Vegan Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz/400 g) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 Tbsp ground chia seeds
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ground oats (gluten-free if needed (see notes))
• 1/3 cup maple syrup ((see notes))
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp espresso powder ((optional))
• 2-3 oz dairy-free chocolate (chopped (or chocolate chips) )

Instructions

1. 1

   Watch the video in the post for visual instructions.Line a 9x6-inch (23x15 cm) baking pan or 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper (with an overhang on two sides) and preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).

2. 2

   Combine the ground chia seeds and water in a small bowl and let it sit for a few minutes.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, add all ingredients (except the dairy-free chocolate) to a food processor and blend for about 10 seconds.

4. 4

   Scrape down the sides of the food processor, add the chia mixture, and mix again until well combined.

5. 5

   Now, add the chopped chocolate (or use chocolate chips) and stir with a spoon. You can use less if you prefer the brownies less sweet, or more for sweeter brownies.

6. 6

   Add the brownie batter to the pan and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, depending on how fudgy you want them to be (shorter baking time means fudgier brownies).

7. 7

   Let them cool completely (they will firm up once cooled), optionally top with vegan Nutella, slice, and enjoy! They taste even better on day two, so don't eat them all on day one.