Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies
Rich and fudgy Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies are also gluten and dairy free, a healthier take on classic brownies that will satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Years ago I shared a recipe for Black Bean Brownie Bites and they are one of my favorite recipes of all time. They are my go-to healthier dessert option for when I’m trying to cut back on sugar. They are sweet enough to satisfy my raging sweet tooth and rich enough to give me my daily chocolate fix. These Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies are a twist on the original recipe and the peanut butter addition makes them that much more irresistible!
Why Bake with black beans in brownies?
When you are craving a decadent, chocolaty brownie, black beans probably don’t come to mind. But they work amazingly well as a substitute for flour in brownies. If you are gluten-free these brownies are a game-changer because you can still achieve the same texture you crave in a brownie without the gluten from flour. Black beans also add a lot of extra protein to your brownies, making them a better-for-you dessert that will keep you satisfied.
If you are worried about the flavor, don’t be! Once you mix the black beans with all the other ingredients and bake them you won’t even question if there are black beans hiding in there! It is important to use a food processor to mix the batter so the beans are smooth and don’t leave a grainy texture. The black beans help add extra moisture to the brownies so you don’t have to worry about them drying out, they come out super moist just like a brownie should be!
Are they dairy-free?
Yes! Another healthier alternative used in this recipe is coconut oil. The coconut oil is a substitute for butter which you would find in most classic brownie recipes.
Do I have to use Peanut butter?
No, my original recipe didn’t use peanut butter. If you want to exclude it, increase the coconut oil from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup and omit the peanut butter. Keep everything else including the bake time the same.
How to Store Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies
The brownies keep best if they are refrigerated once they cool completely. Keep them in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. They also freeze well and can keep frozen up to 3 months.
Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 dozen brownies 1x
Description
Rich and fudgy Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies are also gluten and dairy free, a healthier take on classic brownies that will satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Ingredients
1 15oz can black beans, drained
3 eggs
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter, divided
1 tsp vanilla extract
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 350°F
Add drained black beans to the bowl of a food processor
Process on high until smooth, scraping the sides as needed
Add the eggs, brown sugar, coconut oil and peanut butter and vanilla process on high until smooth
In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking powder and sea salt
Add the dry mixture to the food processor, process on high until fully combined and batter is smooth
Transfer batter to a mixing bowl
Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Pour batter into a greased 8X8″ baking pan
Top with remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Bake 20-22 minutes, test to make sure they are baked through by inserting a toothpick into the center, if it comes out clean they are done
Cool until you are able to easily handle the pan
Carefully remove the brownies from the pan and place on parchment paper
Warm up the remaining 2 tbsp of peanut butter
Drizzle peanut butter over the brownies, allow to cool
Slice and enjoy
Notes
Brownies stay fresh up to 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Keywords: #blackbeanbrownies, #peanutbutterblackbeanbrownies, #healthyish
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If you make these Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies let me know how you like them! Leave a star rating and comment here! If you snap a photo, I’d love to see it – share it over on Instagram and tag me @sprinklesandseasalt!