Craving a rich, fudgy brownie but trying to keep things a little healthier? Look no further! These Black Bean Brownies, elevated with the convenience of a brownie mix, are a game-changer. They’re surprisingly delicious, packed with protein and fiber, and nobody will ever guess the secret ingredient. Get ready to indulge in a guilt-free dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
**Why Black Bean Brownies?**
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: black beans in brownies? Trust me on this one! Black beans are naturally mild in flavor and blend seamlessly into the batter, adding a creamy texture and a boost of nutrients without any noticeable bean taste. They act as a fantastic binder, creating a moist and fudgy brownie that’s lower in fat and higher in fiber than traditional brownies. Plus, they’re a sneaky way to add extra protein to your diet – a win-win!
**Why Use a Brownie Mix?**
While you can certainly make black bean brownies from scratch, using a brownie mix simplifies the process and ensures consistent results. It’s perfect for those days when you’re short on time or just want a quick and easy dessert. A brownie mix provides the base flavors and structure, allowing the black beans to work their magic without overpowering the overall taste. It’s a shortcut to deliciousness that I fully embrace!
**The Ultimate Brownie Mix Black Bean Brownie Recipe**
This recipe is incredibly simple and requires only a handful of ingredients. Let’s get baking!
**Yields:** Approximately 16 brownies
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25-30 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box (18-20 ounces) brownie mix (any brand will work, but a fudgy variety is recommended. Gluten-free mixes also work great!)
* 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained very well
* 1/2 cup water (or unsweetened applesauce for extra moisture and a hint of sweetness)
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a richer flavor)
* 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option: 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended)
* 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but who can resist extra chocolate?)
* Optional Toppings: chopped nuts, sprinkles, sea salt
**Equipment:**
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Food processor or blender
* Rubber spatula
**Instructions:**
**1. Preheat and Prep:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
**2. Prepare the Black Bean Puree:**
* This is the most important step! Rinse the black beans thoroughly under cold water. Make sure you remove all excess liquid. This helps to minimize any beany taste.
* Place the drained black beans in a food processor or blender. Add the water (or applesauce) and blend until completely smooth. You want a silky puree with no bean chunks remaining. This may take a few minutes, and you may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally. The smoother the puree, the better the brownies will be!
**3. Combine Wet Ingredients:**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the black bean puree, vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil), eggs (or flax eggs), and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until well combined.
**4. Incorporate Brownie Mix:**
* Add the brownie mix to the wet ingredients. Gently fold the brownie mix into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies. A few streaks of brownie mix are okay.
**5. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional):**
* If using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter.
**6. Pour into Pan and Bake:**
* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
**7. Bake:**
* Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry brownies. The brownies should be slightly soft in the center.
**8. Cool and Cut:**
* Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This will help them set properly and prevent them from crumbling. If you used parchment paper, lift the brownies out of the pan using the overhang and transfer them to a cutting board.
**9. Add Toppings (Optional):**
* Sprinkle with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch of deliciousness.
**10. Serve and Enjoy!**
* These brownies are best served at room temperature. Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
**Tips for Perfect Black Bean Brownies:**
* **Rinse, Rinse, Rinse!** Thoroughly rinsing the black beans is crucial to removing any unwanted flavor. Don’t skip this step!
* **Blend Until Smooth:** Ensure the black bean puree is completely smooth. A chunky puree will result in a grainy texture in your brownies.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten in the brownie mix, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking is the enemy of fudgy brownies. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. They should still be slightly soft in the center.
* **Cool Completely:** Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
* **Experiment with Mix-ins:** Get creative with your mix-ins! Try adding chopped nuts, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of caramel.
* **Add a Coffee Boost:** Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the batter for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use a vegan brownie mix and flax eggs to make this recipe completely vegan.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet brownie, you can reduce the amount of brownie mix slightly or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
**Variations on Black Bean Brownies**
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations to create your perfect black bean brownie!
* **Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies:** Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the batter for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination. You can also swirl peanut butter on top of the batter before baking.
* **Mint Chocolate Black Bean Brownies:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter and top with crushed peppermint candies after baking.
* **Salted Caramel Black Bean Brownies:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the brownies after baking and sprinkle with sea salt.
* **Double Chocolate Black Bean Brownies:** Use a dark chocolate brownie mix and add extra chocolate chips for an intensely chocolatey treat.
* **Espresso Black Bean Brownies:** Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-infused brownie.
* **Spiced Black Bean Brownies:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the batter for a warm and cozy spiced brownie.
* **Black Bean Blondies:** Use a blondie mix instead of a brownie mix for a vanilla-flavored treat.
**Serving Suggestions:**
These Black Bean Brownies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few simple additions:
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing that never fails.
* **Whipped Cream:** Adds a light and airy touch.
* **Fresh Berries:** The tartness of the berries complements the richness of the brownies.
* **Chocolate Sauce:** For an extra dose of chocolate indulgence.
* **Caramel Sauce:** A sweet and salty combination that’s hard to resist.
* **A sprinkle of powdered sugar:** For a simple and elegant presentation.
**Black Bean Brownies: Frequently Asked Questions**
* **Will I taste the black beans?**
No, you shouldn’t taste the black beans at all! The key is to rinse them thoroughly and blend them into a smooth puree. The black beans primarily add moisture and a fudgy texture to the brownies.
* **Can I use a different type of bean?**
While black beans are the most commonly used and recommended bean for this recipe, you could experiment with other mild beans like pinto beans or cannellini beans. However, the flavor may be slightly different, so stick with black beans for the best results.
* **Can I freeze these brownies?**
Yes, these brownies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
* **My brownies are too dry. What did I do wrong?**
Overbaking is the most common cause of dry brownies. Be sure to bake them until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of applesauce to the batter for extra moisture.
* **My brownies are too gooey. What did I do wrong?**
Underbaking can result in gooey brownies. Make sure to bake them for the full recommended time, or even a few minutes longer, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
* **Can I use a sugar-free brownie mix?**
Yes, you can use a sugar-free brownie mix. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may be slightly different.
* **How do I make flax eggs?**
To make flax eggs, mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the batter.
**Nutritional Information (approximate, per brownie):**
* Calories: 150-200 (depending on brownie mix and additions)
* Protein: 3-5 grams
* Fiber: 2-4 grams
* Fat: 8-12 grams
**Conclusion:**
These Black Bean Brownies made with brownie mix are a delicious and surprisingly healthy treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. They’re easy to make, incredibly fudgy, and packed with protein and fiber. So, ditch the processed desserts and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy the magic of black beans in your brownies! Experiment with different flavors and toppings, and discover your perfect black bean brownie creation. Happy baking!
**Call to Action:**
Have you tried black bean brownies before? What’s your favorite way to make them? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below! And don’t forget to rate this recipe if you try it!
**Bonus Tip:** For an extra fudgy brownie, try chilling the batter in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates an even more decadent treat.
Enjoy!