Black Bean Brownies: Decadent Guilt-Free Delight

I’m Emma, and one of the most delightful secrets in my kitchen is the magic of black bean brownies. It all started when I was curious about making classic treats a little healthier without losing the beloved taste. The idea of using black beans in a dessert was as intriguing as it was unconventional, and I simply had to try it.

The first time I made black bean brownies, I was skeptical yet hopeful. The surprise on my family’s faces when they discovered the secret ingredient was priceless, and their enjoyment proved that healthy can indeed be delicious. The texture was fudgy and rich, the flavor chocolaty and satisfying, leaving everyone craving more.

In this article, I’ll guide you through creating these delightful black bean brownies, showing you just how simple and rewarding it can be. We’ll dive into the fundamentals, explore the best techniques, and perfect the art of making these treats. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious newbie, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Join me on this culinary adventure, where we transform humble ingredients into something truly special. Let’s uncover the secrets of black bean brownies and make them a staple in your kitchen, just as they have become in mine.

Black Bean Brownies

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 25-28 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 brownies 1x

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Description

Discover how to make deliciously fudgy black bean brownies with this easy recipe. Perfect for a guilt-free dessert or snack. Click here to get baking!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well) (250g after draining)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (10g)
• 1/2 cup quick oats (40g)
• 1/4 tsp (1 ml) salt
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave (75g)
• pinch uncut stevia OR 2 tbsp (30 ml) sugar (or omit and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup (120 ml))
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (40g)
• 2 tsp (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp (3 ml) baking powder
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) to 2/3 cup (160 ml) chocolate chips (Not optional. Omit at your own risk)
• optional: more chips, for presentation

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Instructions

1. Begin by setting your oven to 350°F to preheat.
2. Place all the ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, into a high-quality food processor and blend them until the mixture is completely smooth. Ensure to blend thoroughly. (While a blender is an option if necessary, a food processor yields a better texture and taste.)
3. Mix in the chocolate chips by hand, then transfer the batter into a greased 8×8 baking dish.
4. For a nicer presentation, feel free to sprinkle additional chocolate chips on the top.
5. Bake the brownies for 15 to 18 minutes, then allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
6. If the brownies seem slightly underdone, refrigerate them overnight, and they will firm up nicely.
7. This recipe yields 9 to 12 brownies.
8. Once you make this recipe, please consider leaving feedback!
9. The fun part: serve the brownies before disclosing the secret ingredient. In my experience, nobody has correctly guessed it when they weren’t informed beforehand!

Notes

• Ensure black beans are thoroughly rinsed to eliminate any bean flavor in the brownies.
• Use premium cocoa powder for a luscious chocolate taste.
• Include baking powder for a light and fluffy texture in the brownies.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 3g

Keywords: black bean brownies, chocolate chips, healthy dessert, gluten-free baking, secret ingredient, fudgy texture

Black Bean Brownies: The Basics

Fundamentals

Black bean brownies are a unique twist on the traditional chocolate brownie. The fundamental ingredient that sets them apart is black beans, which not only add nutritional value but also create a moist and fudgy texture. The beans replace flour, making this recipe a great option for those seeking gluten-free desserts.

The magic lies in blending the beans thoroughly with ingredients like cocoa powder, oats, and pure maple syrup. The result is a smooth batter that bakes into a decadent treat. The chocolate chips are essential; they melt into the brownies, adding pockets of gooey chocolate goodness that are simply irresistible.

Preparation/Setup

Before diving into the baking process, gather all your ingredients: black beans, cocoa powder, quick oats, salt, maple syrup, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, baking powder, and chocolate chips. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 baking dish.

Using a high-quality food processor, blend all ingredients except the chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth. This step is crucial as it ensures the beans are fully incorporated, preventing any grainy texture. Once smooth, fold in the chocolate chips by hand to keep their shape intact during baking.

Mastering the Black Bean Brownie

Technique

The technique for making black bean brownies focuses on achieving the right texture and flavor balance. Blending the beans and other ingredients thoroughly is the key to a smooth, lump-free batter. This step ensures the black beans are undetectable in the final product.

Once the batter is ready, spread it evenly in the prepared baking dish. This even distribution helps the brownies bake uniformly, resulting in a consistent texture throughout. Baking for 15 to 18 minutes at 350°F allows the brownies to set while maintaining a fudgy center.

Tips/Tricks

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the batter. This small addition can make the chocolate flavor pop even more. If you find the batter too thick, a splash of water can help achieve the desired consistency without affecting the taste.

For an extra chocolaty experience, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top before baking. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a layer of melted chocolate goodness. If the brownies seem underdone after baking, refrigerate them overnight. They will firm up, yielding a perfect texture.

Perfecting Your Black Bean Brownie Recipe

Perfecting Results

Achieving the perfect black bean brownie involves a few critical steps. Ensuring the beans are rinsed well before use is essential to remove any residual canning liquid, which can affect the taste. Blending them with precision ensures they integrate seamlessly into the batter.

Experiment with the sweetness level by adjusting the amount of maple syrup or sugar. If you prefer a sweeter brownie, increase the sweeteners slightly. Conversely, for a more subdued sweetness, reduce the amount or use stevia as an alternative.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your brownies are too dense, ensure that the baking powder is fresh, as it helps the brownies rise and achieve a lighter texture. For a slightly different flavor profile, consider incorporating a splash of espresso or coffee into the batter to complement the chocolate.

For those who enjoy experimenting, try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch. You could also explore different types of chocolate chips, such as dark or white chocolate, to create unique variations of the classic black bean brownie.

Serving and Storing Black Bean Brownies

Serving/Presentation

Presenting black bean brownies can be as simple or as elegant as you desire. For a casual setup, slice them into squares and place them on a decorative plate. For a more refined presentation, dust them lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before serving.

Consider pairing the brownies with a scoop of strawberry vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast between warm and cold. The creamy texture of the ice cream complements the rich, fudgy brownies beautifully, creating a balanced dessert experience.

Pairings/Storage

Black bean brownies store well and can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to maintain freshness.

For those looking for a savory dish to accompany these brownies, try making spicy venison and black bean tacos. The combination of savory and sweet offers a delightful dining experience that showcases the versatility of black beans.

Conclusion

Black bean brownies are a testament to the magic of transforming simple ingredients into a delicious and healthier treat. The combination of black beans with chocolate creates a fudgy, rich dessert that’s hard to resist. Their versatility allows for numerous variations, ensuring there’s always a new twist to explore.

This recipe not only satisfies chocolate cravings but also offers nutritional benefits, making it a win-win for anyone looking to indulge without guilt. Whether served on their own or paired with strawberry vanilla bean ice cream, these brownies are sure to impress.

Incorporate black bean brownies into your dessert repertoire and enjoy the surprise and delight they bring to your table. Their ease of preparation and delicious taste make them a perfect choice for any occasion, proving that a little creativity in the kitchen can lead to extraordinary results.

FAQs – Black Bean Brownies