Chocolate Black Bean Cake Recipe (Gluten Free & Vegan) (2024)

This chocolate black bean cake is sweet and fudgy, with a brownie-like texture. If you haven’t made a cake with black beans before, this recipe is an easy and delicious one to try. This cake is gluten free, vegan, refined sugar free, and grain free. It’s perfect for special occasions and makes a great nutritious addition to a holiday dessert table.

What to serve with this chocolate black bean cake

If you’re making this cake for a party and are looking for a yummy vegan appetizer to serve with it, this easy stuffed dates recipe is a must try. They’re loaded with flavor.

Main ingredients and substitutions

This black bean chocolate cake calls for canned black beans with no added salt. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans well. Alternatively you can use dried black beans that have been cooked until tender.

Black beans are a good source of protein and fiber, plus they contain plenty of magnesium. They’re a nutrient-dense ingredient that boosts the nutritional value of this treat.

This chocolate black bean cake is sweetened with maple syrup, but you can substitute agave if you prefer.

This bean cake gets its chocolaty flavor from unsweetened cocoa powder. There are two main types of cocoa powder available at most grocery stores: Dutch process cocoa powder or natural cocoa powder. Either kind will work in this recipe.

Unsweetened applesauce adds body, moistness, and a little extra sweetness to this black bean cake. You can use either homemade or store bought applesauce – just be sure it doesn’t contain added sugar or the end result might be too sweet.

This recipe calls for coconut flour, which gives this grain-free cake a satisfying texture and a subtle hint of coconut flavor. I don’t recommend substituting other types of flour in this recipe because coconut flour is much more absorbent than most other flours.

I included some almond butter in this black bean chocolate cake recipe, which acts as a binder and improves the texture of this cake. You can substitute other nut butters such as peanut butter or cashew butter. Or for a nut-free version you can substitute pumpkin seed butter. Just be sure to use an unsalted, smooth variety of nut or seed butter.

How to make it

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then add the black beans, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, almond butter, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and salt to a food processor or blender, then blend until smooth.

Next you’ll add the coconut flour and baking soda and blend some more to incorporate. The batter should be very thick at this point – similar to a cookie dough.

Transfer the batter to a 9 inch baking pan (either round or square is fine),then use your hands to press the batter into an even layer before baking.

Bake the cake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then let the cake cool to room temperature before removing from the pan and serving. If you choose to frost this cake, be sure to wait until it has cooled completely.

Optional additions

For an extra layer of flavor and texture, add 1/2 cup each of vegan chocolate chips, pecans, or walnuts to the batter.

Frosting options

• Take this chocolate black bean cake to the next level by topping it with this tahini frosting. It’s vegan and refined sugar free.
• This delicious sweet potato chocolate frosting is nutrient dense yet decadent. You’d never guess it’s made with sweet potatoes.
• This almond butter chocolate frosting is rich, gooey, and delicious. It complements this cake perfectly.
• For a nut-free topping, try this nut-free chocolate spread. It’s quick, delicious, and easy to make.

Storage and freezing

Store this chocolate black bean cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to six months.

More gluten-free dessert recipes to try

• These chocolate pineapple rings are juicy and delicious.
• This mouthwatering chocolate hummus recipe is easy to make and perfect for dipping fresh fruit.
• These chocolate covered blackberries are perfect for entertaining.
• This oat flour cake is a tasty, nutrient-dense breakfast, snack, or dessert.