Scrumptious Black Bean Brownies
Some days we just need a decadent treat. Am I right?
Today I made these absolutely delicious dark chocolate Vegan Black Bean Brownies and my family was extremely happy about it. I promise you, you will never, ever know there's black beans in them.
I've even shared them with my dad, who wouldn't go near it if he knew, and he loved them.
The beans give it a great amount of fiber and protein, which will slow down the effect on blood sugar and give you a boost of energy.
The only challenge is not eating them all in one sitting!
INGREDIENTS:
2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let to sit for 15-30 minutes)
½ cup whole rolled oats
(1) 15-ounce can black beans, well rinsed and well drained
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or other healthy oil of your choice)
¾ unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup real maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips, divided (I often use Lily's choc chips for lower sugar brownies)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350°F
Make the flax eggs. Add water and let sit for 15-30 minutes to gelatinize. While the flax egg mixture sits, prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Spray an 8x8-inch baking pan with a healthy extra virgin olive oil spray, or grease the pan with it using paper towel.
Place the ½ cup of whole rolled oats into the food processor or high quality/speed blender and process for about 30 to 45 seconds until you have milled oat flour. Add the rest of the ingredients except the chocolate chips and process for about 2-3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides a few times. Mix until very well combined and thick.
Once the brownie mix is made, add ¼ cup of dark chocolate chips and stir to combine.
Pour the mixture into an 8x8 baking dish and smooth evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle on an additional 2 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips if desired. A few tablespoons of chopped walnuts would also be a great addition to the top if desired.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the sides appear completely cooked. The middle will stay a little gooey but will firm up as it sets.
Remove from the oven and let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the brownies to firm up. Makes 16 brownies.