Updated: November 5th, 2020
These brownies are so delicious that you’ll forget they have black beans in them!

Two of the recipe’s ingredients stand out for their health-promoting properties. First, black beans contribute fiber, which most Americans need to eat more of. Fiber helps lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar levels. Second, raw cacao powder (not to be confused with cocoa powder) is an antioxidant and is a great source of magnesium, iron and potassium. Thank you to Linda Burka, a nutrition student, for sharing this recipe!

Makes 12 – 16 brownies

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well)
  • 2 tbsp cacao powder (add a little extra if you want these to be very chocolatey)
  • 1/2 cup quick or old fashioned gluten-free oats
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F
  2. Combine all ingredients except chips in a food processor and blend until completely smooth.
  3. Stir in the chips.
  4. Pour into a greased 8×8 pan.
  5. Bake the black bean brownies 15-18 minutes, then let cool at least 10 minutes before trying to cut.

These are best stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

This recipe is adopted from the Chocolate Covered Katie blog.