Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tbsp regular cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp Dutch cocoa powder (or additional regular cocoa powder)
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can black beans (or 1 1/2 cup cooked black beans), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or honey, or agave)
- 1/4 cup oil (such as vegetable or canola) or almond/peanut butter
- 2 tsp vanilla paste
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (plus extra for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use a regular muffin pan or spread the batter into an 8×8-inch baking pan for brownies.
- Process Ingredients: In a high-quality food processor, combine the black beans (drained and rinsed), regular cocoa powder, Dutch cocoa powder, rolled oats, salt, baking powder, maple syrup, oil or nut butter, and vanilla paste. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined with no visible bean chunks.
- Mix in Chocolate Chips: Transfer the smooth batter into a bowl and fold in the mini chocolate chips carefully, reserving some for topping. Adding the chocolate chips is key for the ideal texture and flavor.
- Fill Molds and Garnish: Spoon the batter evenly into the mini muffin pan cavities. Press a few extra mini chocolate chips onto the tops of each brownie bite for decoration and added chocolate bursts.
- Bake: Place the pan firmly on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for exactly 10 minutes until set but still moist.
- Cool and Remove: Remove from the oven and allow the brownie bites to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Run a knife gently around the edges to loosen, then pop the bites out carefully to maintain their shape.
Notes
- Using both regular and Dutch-processed cocoa powders gives these bites a rich, complex chocolate flavor, but you can use all regular if preferred.
- Black beans provide moisture and protein, keeping the brownies fudgy and moist without traditional flour or eggs.
- For oil, neutral oils like vegetable or canola work well, but nut butters add creaminess and flavor.
- If you want larger brownies, use a regular muffin pan or an 8×8 pan and bake accordingly for longer until set.
- Ensure to rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
- The mini chocolate chips are vital for taste; omitting them could affect flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian