Black Bean Brownies with Walnuts, Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Dear Healthy Baked Goods Eaters, Bakers and Brownies Connoisseurs,
I’m not usually one to make “healthy” baked goods. I actually am not afraid of shortening and butter and things, but I found this recipe on Farmgirl Gourmet via Pinterest and just had to make them. The original recipe calls for a stout beer, but I just skipped over that part because I used up all the beer in my last recipe (ok ok, so maybe I drank a few too – don’t judge me).
Now, these are much more dense and fudgey, less light and cakey but still delish. My only advice is to NOT tell anyone that they’re vegan until after they eat them – just tell them they’re fudgey brownie bites. Enjoy! XOXO
UPDATE! I made these in March and they were such a big hit that I had to try them again as a little treat for my cousin’s family (I’m house/pooch sitting for the week and thought a little frozen treat would be welcome after traveling).
I knew I needed to kick it up a notch with nuts and cherries, and oh wow – I’m so glad I did! They are even more delicious than the first time (I also nixed some of the sugar, coffee and beer – they’re for the kids!). I’m going to sneak these in the freezer for when they get back from vacation this week. Who knew healthy treats could be so delicious! XOXO – Jess
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed thoroughly and filled with new water
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup agave nectar
- 1 1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped and toasted walnuts
- 1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Drain a can of black beans and rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Return the black beans back to the can and fill with water. Puree the beans and water. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder. Add the black bean puree, vanilla, almond and water to the dry ingredients and stir just until incorporated. Mix in nuts, chocolate chips and cherries last. Try not to over mix.
- Pour batter into a greased pan (i just sprayed it with PAM). Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool, cut and Enjoy!
