Craving a rich, fudgy brownie that’s also secretly good for you? These Vegan Black Bean Cocoa Brownies are a fantastic healthy baking recipe that delivers on taste without the guilt. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how wonderfully decadent they taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Canned Black Beans: The star of this healthy baking recipe! Rinse them very well.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Your natural sweetener. Agave nectar also works.
- Nut Butter: Adds richness and moisture. Almond butter or peanut butter are great choices.
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: Essential for that melty chocolate goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained very well
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips, plus more for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 9 brownies
- Tools: Food processor, 8×8 inch baking pan, parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This makes cleanup a breeze for your healthy baking adventure.
2. Process the Wet Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the rinsed black beans, maple syrup, nut butter, dairy-free milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. You want no bean chunks remaining for the best brownie texture.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
To the food processor, add the cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Process again until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and glossy.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Remove the blade from the food processor. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips using a spatula. This ensures you get pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
5. Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. If desired, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.
6. Cool and Enjoy
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cooling completely is crucial for them to firm up and achieve that perfect fudgy texture. Then, slice and enjoy your delicious healthy baking creation!
Variation Ideas:
- Minty Fresh: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a mint chocolate twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the chocolate chips.
- Espresso Boost: Stir in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Orange Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the batter for a bright citrus note.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Vegan Black Bean Cocoa Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use a different type of bean? While black beans are ideal for their neutral flavor and dark color, kidney beans could work in a pinch if rinsed extremely well.
- Do these brownies taste like beans? No, when processed properly and combined with cocoa, you won’t taste the beans at all. They just provide moisture and structure for this healthy baking recipe.
- Can I make these gluten-free? This recipe is already naturally gluten-free!
- What if I don’t have a food processor? A high-speed blender can work, but you’ll need to stop and scrape down the sides frequently to ensure a smooth batter.
- Why are my brownies crumbly? This usually means they were overbaked. Next time, pull them from the oven a few minutes earlier.
- Can I reduce the maple syrup? You can try reducing it by a tablespoon or two, but it might affect the texture and sweetness.
