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    Home » Recipes » Meatless

    Black Bean Cakes with Avocado Cream

    UPDATED Oct 14, 2019 · PUBLISHED Feb 20, 2018 BY Marjory Pilley · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Black Bean Cakes with Avocado Cream

    Vegetarian or Vegan Black Bean Cakes with Avocado Cream will become your go-to recipe on Meatless Monday...or any time you want to enjoy a tasty and healthy burger of black beans, corn and  lots of spice. Cool things off with a quick avocado cream sauce topping! Tips to customize and make ahead!

    Black Bean Cakes and Avocado Cream

    I am unapologetic about my love of black beans (and cilantro too...but, that's another story!) If your kids, or any naysayers for that matter, say they don't like beans, then introduce them to a recipe using the mild-flavored black bean variety that includes other flavors or types of cuisine they already enjoy.

    For example, chili lovers should try Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili. If Tex-Mex is more your style, put out a bowl of Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa.

    And, if burgers make a regular appearance on the menu, try these Black Bean Cakes with fresh corn, green onions and Panko breadcrumbs. Put it on a bun, top like a burger...or slather on some avocado cream.

    We call that the "icing" on the cake. Pun intended. 🙂

    How to Make Black Bean Cakes Step-by-Step

    Make Vegetarian or Vegan Black Bean cakes. Since my daughter is vegan, we make them both ways.

    Mash about 3 cups of black beans using a fork or potato masher until they are the desired consistency. We like the beans a little chunky. Use a food processor for a smoother consistency.

    Mashed Black Beans

    Add the rest of the ingredients to the mashed beans: corn off the cob, fresh cilantro, whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, mayonnaise (clean-eating and/or vegan alternative) and red pepper flakes.

    These cakes pack some heat due to the red pepper flakes. Leave that spice out for a milder taste.

    Vegan Black Bean Cakes Mixture

    Use about a ¼ cup of the mixture and form 12 patties. They will be on the small size, which makes them easier to work with in the frying pan.

    Uncooked Black Bean Cakes in tin

    It's best to let them congeal for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) in the refrigerator, if possible. We're going to cover the second pan with a lid and plastic wrap and freeze them for later. We did this all the time at our make ahead meal assembly store!

    Vegan Black Bean Cakes in Frying Pan

    When you are ready to make dinner, spray a pan with olive oil. But, don't put use too much. If you do, the black bean cakes will quickly soak up the oil and become extremely fragile during the cooking process. Allow them to cook for about 4 minutes on each side, turning only once if possible.

    Once cooked, remove the black bean cakes to a paper plate lined with paper towels. If you let them sit for a few minutes, they will firm up a little more.

    Avocado cream sauce in cup

    Top the black bean cakes with sour cream, Greek yogurt or fresh guacamole. Or, make avocado cream which is a pureed mixture of a Hass avocado, sour cream (or vegan substitute,) lemon juice and garlic. This cool topping perfectly offsets the heat!

    Black Bean Cake Recipe Variations

    If you want to:

    Make them ahead of time and store in the freezer - Assemble them into patties and freeze for up to two months. Defrost completely before cooking.

    Make vegan black bean cakes - Use a vegan "mayonnaise" and "sour cream." The mayonnaise is the "glue" of this recipe so to speak. This recipe was tested using vegan products!

    Keep them clean and healthy - Use mayonnaise and sour cream or Greek yogurt with real, minimally processed organic ingredients and whole wheat breadcrumbs.

    Make gluten-free cakes - Use gluten-free bread crumbs or cooked quinoa.

    Make them kid-friendly - Leave out the crushed red pepper and create a burger complete with ketchup, cheese and bun.

    Leave out the cilantro - Do it!

    Make appetizer-sized cakes - Make small Tablespoon-sized cakes. They're a sure party hit!

    Please rate the recipe below and tag @DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up!

    3 black bean cakes on a plate topped with avocado cream

    Black Bean Cakes and Avocado Cream Sauce

    Black bean cakes with corn, green onion and cilantro and a little crushed red pepper, if you dare. Offset the heat with an avocado cream sauce. Make ahead and freeze too!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 12 cakes
    Calories: 144kcal
    Author: Marjory Pilley

    Ingredients

    Black Bean Cakes

    • 30 ounces black beans 2 cans drained, but not rinsed or about 3 cups
    • ½ cup green onion thinly sliced
    • ½ cup corn cut off the cob (about 1 corn cob)
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs whole wheat
    • ¼ cup cilantro chopped
    • 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
    • Olive oil cooking spray

    Avocado Cream Sauce

    • 1 Hass avocado
    • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
    • 1 Tablespoon lemon or lime juice
    • 1 garlic clove minced or pressed
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    Black Bean Cakes

    • Mash black beans with a potato masher or fork. Mixture will be slightly chunky.
    • Add remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
    • Form mixture into patties about a ¼ cup each in size.
    • Allow patties to gel in refrigerator for 30 minutes if possible (or overnight.)
    • Lightly spray frying pan with olive oil.
    • Place black bean cakes in pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning only once.
    • Remove to plate lined with paper towels and allow to set for several minutes.
    • Serve with avocado cream or toppings such as sour cream or guacamole.

