Black Bean Brownie Bites

I have been thinking about the brownies from HH and Dr. Fuhrman and hoping to improve upon them for months now. Finally I had a try at my own version of the ever popular Black Bean Brownie. Using dates rather than agave or sugar and your choice of gluten-free flour rather than oats, you can make these superfood delights. Even omit the flour altogether and add more beans, stewed prunes (not dried) or a mashed banana to create a more moist, chewy treat. Try adding some goji berries or cacao nibs just for fun and added super benefits.

Black Bean Brownie Bites

makes 2 dozen brownie bites

oven 200 degrees

Ingredients:

1 15 oz. can low sodium Black Beans or 1 3/4 cups

8 - 10 Medjool Dates (depending on size), pitted

1/2 c. RAW Cacao or non-alkalized cocoa

2 T. RAW Almond Butter

1/4 c. Gluten-free flour such as Almond Flour OR mashed banana OR 1/4 c. more beans 

1 T. Vanilla Extract

* if more liquid is needed, and I certainly did, try a splash of leftover morning coffee or chai tea, up to 1/8 c.

2 mini muffin tins or equal for 24 minis

Method:

1. Preheat the oven and lightly oil or spray the muffin tins.
2. Rinse and drain black beans and place in high-powered blender or food processor. Pulse to puree.
3. Add dates, sliced with scissors into the machine and pulse again.
4. Add Almond Butter, Cacao, Vanilla, and your choice of more beans, banana, prunes or gluten-free flour. If you use the gluten-free flour, you will need to add a bit of liquid as these flours tend to be thirsty. The fruit or bean addition will produce enough liquid on their own for a moist, chewy brownie. Blend or process until well mixed.
5. Using a small scoop such as the one pictured OR a tablespoon, fill each mini-muffin cup and flatten brownie mixture to be level with top of cup.
6. Bake for 1 hour, or a bit less if you use the black bean/flour mixture.

We enjoyed ours for dessert with frozen banana-cherry soft serve after that delish pasta dish! The photo does not do these little love buckets justice but boy were they Y-U-M! Even better in the morning with your regular cup of joe! Knowing they are primarily made from beans you can eat more than one feeling no guilt what so ever! 

Sláinte!