Bake a Little Light Into the Season with Beans

Holiday baking season is officially here, and kitchens everywhere are coming alive with chocolate, cinnamon, spice, and creativity. It’s the perfect time of year to try something new, revisit trusted recipes, or share a homemade treat with someone you love.

This year, we’re inviting you to bring beans into that ritual.

It might sound a little unexpected, but beans work beautifully in baked goods. Utah State University Extension has found that bean purée can often replace 25–50% of the fat in recipes while helping maintain moisture and structure, a surprisingly helpful swap for brownies, muffins, cookies, and more. And because beans add protein and fiber, the end result can feel just a little more satisfying without losing any of the comfort we want from holiday treats.

If you’re new to bean-baking, December is an excellent time to experiment. Chocolate-based recipes are especially forgiving, as cocoa pairs naturally with the subtle earthiness of black, kidney, or pinto beans.

Holiday baking also doubles as holiday giving, and bean-based treats make thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts. Whether you’re filling tins for neighbors, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or simply carving out an afternoon to reset and recharge, baking with beans adds a creative twist to a tradition many of us cherish this time of year.

Baking isn’t just about delicious treats — there’s growing evidence that the process itself can support emotional well-being. According to Psychology Today, the mixing, measuring, and sensory rhythm of baking can serve as a form of mindfulness, offering a focused, calming break from a busy day.

That quiet, predictable rhythm of stirring batter, feeling textures, and smelling warm spices can offer a bit of grounding when schedules get hectic and stress creeps in.

If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve gathered a few festive ideas, from straightforward classics to fun, modern take-offs, that highlight just how versatile beans can be in December baking.

Holiday Bean-Baking Ideas to Try:

Brownies & Bars

Rich, familiar, festive, and perfect for gifting, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

• Fudgy Black Bean Brownies
• Fudgy Peppermint Black Bean Brownies
• Red Kidney Bean Brownies
• Chocolate Chunk Black Bean Brownies with Cherries & Toasted Pecans
• Chocolate-Cherry Oat Bean Bars

Pies, Cupcakes & Elegant Treats

For desserts that feel a little more special, whether you’re celebrating or just elevating a winter meal.

• Chocolate-Espresso Black Bean Babycakes
  • NOTE: This recipe uses Mocha Aquafaba Frosting, which also pairs beautifully with gingerbread or other chocolate cakes or cupcakes.
• Silky Cranberry Bean Pie
• Black Bean Chocolate Mousse
• Pinto Bean Pie

Cozy Bowls & Puddings

Perfect for cookie trays, classroom parties, office treats, or even mail-able gifts.

• Black Bean & Black Rice Pudding with Coconut Milk
• Snickerdoodle Hummus

Whether you try one of these recipes or simply stir a scoop of bean purée into a favorite family treat, bean baking can bring a little extra warmth, nourishment, and creativity to your season. Start with a smaller swap, replacing a quarter of the fat (whether it’s butter, oil, or shortening), and increase from there based on taste and texture. You may also want to reduce added liquid slightly if the batter seems too loose.

With a little tinkering, many holiday favorites adapt beautifully to this method.

And if the first batch isn’t quite right, that’s part of the process. A small adjustment or two usually does the trick, and it’s a good reminder to be patient with yourself, too.