Fudgy brownies, made with black beans… gluten and refined sugar free!
Ugh, I’m so frustrated! No, no, no, it has nothing to do with cooking or baking. Have you ever sold something online? Well, I have. It’s an easy way to get rid of stuff you don’t need or want anymore. Instead of throwing good stuff out with the trash, I either sell stuff at low prices or give it away for free to people who can or want to still use it.
We have quite a few local FB-groups, where you can offer your stuff. Or find nice stuff, for that matter. Great groups! A lot of stuff changes owner that way. I like to think that we all save a bit of money and the environment that way. And if we can help other people, that’s an added bonus.
So, last week, I sold something and made arrangements for the buyers to pick it up. Waited the whole morning, nothing. Classic case of a no-show. Quite annoying, to say the least. I want to give people the benefit of the doubt, though. Even if you have made an appointment, you can forget about it. We all live busy lives and we all can forget things.
Or, we have agreed to buy something and regret it afterwards. No sweat. I can totally relate. The decent thing to do then, is to let the seller know that you have changed your mind, right? No needless waiting. You can sell your stuff to someone else, etc. Unfortunately, decency does not seem to be a common trait in everyone anymore.
No message to cancel the appointment. Or to cancel the whole arrangement. Even after I messaged them, asking whether they are still coming, or are in any way still interested. Nothing. Radio silence. And I know they’ve read all messages. I think that’s just rude. So yes, I’m frustrated!
What to do to get rid of all that frustration? Well, first of all, write it all of my chest. Done ;-).
Next step: get into the kitchen and make myself something nice. A good ole cookie with sooth the pain. Or maybe a cake. Yeah, I think I need a whole cake. But it has to be chocolate, definitely chocolate. My favorite brownies? Hmmm, now there’s a thought.
Oh, wait, conscience kicking in. Alright, alright, I guess I’ll better make one of my healthier versions. But I also feel like trying something new. It’s been on my to-do list for quite a while an I had made notes on how I would probably make them: black bean brownies.
It sounds so out of this world. Had to give it a try. I’ve seen them popping up everywhere. So, where were my notes. Ah, yeah, got them.
First things first: black beans. Two cans of 400 g, that’s about 530 g of net weight. No, wait, first set your oven tot 180 degrees Celsius and prepare your baking dish (I used a 21 x 25 cm).
Put the beans in the food processor together with the wet ingredients (eggs, oil, vanilla extract) and process until smooth.
Then add all dry ingredients (sweetener, cocoa powder, instant coffee powder, salt and baking powder) and process again until everything is incorporated.
Then pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for about 20 minutes (or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean).
They turned out great! Fudgy and delicious. OK, I have to admit that I’d still prefer a traditional brownie with all it’s carbs and sugars, but this is definitely a tasty substitute, if you want to cut down on all those things.
And you know what? Kids devoured them! To me, that’s the best confirmation I can get.
I ate one with a bit of Greek yogurt mixed with chocolate flavored whey protein powder and some dark chocolate shavings. They are good plain, but awesome with some whipped cream!
Enjoy!
Black Bean Brownies – GF, grain free, refined suger free

Notes
* Tagatesse is twice as sweet as sugar, please keep that ration in mind if you use sugar or another sweetener.
** This is optional, but it enhances the chocolate flavor.
*** Use certified gluten free if necessary.
Ingredients
- 2 x 400g cans black beans (net weight 2 x 265g)
- 50 ml veg. oil
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 90 g Tagatesse*
- 25 g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp instant coffee powder**
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder***
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line a baking dish (I sed a 21 x 25 cm) with parchment paper.
- Wash and drain the beans.
- Put beans in a food processor and pulse several times. Add all wet ingredients and process until smooth.
- Add all dry ingredients and process until well combined and smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for ca. 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into middle comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting.
- Serve plain, with whipped cream or your favorite brownie frosting.
Like these Black Bean Brownies? Then what about some White Bean Blondies?
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