Low-Calorie Black Bean Cocoa Muffins (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

I wanted a chocolate muffin that actually fits into a low-calorie, health-first lifestyle, rather than one that pretends to be "healthy" but is actually loaded with oil, nuts, and sugar. 

These muffins are unique. They're based on black beans for structure and satiety, bran oats for fiber, and erythritol for sweetness without the metabolic cost. No oil, flour, sugar, or chocolate chips. The texture is naturally fudgy, while the coconut yogurt frosting keeps things light, fresh, and balanced. 

 This is the type of recipe you can enjoy regularly, not just as a "treat." ;)

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Black Bean Cocoa Muffins

with Coconut Yogurt Frosting

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⏱️ Time & Prep

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes
Yield: 12–16 muffins (depending on size)

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Ingredients

Muffins

• 1 cup (240 g) cooked black beans, well rinsed and drained

• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ cup bran oats

• ½ cup erythritol (preferably powdered)

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp baking soda

• Pinch of salt

• ¼–⅓ cup water or unsweetened plant milk

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Coconut Yogurt Frosting

• ¾ cup thick, unsweetened coconut yogurt

• 2–3 tbsp powdered erythritol, to taste

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice (for balance and freshness)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F and line a muffin tin.

2. Add all muffin ingredients to a blender or food processor.

3. Blend until completely smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable.

4. Divide evenly between muffin cups, filling them about ⅔ full.

5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

6. Let muffins cool completely.

7. Mix all frosting ingredients in a bowl until smooth.

8. Spread a thin layer of frosting over cooled muffins. 

9. Optionally: sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon

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Notes

• Smaller muffins = lower calories per piece and better texture.

• If your yogurt is thin, chill or strain it before frosting.

• Muffins store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• You can experiment with different toppings or frosting, if you want. Here you can show your creativity by adding various fruits, nuts, seeds, etc. It's really up to you! Here are some ideas: 

  
  
  

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Nutrition (per muffin, based on 16 muffins)

• Calories: ~65–75 kcal

• Protein: ~3–4 g

• Carbohydrates: ~10 g

• Fiber: ~4 g

• Fat: ~1–1.5 g

• Added sugar: 0 g

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