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- Canned black beans: These beans are a secret star in this recipe. They add fiber and protein, making brownies both healthy and filling. If you don't have black beans, you can use kidney beans or white beans. Just rinse and drain them well. - Unsweetened applesauce and maple syrup: These act as our sweeteners. They are much better than sugar. Applesauce gives moisture and a hint of apple flavor. Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness. You can swap maple syrup with agave nectar if you prefer. - Cocoa powder and almond flour: Cocoa powder is key for that rich chocolate taste. It also brings antioxidants. Almond flour gives a nice texture and a nutty flavor. If you're allergic to nuts, you can use oat flour instead. - Suggestions for nuts, coconut, and extra chocolate chips: You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. Shredded coconut adds a tropical twist. Extra chocolate chips take the fudginess up a notch. Choose toppings you love! - How toppings can enhance flavor and texture: Adding nuts gives a nice crunch. Coconut adds chewiness. Extra chocolate chips create delightful bursts of chocolate. These toppings make every bite special and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up your oven. It helps the brownies bake evenly. Next, grab an 8x8-inch baking dish. Grease it lightly with coconut oil or non-stick spray. This keeps the brownies from sticking. For the base, add 1 cup of canned black beans to a food processor. Make sure to rinse and drain them first! Blend until you have a smooth and creamy puree. This black bean puree gives the brownies their fudgy texture. Now, add the following ingredients to the black bean puree: - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 cup almond flour - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt Blend again until everything is smooth. This creates a rich brownie batter. Next, take 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. Carefully fold them into the batter using a spatula. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed. This way, every bite is full of chocolate goodness. Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish. Use your spatula to spread it out evenly. You can add optional toppings now, like chopped nuts or extra chocolate chips. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. This assures you get that perfect fudgy texture! To get that rich, fudgy texture, focus on the baking time and temperature. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the brownies for 20-25 minutes. Check them with a toothpick. It should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs. If you bake too long, they can get dry. If you want a vegan treat, use dairy-free chocolate chips. These chips melt well and keep the brownies rich. You can also swap out the unsweetened applesauce with another fruit puree, like pumpkin. Just ensure the consistency is similar. Add-ins can take your brownies up a notch. Try 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for warmth or a splash of almond extract for a nutty twist. You can also mix in some chopped nuts or shredded coconut for texture. Each of these options brings new flavors to your fudgy brownies. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the cocoa powder and baking soda, are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your brownies. Blend Thoroughly: When blending the black beans, make sure to achieve a completely smooth consistency to avoid any bean lumps in your brownies. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of maple syrup to make the brownies sweeter or less sweet without compromising the fudginess. Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure clean edges and prevent them from falling apart. {{image_4}} If you need a gluten-free option, you can easily swap the almond flour. Use oat flour, coconut flour, or even brown rice flour instead. Each of these flours will give your brownies a great texture. Just remember to check if the flour is certified gluten-free. This ensures your brownies are safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Want to mix things up? You can add mint extract for a fresh twist. Just a teaspoon can bring a burst of flavor. If you love coffee, stir in a bit of espresso powder. This adds rich depth without overpowering the chocolate. You can also try adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Each of these ingredients can take your brownies to the next level. To lower the calories and sugar, consider using stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of maple syrup. You can also replace half of the dark chocolate chips with unsweetened carob chips. This swap cuts down on sugar while giving a unique taste. If you want to reduce fat, use less coconut oil or omit it altogether. These simple swaps help you enjoy brownies without the guilt. To keep your fudgy brownies fresh, use an airtight container. Line it with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Place the brownies in a single layer, if possible. Store at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to a week. Freezing brownies is easy and a great way to save some for later. First, let the brownies cool completely. Cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take out a brownie and let it thaw at room temperature. For a warm treat, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy the fudgy goodness! Yes, black bean brownies are great for gluten-free diets. The main ingredient is black beans, which contain no gluten. Instead of wheat flour, we use almond flour. This flour is also gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure no gluten is present in your other ingredients. These brownies are healthier due to their unique ingredients. Instead of sugar, we use pure maple syrup and unsweetened applesauce. These ingredients add sweetness without refined sugar. Black beans provide fiber and protein, making the brownies filling. Almond flour is rich in healthy fats and low in carbs. This makes our brownies a guilt-free treat! To check if your brownies are done, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the brownie. If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. This means they are fudgy, just how we like them! If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. These fudgy healthy brownies use black beans for a protein boost. We explored sweeteners like applesauce and maple syrup, making them guilt-free. By choosing cocoa powder and almond flour, you get great taste and texture. Optional toppings can elevate the flavor, adding nuts or extra chocolate. Remember, adjust baking time for that perfect fudgy texture. With vegan and gluten-free options, this recipe fits any diet. Enjoy your brownies fresh or frozen, and get creative with variations! You now have the tools to make delicious, healthy brownies that everyone will love.

Guilt-Free Fudgy Brownies

Deliciously fudgy brownies made with black beans for a guilt-free treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup canned black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free recommended)
  • to taste optional toppings: chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or extra chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with a bit of coconut oil or non-stick spray and set aside.
  • In a food processor, add the rinsed black beans and blend until they transform into a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • To the smooth black bean puree, incorporate the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, unsweetened cocoa powder, almond flour, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Blend again until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
  • Carefully fold in the dark chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Pour the brownie mixture into the prepped baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
  • If desired, enhance your brownies with additional texture by sprinkling on optional toppings before baking.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  • Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

For a stunning presentation, serve on a rustic wooden board and dust with cocoa powder.
Keyword brownies, dessert, healthy, vegan