Black Bean Brownies

Not all brownies are created equal! I was sooooo angry this past weekend when I had tried my hand at making some healthy brownies as my quest to find healthy indulgences. Whilst these brownies may be more nutritious, with more protein and fiber, they actually have more calories (211!) than the sugary box mixes (about 110)!

Now then, below I've posted the same recipe from above, but with some healthy baking modifications. What's the damage? Only about 83 calories and still all the health benefits of that first brownie!

However, be forewarned! Not everyone likes the idea of a black bean brownie. My darling, sweet grandmother literally stuck out her chocolate covered tongue and yelped, "OHHH! Guuuuuuu- Yuck!!" when I revealed the secret ingredient. Hahaha! WORTH IT! Further, I would never compare these brownies to the delicious crack-cocaine brownies made by an old school-mate's wife. I wrote that woman a civil war-esque love letter professing my love for said brownie and the brownie was shortly thereafter named after me. But enough about once-a-year-crack-brownies. Let us give a fair shake to the humble, healthy indulgence, get-you-through-the-week-brownie.

Ingredients

• Butter, for greasing pan
• 3/4 cup cooked black beans
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup + 1 Tbs sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 9-inch square baking pan.

In a blender, puree the beans with the oil. Add the eggs, cocoa, sugar, and vanilla. Melt the chocolate chips and add to the blender. Blend on medium-high until smooth. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the blender and pulse until just incorporated. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake until the surface looks somewhat matte around the edges and still a bit shiny in the middle, about 17-20 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before cutting and removing from the pan.