Get ready to revolutionize your holiday dessert game with these mind-blowing Christmas Tree Protein Brownies that are about to make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent, fudgy brownie that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with protein and sneaky healthy ingredients. These vegan brownies are the ultimate Christmas miracle for health-conscious foodies and sweet tooth enthusiasts alike - proving that you can have your brownie and eat it too!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 12 Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs on two sides for easy removal.
- In a food processor, combine black beans, almond butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and no bean chunks remain, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Pulse the mixture a few times to incorporate vegan chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.
- Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes. The brownies will firm up as they cool.
- Use the parchment paper edges to lift the brownies out of the pan, then cut into 12 even squares.
- Optional: Decorate with green frosting in a Christmas tree pattern for a festive touch.
Tips
- Ensure your black beans are thoroughly drained and rinsed to prevent any bean-like taste and achieve a smooth texture.
- When blending, take your time to create a completely smooth mixture. Scrape down the sides of the food processor multiple times to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Don't overmix after adding chocolate chips - a few quick pulses are enough to distribute them throughout the batter.
- For the most accurate baking, use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven's temperature is precisely 350°F.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to allow them to set properly and achieve the perfect fudgy texture.
- If you want to make the Christmas tree decoration extra festive, use a piping bag with green frosting for more precise tree designs.
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
- For an extra protein boost, consider adding a scoop of vegan protein powder to the batter if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
