Ingredients
- 1½ cups (about 250 g) cooked navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Ingredient Notes and Smart Tips
Navy beans: Canned navy beans are the easiest option. One standard 15-ounce can yields roughly 1½ cups of drained beans, which is about what you need. Rinse them well to remove the canning liquid, which can make the loaf taste salty or slightly metallic. Cooked-from-dried beans work beautifully too. Plan on roughly ½ to ¾ cup of dried beans, cooked until completely tender.
Can’t find navy beans? Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, and white beans are close substitutes. They have a similar mild flavor and creamy texture. Chickpeas also work but give a slightly nuttier flavor and a denser crumb.
Eggs: Large eggs provide the structure that flour would normally supply. Bring them to room temperature if you can, since they blend more evenly into the beans.
Baking powder: Check that yours is fresh. Old baking powder loses its power, and your loaf will be flatter and denser. If you are sensitive to a metallic aftertaste, choose an aluminum-free baking powder.
Optional flavor boosters: The classic version has just three ingredients, but a pinch of salt makes a noticeable difference. Garlic powder, dried herbs, black pepper, or a spoonful of grated Parmesan can turn it into a savory favorite. More ideas are in the variations section below.
Equipment You’ll Need
- A blender or food processor
- A small loaf pan (an 8 x 4-inch pan works well)
- Parchment paper or a little oil or cooking spray
- A rubber spatula
- A wire cooling rack
- A sharp serrated knife for slicing
Instructions
- A blender or food processor
- A small loaf pan (an 8 x 4-inch pan works well)
- Parchment paper or a little oil or cooking spray
- A rubber spatula
- A wire cooling rack
- A sharp serrated knife for slicing
How to Make 3-Ingredient Navy Bean Bread (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides so you can lift the loaf out easily. You can also lightly grease the pan instead. Parchment is the better choice for a loaf this soft, because it prevents sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Beans
Drain the navy beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step matters more than it seems. Excess moisture can make the loaf gummy and slow to set in the center. Dry beans blend into a thicker, creamier batter that bakes up with a better texture.
Step 3: Blend the Ingredients
Add the beans, eggs, and baking powder to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. You want a uniform, silky batter with no visible bean pieces. A high-speed blender works fastest, but a food processor does the job with a little extra scraping.
If your blender struggles because the batter is thick, stop and stir, then continue blending. Avoid adding liquid unless you absolutely must, since extra moisture changes the texture of the finished loaf.
Step 4: Pour into the Pan
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to scrape out every bit, then smooth the top evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter once or twice to release large air bubbles.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the loaf is set in the center and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean. The top should look lightly golden and feel firm to a gentle touch. Because ovens vary, begin checking at 35 minutes.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool fully before slicing. This is the most important step for success. A flourless loaf continues to set as it cools, and slicing too early can cause it to crumble or feel wet in the middle.
Step 7: Slice, Toast, and Enjoy
Cut the cooled loaf into 8 even slices with a serrated knife, using a gentle sawing motion. For the best texture, toast the slices in a toaster, toaster oven, or a dry skillet until the edges turn crisp and golden. Then add your favorite toppings.