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. You can also sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for decoration if desired.

Special Note

I love how versatile this recipe is. You can easily swap out the coconut oil for butter, or the maple syrup for honey if that’s what you have on hand. You could even add in a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for an extra crunch.

If you’re looking for a richer, fudgier texture, you could double the amount of chocolate chips, or drizzle the cake with melted chocolate once it’s done baking. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this cake so fun to make!

Serving Suggestions

This black bean chocolate cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate it, here are some serving ideas:

1. With fresh berries: A handful of raspberries or strawberries on the side adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.

2. With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve a slice of cake with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or whipped cream.

3. As a layered cake: You can make a double batch of the recipe and stack two cakes with frosting in between to create a layered masterpiece.

Health Benefits

This black bean chocolate cake may be an unexpected choice for a dessert, but it comes with some impressive health benefits:

1. High in Protein

Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this cake a more protein-packed option than traditional cakes. It’s perfect if you’re looking to get a little extra protein in your diet.

2. Packed with Fiber

With over 5g of fiber per slice, this cake helps support digestive health and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels, making this a great option for those watching their blood sugar.

3. Rich in Antioxidants

Cocoa powder and dark chocolate are both rich in antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. So, not only does this cake satisfy your sweet tooth, but it’s also a source of powerful nutrients.

4. Lower in Sugar

By using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, you can reduce the refined sugar content typically found in traditional cakes, making this a healthier dessert alternative.

Expert Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients – Always bring eggs, butter, and dairy to room temperature before baking. They mix more evenly and help create a smoother batter.

2. Use a Timer – Set a timer when baking or cooking to avoid overcooking. It’s easy to get distracted, and a timer is your best friend for consistent results.

3. Rest Your Dough – Let dough rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. This helps gluten relax, making your baked goods more tender.

4. Don’t Overmix – Overmixing batters or dough can lead to tough cakes or breads. Mix just until ingredients are combined for the best texture.

5. Clean as You Go – Keep your workspace tidy by cleaning utensils and surfaces as you cook. It saves time at the end and keeps the kitchen organized.

Storage Information

To store your Black Bean Chocolate Cake, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer.

At room temperature, it will stay good for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.

 If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Black Bean Chocolate Cake as much as I do! It’s the perfect dessert for anyone looking to indulge in something chocolatey yet healthier.

With its rich, moist texture and deep chocolate flavor, you won’t believe it’s made with black beans!. The variations and tips I’ve shared give you plenty of options to personalize it.

Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to dessert recipes. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Give it a try and let me know what you think—I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!

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