Are you on the hunt for a tasty treat that feels indulgent yet guilt-free? Then look no further than these Fudgy Black Bean Brownie Bites! These bite-sized delights are rich in chocolate flavor and surprisingly made with black beans, making them a unique addition to your dessert repertoire. Each mini brownie is a magical combination of fudginess and healthiness that will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your dietary goals.
The beauty of these brownie bites lies in their simplicity. They come together in just 25 minutes, making them the perfect last-minute dessert for a gathering or a sweet snack to enjoy at home. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, hosting an afternoon tea, or just want to indulge in something delicious, these fudgy brownies are the answer. They’re gluten-free, vegetarian, and boast substantial fiber content from the black beans, helping you to satisfy cravings without all the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Fudgy Black Bean Brownie Bites
- Guilt-Free Decadence: Enjoy all the chocolatey goodness with the added health benefits of black beans.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for those impromptu dessert cravings—no extensive baking required!
- Ideal for Any Occasion: Perfect as a snack, treat for guests, or a healthier dessert option.
- Customizable: With add-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate chips, you can make these brownie bites your own.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the world of Fudgy Black Bean Brownie Bites, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies will bake evenly without any guesswork. While the oven is warming up, grab a mini muffin tin and lightly grease it or line it with mini paper liners. This step makes removing the brownie bites a breeze after they’ve been baked.
For this recipe, a good food processor or blender is essential, as it will blend the black beans into a smooth mixture and combine the other ingredients effortlessly. Having measuring cups and spoons on hand will help you accurately add each ingredient, ensuring your brownies turn out just right. Gather your cocoa powder, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract—the key flavors that make these brownie bites rich and delectable.
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to the perfect baking temperature of 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your mini muffin tin by either greasing it lightly with coconut oil or lining it with mini paper liners for easy removal after baking. This initial step sets the stage for successful brownie bites!
Step 2: Blend the Batter
Next, in a food processor or blender, combine the drained and rinsed black beans, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend these ingredients on high until the mixture reaches a creamy and smooth consistency. Make sure there are no visible bean chunks remaining; this ensures the brownies are fudgy and not grainy. Once blended, give the mixture a quick taste to confirm the deliciousness!
Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
With the mixture blending smoothly, it’s time to bring in the chocolate chips! Remove the batter from the processor and fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula. This step integrates the chocolate chips, adding pockets of melty chocolate goodness throughout the brownie bites. If you’re a true chocolate lover, you may want to add a few extra chocolate chips on top of the batter in each cup before baking.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Now it’s time to fill the prepared mini muffin tin with your delicious batter. Scoop the brownie batter evenly into each cup, filling them about three-quarters full. This allows the brownie bites to rise without overflowing. Once filled, pop the mini muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. The tops should set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking!
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, remove the brownie bites from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps them firm up, making it easier to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allow them to cool before devouring your fudgy mini brownie bites. Serve them as is or with your favorite toppings!
Variations
- Protein: Add protein powder to the batter for an extra nutritional boost.
- Vegetables: Incorporate some pureed sweet potato or beet puree for added moisture and a subtle taste.
- Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to rinse the black beans well to remove any excess sodium or preservatives that may affect the richness of the brownies.
- Overmixing can lead to dense brownie bites, so blend just until smooth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or refrigerate for longevity.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, you can bake them a minute or two longer.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a contrast in flavors.
Tips
- For a nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Try experimenting with different sweeteners, such as agave or brown sugar, if you want to adjust the sweetness.
- If desired, add a pinch of sea salt on top after baking for a delicious sweet and salty contrast.
- Make these in advance for meal prep; they make a perfect snack throughout the week!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 70 per brownie bite
- Protein: 2 grams
- Sodium: 70 mg
FAQs
Can I taste the black beans in these brownies?
No! The black beans provide a rich fudgy texture, while the cocoa and other ingredients dominate the flavor.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Using black beans and cocoa powder ensures these brownie bites are completely gluten-free.
How can I make these brownies vegan?
To make them vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, maintaining the same moisture level.
Can I store these brownie bites, and how long do they last?
Yes, these brownie bites can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature, or they can be refrigerated for an extended shelf life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Fudgy Black Bean Brownie Bites are not only an easy option for dessert lovers but also a fun and healthy twist on traditional brownies. Their fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor are bound to impress anyone who takes a bite, making them an excellent choice for gatherings or a sweet treat to keep at home. Don’t hesitate to try different variations to make the recipe your own, whether you add nuts, vary the sweeteners, or adjust the spices. Once you make these delectable brownie bites, your friends and family will be asking for the recipe—be prepared to share! Feel free to leave a reaction below or share your own variations with us. Happy baking!
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Fudgy Black Bean Brownie Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownie bites 1x
Description
Indulge in these guilt-free Fudgy Black Bean Brownie Bites that are rich in chocolate and surprisingly made with black beans!
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to the perfect baking temperature of 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your mini muffin tin by either greasing it lightly with coconut oil or lining it with mini paper liners for easy removal after baking. This initial step sets the stage for successful brownie bites!
- Next, in a food processor or blender, combine the drained and rinsed black beans, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend these ingredients on high until the mixture reaches a creamy and smooth consistency. Make sure there are no visible bean chunks remaining; this ensures the brownies are fudgy and not grainy. Once blended, give the mixture a quick taste to confirm the deliciousness!
- With the mixture blending smoothly, it’s time to bring in the chocolate chips! Remove the batter from the processor and fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula. This step integrates the chocolate chips, adding pockets of melty chocolate goodness throughout the brownie bites. If you’re a true chocolate lover, you may want to add a few extra chocolate chips on top of the batter in each cup before baking.
- Now it’s time to fill the prepared mini muffin tin with your delicious batter. Scoop the brownie batter evenly into each cup, filling them about three-quarters full. This allows the brownie bites to rise without overflowing. Once filled, pop the mini muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. The tops should set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking!
- After baking, remove the brownie bites from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps them firm up, making it easier to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allow them to cool before devouring your fudgy mini brownie bites. Serve them as is or with your favorite toppings!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or refrigerate for longevity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 70 per brownie bite
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Protein: 2 g