Gluten-Free Brownies

Black Bean Brownies 

Black beans can serve as a substitute for flour, so we decided to take a gluten-free approach for our favorite treat. Even though this brownie lacks flour, it has less calories than a traditional brownie and still retains a chocolaty flavor. Although you might be ambivalent about the idea of having black beans in your brownie, you would be surprised that you do not taste the black beans! So give these brownies a chance. Enjoy!

Black Bean Brownies

Yields 16 brownies
Cooks for 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

1 15-ounce can black beans

2 large eggs

3 tablespoons applesauce

½ cup cocoa powder, heaping

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

½ cup sugar, heaping

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

¼ cup chocolate chips or walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x9 tray.

2. Drain and rinse the black beans.

3. Put the eggs, black beans, and applesauce a food processor and pulse until pureed.

4. Put the pureed mixture into a small bowl. Add cocoa powder, salt, vanilla, sugar, and baking powder and mix until relatively smooth. Mix in the chocolate chips or walnuts.

5. Evenly distribute the batter into the tin.

6. Place some more chocolate chips or walnuts on top of the batter if desired.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top becomes crispy.

8. Remove from oven and let the brownies cool.