    Avocado Cream Sauce

    • Combine ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

    Notes

    Be careful not to use too much oil in the frying process or the black bean cakes will become fragile. To make ahead and freeze, prepare recipe and make black bean patties. Freeze in a covered baking tin or transfer to a ziplock bag once the patties are frozen. Defrost completely and cook according to instructions.
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    Nutrition

    Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 363mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Vitamin C: 5.8mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1.7mg
    Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

    Black Bean Cake Recipe with Avocado Cream on plate

     

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Rachel Cooks

      June 25, 2013 at 9:01 am

      Wonder if I can convince my husband to eat these 😉

      Reply
      • Marjory

        June 25, 2013 at 9:08 am

        My hubby is more of meat and potatoes guy, but he liked them!

        Reply
    2. Chris @ Celebrations At Home

      March 09, 2015 at 8:28 am

      I love black bean burgers but have never made them myself. This looks easy enough though, and delicious too!

      Reply
      • Marjory

        March 09, 2015 at 10:13 am

        Thanks! They are very easy. I made a batch just the other night and replaced the mayo with mango chutney...a new variation coming soon!

        Reply
    3. Kirsten

      March 09, 2015 at 9:43 am

      Marjory,
      I've never tried a bean cake recipe, but I just got a pressure canner so beans will be on the menu more often in our house--no reason not to try these cakes!
      Thanks for all the tips--much appreciated.

      Reply
      • Marjory

        March 09, 2015 at 10:10 am

        Yay! A pressure canner sounds like a good thing to have!

        Reply
    4. [email protected] Mom

      March 09, 2015 at 10:22 am

      I love that avocado cream!! I could just enjoy that with a spoon!! The cakes sound tasty too!

      Reply
    5. Stephanie @ Back For Seconds

      March 09, 2015 at 10:38 am

      These sound so good! The avocado cream seals the deal!

      Reply
    6. Cookin Canuck

      March 09, 2015 at 12:28 pm

      I have a black bean cake recipe that I make for my family and they are always popular. The avocado cream sounds like the perfect topping!

      Reply
    7. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes

      March 09, 2015 at 3:30 pm

      I just had nachos with avocado cream the other day! I think this is a sign I need to try these! I bet they are amazing.

      Reply
    8. The Food Hunter

      March 09, 2015 at 4:40 pm

      I love everything about this specially the avocado cream

      Reply
    9. Amanda @ The Kitcheneer

      March 09, 2015 at 6:40 pm

      Im always up for a meatless recipe! This is just the thing I love, especially with that avocado cream!

      Reply
    10. Holley Grainger

      March 09, 2015 at 6:50 pm

      I love the idea of making these ahead and freezing! Will be pinning for sure!

      Reply
    11. Ginny McMeans

      March 09, 2015 at 6:50 pm

      These look so good. I love your hints on preparation too. Just a little oil in the pan sounds great!

      Reply
      • Denise Miceli

        April 09, 2021 at 9:03 pm

        I make these lovely morsels of goodness all the time... I always make extras and keep them in the freezer for a quick delicious meal!

        Reply
    12. Melissa from Hungry Food Love

      March 09, 2015 at 9:50 pm

      Just today I had something similar at a restaurant. Soo cool to get the recipe from you.

      Reply
    13. Lora @cakeduchess

      March 09, 2015 at 9:57 pm

      These black bean cakes are great, Marjorie! I love black bean ideas. I'll make these this weekend for me!!

      Reply
    14. Heather / girlichef

      March 10, 2015 at 8:21 am

      Oh yummy, that is DEFINITELY the icing on the cake!.I love black beans (and cilantro), too - so these are going on my short list!

      Reply
    15. Renee - Kudos Kitchen

      March 10, 2015 at 9:22 am

      These sound utterly delicious. I'm a huge bean lover so these are on my short list of recipes I want to make. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    16. [email protected]

      March 10, 2015 at 9:42 am

      What an awesome vegetarian meal with some of my very favorite ingredients! Black beans and avocados go so well together!

      Reply
    17. Lauren @ Healthy Delicious

      March 10, 2015 at 1:04 pm

      I love beans, too. These patties look delicious - especially with that avocado cream. 🙂

      Reply
    18. Nancy [email protected]

      March 10, 2015 at 3:42 pm

      You made these look super easy to make! And I love black beans so I need to give them a try!

      Reply
    19. Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic

      March 10, 2015 at 11:00 pm

      I'd love to make these black bean cakes extra spicy just so I could cool them off with the refreshing avocado cream.

      Reply
    20. Rose | The Clean Dish

      March 11, 2015 at 3:02 pm

      I loooove black bean burgers and the addition of avocado cream is just perfection!!

      Reply
    21. Jennifer Banz

      February 20, 2018 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      I used to make black bean meatballs and they were so good! I will have to try these!

      Reply
    22. Pam Greer

      February 20, 2018 at 1:10 pm

      5 stars
      I love black beans and I've been looking for a meatless recipe like this to try! Looks good!

      Reply
    23. Marla G

      January 27, 2019 at 6:44 pm

      5 stars
      We made it for brunch today, by the recipe except for extra garlic and a sprinkling of cumin, and they were fabulous! Agree - the avocado cream is the bomb. This one is a keeper.

      Reply
      • Marjory

        January 28, 2019 at 7:12 am

        I'm so glad you enjoyed them! 🙂

        Reply

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