Black Bean Brownies

Need more fiber and protein in your diet?  Grab a brownie! No one will ever know there's a secret ingredient lurking inside these chocolatey treats.

 These brownies taste indulgent but are filled with black beans. 

 I love to double the recipe and bake it in a 9" x 13" pan!

Black Bean Brownies

makes 9 pieces

2 "flax eggs" (2 Tb. ground flax seeds + 6 Tb. warm water) or use EnerG egg replacer

3/4 C. cooked black beans

1/4 C. canola oil (or vegetable oil)

1/4 C. unsweetened applesauce

1/3 C. cocoa powder, unsweetened

2/3 C. sugar (I used coconut palm)

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/3 C. flour (I used 1/2 whole wheat, 1/2 unbleached cake flour)

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 C.  chocolate chips

1/2 C. walnuts, chopped (optional)

optional: powdered sugar to dust

Directions:

1.  Prepare "flax eggs' by combining ground flax seeds and warm water in a small cup.  (Or prepare EnerG eggs as directed on box.)  Stir with spoon and set aside to "gel" up.  

2.  Preheat oven to 350F.

3.  Place beans, oil and applesauce in food processor and puree until smooth.  Transfer to a medium-large bowl and add cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla and flax eggs (or EnerG eggs).  Use a large wooden spoon or electric beaters to combine.

4.  Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl.

5.  Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.  Stir in chocolate chips and optional walnuts.

6.  Spray a 9" x 9" square pan with non-stick spray.  Pour batter in and smooth out evenly.

7.  Bake for 22-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8.  Let cool in pan, then slice into even 9 even squares. (NOTE: These are a bit crumbly, but sooo yummy!)

9.  Dust with powdered sugar or get fancy (like I did!) to create initials.  

How to Create the Initials or Designs on Your Brownie:

1.  Take a sturdy piece of paper (card stock works great) larger than the brownie.

2.  Use a pen or pencil to draw your child's initial, age or a shape, making sure it's small enough to fit onto the top of the brownie.

3.  Carefully cut out the design using an exacto knife (works best) or small, sharp scissors.

4.  Lay the paper on top of one brownie being careful not to move it once you lay it in place.  

5.  Dust with powdered sugar.  I used a fine mesh tea strainer because it was nice and small.

6.  Lift off the paper to reveal your design!

You can spread the chocolate chips with a spatula after they're baked when they're gooey and melty or omit the chocolate chips on top altogether.

You may remember my last brownie video here which had lemon juice, blueberries and spinach.  Both of these brownies are tasty and could pass for "regular" brownies.  If you need a boost of fiber and protein in your diet, make the Black Bean Brownie version.  If you need a healthy antioxidant-rich brownie, make the Healthy Vegan Brownies.  Isn't it nice to have options?