These Peanut Butter Swirl Black Bean Brownies are fudgy, moist and healthy! They are gluten-free and refined sugar-free but don’t let the fact that these are made with black beans scare you off because you’re in luck these brownies don’t actually taste like black beans. Got picky eaters at home? This recipe is a great way to sneak in nutrition without sacrificing yumminess! And have we mentioned yet that this recipe is made in the food processor? So there’s no need to dirty a bunch of bowls which makes cleaning up a breeze.
How to make Peanut Butter Swirl Black Bean Brownies
Start by making the flax eggs by combining 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds with 5-6 tablespoons of water in a small bowl and allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes. Next, add the drained and rinsed black beans along with the wet ingredients including coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract to a food processor and blend. Then add in the dry ingredients and blend again until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides when needed. Remove the blade and lightly fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula. Pour mixture into the parchment-lined baking dish and evenly smooth out the batter with a spatula.
We store our peanut butter in the refrigerator so it needs to be heated up to soften it to easily make the swirl topping. Put the peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 10-20 seconds so that it’s a little melted. Add dollops of the melted peanut butter to the top of the batter and swirl it with a toothpick or chopstick. Then it’s ready for the oven! Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes depending on your oven. To test for doneness stick a clean toothpick into the brownies and pull it straight out if it comes out clean the brownies are done. But be careful not to overcook or the brownies will become dry and crumbly.
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We used organic canned black beans for this recipe for convenience. When purchasing canned beans you want to make sure you choose a low-sodium option because canned beans and veggies are loaded with salt. If using dry beans simply place them in a bowl and cover with water and let them sit overnight. Rinse and drain the beans before use.
Fun Facts about Black Beans
- high in fiber and protein
- contain vitamins and minerals such as folate, potassium, calcium and magnesium
- contain quercetin and saponins which aid in heart health
- aid in digestion
Craving more healthy desserts? Try These!
Are you a social butterfly? If you make these Peanut Butter Swirl Black Bean Brownies and post to Instagram be sure to tag #hearthealthygreek. And don’t forget to share it on Facebook, and save it to Pinterest. We love seeing you recreate our recipes!
Peanut Butter Swirl Black Bean Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can black beans rinsed & drained
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 2 flax eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (or vegan chocolate chips)
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make a flax egg by combining 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds with 5-6 tablespoons of water in a small bowl and allow to sit for at least 5 minutes until it becomes thick.
- Line an 8 x 8” baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray (we used avocado oil).
- Add the beans, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract to a food processer and blend.
- Add in the flax egg and blend again.
- Next, add in dry ingredients and blend again until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides when needed.
- Remove the blade and lightly fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Pour mixture into the baking dish and evenly spread the mixture with a spatula.
- Put the peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 10-20 seconds so that its a little melted.
- Add dollops of the peanut butter to the top of the batter and swirl in with a toothpick or chopstick.
- Bake for about 30 minutes depending on your oven.
- To test for doneness stick a clean toothpick into the brownies and pull it straight out if it comes out clean the brownies are done. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting the brownies.
