Black Bean Brownies
Bored of black beans? Not us! This recipe uses canned black beans in a way that you probably wouldn’t expect, in an ultimate comfort food brownie recipe!
This is one of the easiest “sweet” treat recipes I have created and it uses ingredients that are commonly found in our pantries! An added bonus is that they are very healthy and can even be eaten for breakfast!
Black beans you might ask? Yes! These fibrous gems have many health benefits and create the dense brownie texture I know and love.
Healthy Benefits of Black Beans
Beans are high in protein and can help with mood and glucose balancing, promote healthy digestion by preventing constipation, are high in selenium which plays an important role in liver enzymes which support detoxification, and contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which have been found to decrease blood pressure naturally (1). Reach for organic black beans in a can that is BPA free.
Harmonic Arts is one of my favourite companies that source high quality mushroom blends that taste delicious. In this recipe, I swapped raw cacao for the Harmonic Arts ‘Activate’ Mushroom and Chocolate blend. Below are the benefits of each ingredient in this delectable mix:
Benefits of Mushrooms, Chocolate Blend
Heirloom Raw Ecuadorian Cacao: Enhances mood.
Lucuma: Nourishes the skin.
Maca: Encourages hormonal health.
Chaga: Boosts the body’s defense system.
Reishi: Promotes balanced energy.
Shilajit: Energizes the body.
Cinnamon: Stimulates healthy blood flow.
Here’s the link to their website where you can find more information!
Note: The Activate is amazing just on it’s own with hot water, with steamed almond milk or mixed into coffee for a mocha taste!
Recipe below, enjoy!
Black Bean Brownie Ingredients:
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed well)
2 TBsp raw cacao powder OR Harmonic Arts ‘Activate’ Chocolate Mushroom blend
1/2 cup oats
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup avocado or olive oil
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup chocolate chips (sugar and dairy free)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 8×8 baking dish with coconut oil, set aside.
- Combine the all ingredients except chocolate chips in a food processor. Blend on high until ingredients are very well combined and a batter forms.
- Remove food processor blade and stir in chocolate chips.
- Transfer batter to baking dish.
- Bake for 18 minutes. Let cool for 10.
- Freeze brownies for 35 minutes or until firm.
- Store in fridge for softer brownies or in freezer for more firm ones!
Optional Coconut Whipped Cream
This bonus recipe is a great addition for the brownies. Who doesn’t love a little whipped cream!? Luckily enough, coconut whipped cream is very easy to make.
Coconut cream is high in healthy fats to help with hormone balancing, a key component to a balanced mood.
Coconut milk is rich in vitamins C and E that are well known for their anti-oxidant properties. Free oxygen radicals are formed by our body tissues during the process of metabolism. They are harmful to cellular components and contribute towards aging and tumor growth. Antioxidants contained in coconut milk help to neutralize these harmful substances. Coconut milk is also rich in electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorous. Potassium is important for maintenance of a normal heart rhythm. It is also crucial for healthy muscle functioning. Magnesium is required for a healthy immune system as well as maintenance of normal nerve and muscle function (2).
Ingredients for Coconut Whipped Cream:
-1 can coconut cream (full fat)
Directions:
- Select a high quality brand of coconut cream.
- Chill the can in fridge overnight, DO NOT shake the can.
- Scoop the hardened cream at the top of the can out and leave the liquid behind (you can add it to your smoothies!)
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the hardened coconut cream until soft peaks form.
- Option to add a smidgen of coconut sugar or stevia. Do not add maple syrup or liquid sweetener as this tends to way it down.
- Serve a dollop on each brownie and sprinkle with cinnamon!
Sources:
(1) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/289934#benefits
(2)https://www.ballerinichiropractic.com/9-amazing-benefits-coconut-milk/
