Black Bean Protein Brownies

Black Bean Protein Brownies are incredibly delicious yet a healthier version of a favorite treat!  No flour, no white sugar, and extra protein from the black beans, eggs and almonds!  Don't let the healthier ingredients fool you, they are still indulgently tasty!  All made in a food processor, they are the perfect dessert for any occasion.  Real ingredients, even better with ice cream!!

Why We Love It!

• Black Beans in Brownies, What?! - A flourless chocolate brownie packed with protein - black beans, almonds and 3 eggs??  Black beans in a dessert sounds pretty strange at first.  But, when blended, they are just a flavorless starch that replaces the flour.  Don't worry, you won't taste the beans, and I would not call them "totally healthy brownies," they are still a sweet and amazing treat!

• Fast and Easy! - These brownies couldn't be easier!  Just 10 minutes to prep, add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth!  That's it, just pour into a baking dish and bake.

• The Flavor is Amazing! - This protein brownies recipe may make you never want to buy a box again!  Real ingredients, no preservatives, better in every way!

• If you Love this Healthy-ish Treat, be sure to check out my Strawberry Banana Yogurt Popsicles, Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins and our favorite Peanut Butter Protein Rice Krispies Treats!

Ingredients & Substitutions

What sounds odd is actually delicious, beans, eggs, and almonds make these brownies high in protein!

• Black Beans - Sounds strange yes, but black beans are the base for these high protein brownies. When ground in the food processor, black beans are a flavorless starch, replacing the need for flour in this recipe. You won't taste them!

• Almonds - Nuts really bump the protein and make the brownies more nutrient-dense. They can be used in any form since they will be ground in the food processor (whole, sliced, slivered or even almond flour). Other nuts could be substituted such as walnuts, cashews or pecans, and raw or roasted is ok.

• Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Candy Bars - If you have little kids, holidays like Halloween and Valentine's day probably bring the accumulation of just way too much candy!  Chocolate protein brownies are perfect for chopping up those extra candy bars and using them in place of buying chocolate chips! Dark chocolate chips work great too!

• Cocoa Powder - I like to buy the dark chocolate cocoa powder but regular is fine.

• Coconut Oil - Provides a healthier fat for the recipe, better than vegetable oil used in boxed brownie mix.

• Applesauce - Adds moisture to the brownies and reduces the need for so much oil. We make Homemade Freezer Applesauce every fall, great for baking!

• Maple Syrup - Real maple syrup is the sweetener for the brownies and adds a deep richness of flavor. So these brownies are flourless AND refined sugar-free! 

• Eggs - Three eggs really makes these high-protein brownies.

• Baking Powder - The levener for the brownies.

• Salt - Never skip the salt when baking! Salt is a flavor enhancer for all the ingredients. If you are using almonds that are roasted and salted, you can use a bit less.

• Vanilla Extract - A great flavor, vanilla balances the chocolate perfectly!

See recipe card below for full quantities.

Instructions

Step 1 - Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor. If using candy bars, you can add them first and pulse a few times to break them up.

Step 2 - Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides and process again, about 45 seconds.

Step 3 - Butter or spray a 9x9 baking dish and pour in the batter.

Step 4 - Bake for 35 to 45 minutes and top with powdered sugar, use a mesh strainer!

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Don't open the oven and peek! - Opening the oven can cause the not-done brownies to sink instead of rise. Let them bake at least 35 minutes before checking them with a toothpick. 

• Make Ahead Instructions - These brownies can be made a day or two in advance, covered and stored in the fridge. If making ahead, wait to add powdered sugar or candy toppings until serving.

• Storage and Freezer Instructions - Protein Brownies keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Versatile for Any Holiday

The kids love to help make these brownies for any holiday or special occasion.

The right colored M&M's and a few white chocolate chips can spin them to be Valentine's Day, 4th of July, Halloween or Christmas brownies! Really good with vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream!

If you made this recipe, I'd love to hear how you liked it!  Be sure to leave a star rating by clicking the stars in the recipe card, or leave a comment below!

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