When I was assigned We Heart Vegan for this month’s Secret Recipe Club, I knew I was going to find some great recipes. Brittany started her blog as a way to show everyone that good vegan food can not only be healthy, but appealing to everyone. I naturally cook mostly vegetarian and vegan, meat only a couple of times a week, so am always looking to expand my recipe collection. I figured I’d find some great gluten-free recipes too.
I loved Brittany’s blog so much, I actually made attempted two recipes this month. I was inspired by Brittany’s Potato and Garlic Chive Soup, but didn’t have the time to execute the actual recipe. I turned to my trusty crockpot to help me out. Unfortunately the potatoes I used (Irish potatoes from my CSA share) were way too starchy. I doubled the liquid amount but still ended up with a gummy mess. Luckily some take out tacos helped me recover quickly from the traumatic event.
Recipe two was amazingly successful. Brittany’s Grain Free Brownies both tempted and scared me. I had heard of black bean brownies but they sounded suspicious. I mean really, chocolate and beans? I altered the recipe a bit, relying mainly on my food processor to help prepare the 2 minute batter. It tasted pretty good, but when I pulled the tray out of the oven I was convinced a second failure had found me. They were midnight black and cracked all along the top. Dry I thought. Until I poked them–and they actually sprang back to meet my finger!
I couldn’t wait the full 10 minutes Brittany recommended before cutting into them. So moist. So delicious. So perfect. Forget gluten-free baking, I would easily line these up to any brownies out there. The recipe makes 15-16 brownies. Good luck just eating one.
Black Bean Brownies (adapted from We Heart Vegan)
- 1/2 c unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 c almond flour
- 15 oz can black beans, drained
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp instant espresso powder
- 1/4 c sugar
- 1/3 c cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp each baking powder and soda
- 1/2 c dark chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 baking dish, or in my case a 7×11.
In a food processor, puree all ingredients except chocolate chips until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool, slightly, slice and devour.
Love black bean brownies and these look so rich and delicious
Thank you!
I’ve made black bean brownies before and have only been mildly impressed. Maybe this is a better recipe. They certainly do look good!
Theses were super moist and fudgy. I think the applesauce really made a difference.
I have almond flour in my cabinet! I am still a little scared of black bean brownies but I might give these a try if you say they’re good. Great SRC post
They really are! No black bean taste whatsoever. I fed them to my non gluten free friends and they assumed there was alcohol in them. So yes, good!
I’ve always wanted to try a bean based dessert and this looks like the recipe to do it (love the addition of espresso too)
haha, anything with a coffee kick is my kind of dessert!
This looks so good, I pinned it, so I can make it in the future. Visiting from Group B.
Thanks! Hope you enjoy them!