Flourless Black Bean Brownies

Searching for a delicious, nutrient-rich gluten-free treat that everyone will enjoy? No one will ever guess that this divinely fudge-y brownie is gluten-free! (Trust me, I’ve served it on many an occasion!)

In this nutritious twist on traditional brownies, the classic, rich chocolate flavor dominates. Black beans offer a high in fiber and protein replacement for flour. Applesauce substitutes for oil and succanat, a “whole grain” form of cane sugar, stands in as a natural sweetener. Succant retains iron, calcium, vitamin B6, potassium and chromium, which help to balance blood sugar. Another alternative sweetener may be substituted.

What are your favorite go-to dessert recipes and healthier sweet treats? Share with us in the comments below!

 

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*This original Hip, Simple, Fabulous™ recipe was published in the Winter 2011 edition of Edible Magazine. Thanks to my friend, Mo Hendrickson, for reminding me to post this recipe for you all to enjoy here!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 15 oz. Can of Organic Black Beans, Rinsed and Drained

• ¾ Cup Succanat

• 2 Tablespoons Apple Sauce

• ¼ Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder/Raw Cacao Powder

• 1 Teapsoon Vanilla Extract

• 1 Teaspoon Instant Coffee Grounds

• ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder

• ½ Teaspoon Sea Salt

• 2 Eggs (or egg substitute)

• ½ Cup Chocolate Chips (divided)

• Cooking Spray, Olive Oil or Grape Seed Oil

• ½ Cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (Optional)

• ½ Cup Crushed Peppermint Stick (Optional, such as King Leo Brand)

METHOD

1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

2. Lightly spray an 8 inch brownie pan or brownie bites molds with oil.

3. Blend beans and apple sauce until smooth in a food processor.

4. Add ingredients through Sea Salt to bean mixture. When mixture is very smooth add eggs.

5. Gently fold in ¼ Cup of chocolate chips. Add nuts if desired.

6. Slowly pour into pan.

7. Sprinkle remaining ¼ Cup chocolate chips over brownies.

8. Bake 25-30 minutes. Check centers with a toothpick and watch for edges to begin to pull away from pan.

9. Brownies are delicious served warm. Serve sprinkled with crushed peppermint stick for a holiday treat! Or simply top with your favorite non-dairy ice cream (we enjoy So Delicious).

10. To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week. ENJOY!

© Copyright Clea Shannon 2009-2012

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