Vegan Black Bean Brownies That Taste Better Than the Box

If you're already struggling to stay away from the sugar this year, you're not alone. Luckily, you have these healthier brownies to turn to when the chocolate cravings hit you like a truck. Inspired by the recipe from Namely Marly, they're packed with fiber and low in sugar, but retain all the flavor and fudginess of traditional brownies. Bonus: they're actually vegan brownies. 

Better Black Bean Brownies

• Prep Time:30 mins
• Cook Time:1 hr
• Total Time:1 hr 30 mins
• Servings:12
• Medium

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1 can black beans
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp flaxseed
• 2 1/2 Tbsp water
• Optional: dairy-free chocolate chips or walnuts

• Step 1

  Preheat oven to 350F. Spray 8x8 pan with vegetable cooking spray.

• Step 2

  Make flax egg: Combine flaxseed and water in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside in refrigerator for 15 minutes. It should come out sticky and egg-like.

  

• Step 3

  Combine coconut oil and black beans in food processor. Pulse until smooth.
  #SpoonTip: Stir together with a wooden spoon before pulsing for easier blending.

  

• Step 4

  Stir in vanilla, sugar, applesauce, and flax egg. Pulse until smooth.

  

• Step 5

  Stir in flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, and optional add-ins. Pulse until just combined.

  

• Step 6

  Pour batter into pan. Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  #SpoonTip: May require more time, depending on strength of oven.

  

• Step 7

  Remove. Cool. Instagram. Eat.

  

These brownies are a go-to for vegans and non-vegans alike. They satisfy that chocolate craving without the guilt. And as far as comparisons to normal brownies go, you won't even be able to tell the difference. Go ahead, bring them to a party; no one will know.