Sorry for all the food posts lately, but I have been on a cooking rampage and just have to share all of my creations with you guys. Today I wanted to tell you about a recipe for vegan, gluten free brownies that are packed with black beans, applesauce, and zucchini. Yes, that is right except for the sugar part, these brownies are super healthy. Not if I could only find a way to sub out the sugar for stevia without compromising the taste, we would be all set. But while I love stevia for my tea, I am just not a fan of the taste when baked. Same goes for Splenda or Sweet and Low.

Now, I am sure you are thinking “Gross! Black Beans in brownies?”, and that is exactly what I thought the first time I heard it, but these things are amazing! They are extremely fudgy and dense and very chocolate-y. But not only do they taste good, they are loaded with good stuff (quinoa flour, black beans, apples, zucchini, and flax seed). Give them a try and let me know what you think. You will be amazed!

For the brownies you will need:

1 can Black Beans – drained and rinsed
1 cup quinoa flour
1 1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup unsweet applesauce
1/2 cup finely grated zucchini
2 Tbps. ground flax seeds
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking powder
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)

In a blended or food processor, combine the beans, applesauce, zucchini, and vanilla and blend/pulse until the beans are all mushy and no little pieces remain. You want it to be smooth not lumpy.

Next mix the rest of the ingredients, stir to combine, and then add the wet bean mixture and stir until well incorporated. Mix in half of the chocolate chips if you want, and bake at 350 °F for appx. 25 minutes or until a toothpick put into the edges comes out clean. You want to make sure not to over bake them.

As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle on the remaining chocolate chips and let melt. Once melted used a knife to spread the melted chocolate in a thin layer around the pan. Now they are ready to eat! Enjoy them with a glass of almond milk and thank me for your new found go to chocolate decadence!