Incredible Gluten & Dairy-Free Black Bean Brownies

  • Incredible Gluten & Dairy-Free Black Bean BrowniesAdmit it- you’re curious.  Is it possible to have the words “incredible” and “black bean” in the same title when it comes to brownies?  I wouldn’t lead you astray.

    So here’s the thing.  You just don’t tell people that black beans are the secret ingredient that replaces the flour (and most of the fat), because people will get all weird on you.  The key is to have them try one or two, get hooked, and then tell them they ate something healthy.  Sneaky black bean brownies.

    1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed well

    3 eggs

    3 tablespoons canola oil

    1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

    1/2 teaspoon salt

    1/2 teaspoon baking powder

    1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

    3/4 cup white sugar (or raw cane sugar)

    2 teaspoons instant espresso powder (optional)

    1/2 cup chopped, toasted walnuts

    1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

    1. Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9 x 9 foil-lined pan.
    2. Combine all ingredients with exception of walnuts & chocolate chips in a blender or food processor until smooth.  Stir the walnuts in, pour into prepared pan, and sprinkle with chocolate chips (if using).
    3. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cake tester comes out mostly clean in center of brownies.  After cooling to room temperature, place pan in fridge prior to cutting to allow for clean edges when slicing.

    Tips:

    • Want a fudgier brownie?  Omit the baking powder, and they won’t be as fluffy.
    • Swap out the chocolate chips on top.  Sprinkle coconut instead, or skip the topping altogether and simply dust with icing sugar right before serving.  (Put about 2 tablespoons in a fine mesh sieve, and tap it overtop brownies in an even sprinkle.  Or who is kidding who… grab a handful and sprinkle it on yourself.  These brownies are moist and can handle a good sugar clump.  The more the better.)
    • Healthy, not guilty.  Full disclosure- these are incredible in part because they taste good while being healthy.  It’s all in context, right?  They won’t hold a candle to the World’s Best Fudge Brownies at the state fair, but they are still totally worth making if you care about your health or about your allergic friends.
    Print Friendly, PDF & EmailClick Here to PRINT This Recipe Now!

    Related Recipes & Posts:


    January 2nd, 2012 | More Sweets Please | No Comments | Tags: , , ,

Leave a Reply

* Name, Email, and Comment are Required