Vegan, Gluten-Free, Black Bean Brownies

I have been looking all over for a chocolatey recipe to satisfy my tantalizing sweet tooth these past couple weeks. The only thing that bothers me about searching some vegan food blogs is that “vegan” doesn’t always mean “healthy.” Some vegan recipes are loaded with unnatural fats and oils that can be harmful to the body. So with this in mind, I began searching for not only a vegan brownie, but a “healthy” brownie. Well folks, look no further!

After reading through several recipes, and trying to create some myself (yes, some were failures), I finally combined my favorite ingredients from each recipe, and this fudgey brownie was born!

Packed with protein, fiber and omega-3s, these brownies have crisp edges with a delicious, ooey-gooey center. Try making them for a friend, then watch their mouth drop when they are begging you for the recipe :) Grab those aprons folks, let’s cook the world healthy! 

Black Bean Brownies {vegan, gluten-free}

 

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ingredients

• 2 Tbsp flaxseed meal
• ½ cup water
• 1-15 oz. can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 3 Tbsp coconut oil
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3½ Tbsp or 12 packets Truvia natural sweetener (I don't like to, but you can use ½ cup pure sugar if you don't have Truvia on hand)
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ cup walnuts, crushed (optional)

instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and lightly grease a standard-size cupcake/muffin pan.
2. Combine the flax and water in the food processor. Pulse for a few seconds, then let set for about 5 minutes (it will form a somewhat gooey substance that will be our "egg substitute").
3. Add all the remaining ingredients (except the walnuts) to the food processor and puree until smooth.
4. Evenly distribute the batter into the muffin tin.
5. Sprinkle the tops with your crushed walnuts (if using).
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are slightly dry and begin pulling away from the pan.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before removing from pan.

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