Smoky Vegan Baked Beans from Scratch

Old-Fashioned Vegan Baked Beans–No Oil, Refined Sugar, or Salt, Just Deep Flavor

Discover the rich, smoky comfort of my homemade vegan baked beans—made completely from scratch with no added oils, refined sugars, and salt (which is optional!). Naturally sweetened with molasses and apple juice, these beans simmer slowly with spices, tomato paste, and a hint of smokiness, then bake to perfection for a thick, hearty, and flavorful dish. Starting with dried beans, this recipe delivers wholesome goodness that’s high in plant-based protein, fiber, and nutrition, yet simple enough for everyday cooking. Whether served at a barbecue, potluck, or cozy dinner, these healthy vegetarian baked beans prove that classic comfort food can be deeply satisfying and completely good for you.

Ahh, a classic, smoky, sweet-tangy pot of baked beans. This plant-based part of American folklore goes down in history as one of our favorite foods. How can you even consider celebrating a holiday cookout without this dish? While some recipes are laden down with less healthful ingredients, this 100% plant-based recipe is heavy on flavor, compliments of apple juice and a touch of dark molasses as the sweetener, along with vinegar, mustard, and a bounty of spices for the pizzazz. But the true star of these vegetarian baked beans is just the humble red bean, which has been the backbone of traditional diets for centuries. So, celebrate the beauty of beans in this all-American, full-flavored recipe. It’s a great side-dish or even the main event of any meal. You can even enjoy it for breakfast the next day. It’s good hot or cold. It’s great for tailgating, potlucks (just tote along the slow cooker you make it in), or parties. Which reminds me; you can make it in an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker to save time. This will soon be your favorite, healthy, classic recipe for vegetarian (really, vegan) baked beans. I promise!

Smoky Vegan Baked Beans from Scratch

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• Author: The Plant-Powered Dietitian
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Make healthy vegetarian and vegan baked beans from scratch—no oil, no refined sugar! Sweetened naturally with molasses and apple juice, smoky, protein-rich, and easy. Also gluten-free!

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound red beans, dried (i.e., small or large kidney beans, cranberry beans, or red beans)
• 4 1/2 – 5 cups water
• 1 cup 100% apple juice
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup dark molasses
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Place beans in a large oven-proof pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Soak overnight (or 8 hours).
2. Drain water from beans and discard it.
3. Add 4 1/2 cups fresh water to the beans, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook covered for 55 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add apple juice, tomato paste, dark molasses, vinegar, mustard, liquid smoke, red chili pepper, celery seed, ground mustard, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt (optional). Stir well and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mixture should be moist, but not soupy. May add additional 1/2 cup water, if needed.
5. Preheat oven to 350 F while beans are simmering in step 4.
6. Transfer beans in the pot or Dutch Oven to the oven and bake uncovered at 350 for about 30 minutes until browned, thickened, and desired texture.
7. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Makes 10 servings (about 2/3 cup each).

Notes

Instant Pot Directions: Omit step 1 and 2. For step 3-4, place all ingredients in the container of the Instant Pot. Press “Bean/Chili” setting. Cook according to manufacturer’s directions. Follow step 5-6 as noted above.

Slow Cooker Directions: Follow step 1 and 2. For step 3-4, place all ingredients in the Slow Cooker. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-12 hours. Cook according to manufacturer’s directions. Follow step 5-6 as noted above.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking beans overnight)
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
• Category: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 13.5 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 0

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