Craving a delicious, guilt-free dessert? These Flourless Black Bean Brownies are a fantastic way to enjoy a rich, chocolatey treat while keeping things healthy. You’ll love how surprisingly fudgy and easy they are to make, perfect for anyone looking for tasty Healthy Black Bean Recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Black Beans: Canned black beans work perfectly. Ensure you rinse and drain them thoroughly.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup is great, but honey or agave nectar also works. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
- Oil: Coconut oil (melted) or any neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil.
- Eggs: Crucial for binding. For a vegan option, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes).
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained well
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 9 brownies
- Tools needed: Food processor, 8×8 inch baking pan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your healthy black bean recipe bakes evenly.
2. Blend the Wet Ingredients
Add the rinsed black beans, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to a food processor. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no bean chunks remaining. Scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in your dry ingredients for a smooth brownie batter.
4. Mix Wet and Dry
Pour the wet black bean mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your brownies.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the optional chocolate chips. You can use any type of chocolate chips you prefer, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to these Healthy Black Bean Recipes.
6. Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This is crucial for fudgy, intact brownies. Enjoy your healthy black bean dessert!
Variation Ideas:
- Add a swirl of peanut butter or almond butter before baking.
- Stir in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Include a dash of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Top with a sprinkle of sea salt after baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Flourless Black Bean Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you taste the black beans in these brownies?
A: No, you absolutely cannot! The cocoa powder and other ingredients completely mask the bean flavor, leaving you with a rich, fudgy brownie.
Q: Are these brownies gluten-free?
A: Yes, since they use black beans instead of flour, they are naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Yes, substitute the two eggs with two flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes). Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Q: Why are my brownies too dry?
A: You might have overbaked them. Keep a close eye on the baking time and remove them as soon as a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Q: Do I need a food processor?
A: A food processor is highly recommended for achieving a smooth, lump-free batter. A high-speed blender might work, but you’ll need to blend longer and scrape down often.
Q: How do these compare to regular brownies?
A: They are surprisingly similar in texture—fudgy and dense. They are less sweet than traditional brownies, making them a satisfying and healthier alternative.