Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, decadent brownie that's not only mind-blowingly delicious but also secretly packed with nutritious black beans and wholesome ingredients. These aren't your ordinary brownies – they're a game-changing dessert that proves healthy can be absolutely irresistible! With a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor, sweet cherries, and an unexpected protein boost, this recipe will transform the way you think about desserts forever.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup home canned cherries, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Drain and thoroughly rinse the black beans. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Transfer beans to a food processor.
- Add unsweetened cocoa powder, applesauce, sugar, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt to the food processor with the black beans.
- Pulse and blend the mixture until completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the processor bowl as needed. The mixture should be creamy with no visible bean chunks.
- Gently fold in the chopped home canned cherries, reserving a small portion for topping if desired.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle reserved cherry pieces on top if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out and cut into 12 equal squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Make sure to thoroughly pat dry the black beans to prevent excess liquid in your batter.
- Blend Until Silky Smooth: Take your time processing the ingredients to ensure no bean chunks remain – smooth batter is the secret to a perfect texture.
- Don't Overbake: Remove brownies when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs to keep them fudgy and rich.
- Chill for Best Flavor: While delicious warm, these brownies develop an even more intense flavor when cooled completely.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt, extra chopped cherries, or a drizzle of dark chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Store Smartly: Keep in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: You can substitute the sugar with alternatives like honey or maple syrup for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
