Black Bean Brownies: A Guilt Free Gluten-Free Vegan Sweet Treat

3:36 PM

Gluten Free Vegan Black Bean Brownies - A Glimpse of Glam

Hey everyone!

Bask in the glory of the beautiful mouthwatering photos of these delectable brownies. These are a really tasty sweet treat that happen to also be gluten free and vegan. Must I say any more?

Black Bean Brownies - A Glimpse of Glam Andrea Tiffany


First things first...

I apologize for being away for several weeks yet again! It has been too long! I was pretty busy finishing up stuff as classes ended for the quarter. Then, after finals, I was away visiting family for a week in Canada. I had very limited internet access because my grandmother doesn't have WiFi. Not because she doesn't know how to use it (though I actually have no idea if she does or not). To feed our internet addiction, we basically mooched off of the WiFi from our aunt and uncle's house that was one house down. It was super weak and barely reached, and only connected from certain parts of the house. We were better off going down the street to a nearby Tim Horton's instead. For the most part, it was nice to disconnect for awhile, but I did find myself occasionally wanting to go online to visit blogs and do my usual Instagram scroll. 

A couple months ago, I shared with all of you a healthy salad and dressing recipe I created for the culinary sciences nutrition class I'm taking. This salad is a great dish to try out when you want something light yet filling, full of fiber, and packed with tons of nutrients. I'm glad to hear that you guys liked the recipe, and I wanted to share another one I've got!

I like to make sure the recipes I post are tried-and-true, and not an accidental one time only success. Otherwise, what's the point in posting a recipe if it doesn't work? I mean, sure the whole bragging part is pretty fun, you know, making everyone jealous of the delicious food. Sometimes, I pull up enticing photos of the food I make and show them to my friends, resulting in glaring, pleading looks from them as they wish I was giving them the food to try rather than just to look at. Look but don't touch; that's only fun for the person provoking the reaction, meaning me. But, I'm feeling generous, so I figured why not share the recipe!

These brownies are incredibly rich and fudgy, and full of that delicious chocolate flavor that leaves your mouth salivating for more. But, they have no butter. They may be dense little chocolate bombs, but they don't actually have the calories and fat they seem to have just from a taste. I gave some to my dad to try out, and he told me he loved it but didn't want to know how much butter was in it because of how fudgy and chocolatey it was. Seriously, his reaction when I told him this was actually a healthier version of brownies was priceless.

My father and sister do not like when foods are "healthier" versions of an original. I agree to some extent. Why bother creating a healthy version that isn't as satisfying as the actual thing? There's no point in eating something that is "healthy", if you are still left craving for the full-fat, full-sugar version. That's a ridiculous waste of calories and appetite. HOWEVER, on some occasions, a healthier version is good. Ones that fully satiate your desire for the food. They may not be EXACTLY copy-and-paste versions of the original, but they are damn good regardless. Actually, don't even think of them as a replacement or alternative; in fact, view them as an original themselves. They are their own thing. Try thinking that way and I guarantee you won’t be squinting at it through a lens of bias with negative, judgmental criticism parading through your brain.

That’s honestly how I go about a lot of new dishes I try out. If they happen to claim that they are “just like the original, only better for you”, I ignore all of that bullshit. I try not to let it all influence my judgment. So I am speaking the truth when I tell you all that these black bean brownies are truly remarkable. 

I hope I’ve sold you all. If not, well, I can continue on ranting if you’d like? I could probably make a great salesman. But, then again, who knows? I’m talking to you guys virtually over the internet and I have no idea how well I’m doing. I’m only hoping that you guys are excited for this recipe. 



Gluten Free Vegan Black Bean Brownies - A Glimpse of Glam Andrea Tiffany


So I’m just gonna assume it’s a yes…

I created two versions, one with flax eggs (made of ground flaxseeds and water), as well as one with chia eggs (made with ground chia seeds and water). I personally prefer the latter, but you can decide which you prefer.

~~~

15 oz can of black beans, rinsed thoroughly and drained OR 1 3/4 cups of cooked black beans, drained
2 flax eggs (2 heaping tbs ground flaxseeds mixed with 5 tbs water) 
OR
2 chia seed eggs (2 heaping tbs ground chia seeds mixed with 5 tbs water)
3 tbs coconut oil, melted
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for the chia version I used unsweetened dark cocoa powder but either works)
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
2/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)

**You will need a food processor**


Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

To make a flax egg or chia seed egg, grind up the seed in a food processor. Combine the ground seeds with water and set aside to thicken.

Add the black beans into the food processor and puree them until smooth.

Add in all the rest of the ingredients except for pecans and chocolate chips. Puree until smooth in consistency. You may need to pause and scrape off the sides occasionally. The resulting consistency should be thick not liquidy or runny.

Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips, saving some aside to decorate.

Scoop the batter into a lightly greased muffin tin or square 9 inches by 9 inches baking pan. Sprinkle on the remaining pecans and chocolate chips. 

Bake for 20-25 minutes until an inserted toothpick comes out clean and the tops look dry.  The top will NOT develop the shiny crust typical of brownies, but will look matte.

Makes 12 servings

**I experimented with adding 2 oz of melted semisweet baking chocolate into the mixture to give it an extra chocolatey flavor, but that is optional as well. It creates a subtle but chocolatier, and richer flavor. 

~~~

Please do give this recipe a try! They really do satisfy that chocolate craving or sweet tooth. I personally prefer the chia seed one better, mostly because flaxseeds generally provide a nuttier flavor. Otherwise, both are really delicious and addicting. The added benefit of using this recipe is that the beans and flax/chia seeds add a TON of extra satiating fiber that helps keep you full. Trust me. This is coming from someone who gets hungry easily. I couldn't help myself one morning and broke a piece to eat with my morning oatmeal, and I actually wasn't hungry for 5 hours when normally I would be starving after 3 1/2 hours. 

How often do you guys get hungry? Sometimes I wonder if I am normal, so I'm pretty curious to hear what you have to say.

Gluten Free Vegan Black Bean Brownies - A Glimpse of Glam - Andrea Tiffany


Terribly sorry for having been away for so long! Final projects took up quite some time. I want to provide you all with good quality posts, rather than short random fillers that aren't as genuine. I have some more recipes to share with you all soon! Like I said before, I like to test them out to really make sure they are great before sharing. Cuz I've got a name to maintain and I can't be sharing terrible recipes.

Black Bean Brownies Recipe Gluten Free and Vegan - A Glimpse of Glam

Black Bean Brownies Gluten Free and Vegan - A Glimpse of Glam

Black Bean Brownies Recipe Gluten Free and Vegan - A Glimpse of Glam Andrea Tiffany


How do you guys create healthy versions of classic sweets without compromising texture or flavor? Comment down below!! I would love to learn new techniques to try out myself!

I really hope you enjoyed reading, and that you are having a wonderful week!


Til next time,

~A

You Might Also Like

68 comments

  1. Great post! They look so yummy, I have to try it :-)
    https://barbiegirl06.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! You definitely should give them a try! :)

      Delete
  2. These sound so awesome- love that they're healthy! :)

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ashley! Haha yep you can eat them and not feel guilty!

      Delete
  3. They look so yummy, I can't wait to try them :) x
    www.ambiinwonderland.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. These look really good! