This Black Bean Brownie Batter is so rich and decadent that you’ll never guess it is also healthy. Made in 5 minutes without baking, this edible brownie batter will become your new favorite dessert.
Making brownies is always a struggle for me. Why? Well, I can’t resist eating the whole batter before even baking. And as you may know..eating raw brownie batter is not the safest thing to do.
My life changed completely the moment I heard about edible brownie batter. “Eating brownies with a spoon, without all the fuss of baking and cleaning. Wow, that sounds too good to be true” - those were my thoughts at the time. I was so curious that I had to try it. Soon. It was love at first spoon. I got hooked, and since then I’ve been making all sorts of healthy brownie dips. Protein brownie batter, low calorie brownie dip and now even brownie batter with black beans!
Intrigued by the idea? Give it a go, you won’t regret it. The taste of the beans will go unperceived and you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious treat without guilt. Because it’s healthy and packed with protein!
Why is this edible brownie batter healthy?
If you're looking for a delicious and healthy treat, try making brownie batter with black beans! This is a game-changer for all those who love chocolate but want to cut down on the calories, fats and sugars.
The key ingredients in this recipe are black beans, which are packed with protein and healthy nutrients. They are rich in dietary fiber, protein and antioxidants, which makes them an excellent choice for a healthy dessert. Furthermore, beans are a high volume food that adds bulk to desserts with very few calories.
Besides their nutritional values, the black beans add moisture and richness, making your dip so rich and fudgy. Also, they come with a delicate - kind of sweet - taste, meaning that your dessert won't need that much sweetener. Actually, my recipe does not use any refined sugar at all. Instead, it is naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
The ingredients
Black bean brownie batter means that, well, this dessert is made from black beans. The title was not a clickbait. But of course this doesn't mean that they are the only thing in the dip. Besides the beans, you'll still need a handful of ingredients. As you will see, all are simple, basic foods that you probably already have at home.
Eager to learn more? Keep on reading for details, tips and substitutes.
- Black beans: This recipe can be prepared either with cooked or canned black beans, preferably unsalted. One thing to keep in mind is that the beans must be ready to eat - soft, drained and completely cooked.
- Nut butter: For a smooth and delicate taste, I recommend almond butter or cashew butter but also peanut butter works (it has a “stronger” flavor). If you are allergic to nuts, use sunflower seed butter or tahini.
- Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides a rich, chocolatey flavor without overloading the brownie dip with sugars. If you prefer, use dutch cocoa powder or regular cocoa powder.
- Rolled oats or oat flour: In this recipe, the oats help bind the batter and give the dessert a richer consistency. As a low carb and high protein alternative, substitute oats with almond flour or protein powder.
- Maple syrup: As it is unrefined and minimally processed, the maple syrup provides a more natural way to sweeten your black bean dessert. You can replace with honey, agave syrup, date syrup, coconut syrup and sugar-free syrups.
- Chocolate chips: Use extra dark chocolate chips for a healthier brownie dip that is low in sugars and higher in nutrients. As an alternative you can choose sugar-free chocolate chips or any other variety of chocolate you may like.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness of desserts.
Customize your brownie dip
One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s incredible versatile. Add some ingredients here and there and you’ll end up with a brand-new dip that is tailor-made to your likings.
When it comes to extras, my go-to choice is quite traditional: dark chocolate chips. But if for you it’s not enough, keep on reading because I'm going to give you a couple of delicious ideas. Feel free to pick just one or mix and match!
- Chocolate chips: White, milk or extra dark chocolate.
- Crushed nuts and seeds: Walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Dried fruits: Raisins, cranberries, blueberries, dried apricots or orange peel.
- Crushed cookies: Try with my homemade protein cookies!
- Crumbled protein brownies: Try this recipe here!
- Granola
Black bean brownie batter with protein powder
Looking for a protein boost? Try replacing the oats with your favorite protein powder. Plant based protein powders, whey and casein are all great. For the best result I recommend choosing chocolate protein powder, the perfect flavor for whipping up an irresistible edible brownie batter at home!
How to make brownie batter with black beans
Step 1: Prepare the beans. Before starting, make sure you drain and rinse the beans. This is going to be the case if you are using canned black beans.
Step 2: Make the brownie batter. In a high speed blender, combine the black beans (drained completely, without any water), the nut butter, the cocoa powder, the rolled oats, the maple syrup, the vanilla extract and a pinch salt. Process until you get a smooth mixture, adding 1 to 3 tablespoons of milk if the batter is too thick. Fold in the chocolate chips and give a good stir.
Step 3: Serve. Scoop into a bowl and serve directly, or place in an airtight food container and refrigerate for a maximum of 2 days.
Storage instructions: Keep it fresh!
Congratulations! You've just made a batch of delicious black bean brownie batter. But wait a second, you can't eat it all at once. Don't worry, I've got you covered. With the proper precautions, you'll be able to maintain both freshness and taste.
First of all, make sure that you place the batter in an airtight food container. This will prevent any air or humidity from spoiling it. Once your dessert is safely stored, refrigerate as soon as possible. In the fridge, it will last for up to 2 days.
For a longer storage, freeze your dip for up to 2 months. But first, make sure you place it in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy.
Serving ideas
Brownies are undoubtedly one of the most popular desserts ever. They’re chocolaty, chewy, and downright delicious. I bet you don't even need serving ideas. But what about edible brownie batter? How can you eat brownie batter with beans?
- As a dip for fruit: Slice up some fresh strawberries, bananas, or apples and dip them in the brownie batter for a healthy and indulgent snack.
- In smoothies: Add a scoop of batter to your morning smoothie for a chocolatey and nutritious boost.
- As a topping for oatmeal: Stir in some to your morning bowl of oatmeal for a filling breakfast that is packed with taste and nutrients.
- In yogurt: Mix it in your favorite yogurt for a protein-packed chocolate treat.
- Alone with the spoon: Dig your spoon right into a bowl of chocolate heaven and enjoy!
More healthy brownie recipes
- Low calorie brownies
- Flourless protein brownies
- Greek yogurt brownies
- Banana protein brownies
- Healthy brownie mug cake
- High protein edible brownie batter
- 3 ingredient banana brownies
Black Bean Brownie Batter
Equipment
- high speed blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 250 grams (9 oz.) black beans cooked or canned, net weight (drained)
- 45 grams (3 tbsp) nut butter peanut, almond, cashew, tahini or sunflower seed butter
- 20 grams (3 tbsp) cocoa powder unsweetened
- 15 grams (2 tbsp) rolled oats sub with oat flour, almond flour or protein powder
- 3 to 4 tbsp maple syrup sub with honey, to taste
- a pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips
- milk of choice if necessary, to consistency
Instructions
- If using canned black beans, drain and rinse the beans to remove any excess water.
- In a high speed blender, combine black beans (drained), nut butter, cocoa powder, rolled oats, maple syrup, vanilla extract and pinch salt. Process until smooth, adding 1 to 3 tablespoons of milk if the brownie batter is too thick.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and give a good stir.
- Scoop into a bowl and serve directly, or place in an airtight food container and refrigerate for a maximum of 2 days.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are based on third-party calculations and should be considered approximations. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more. We do not overtake any responsibility.
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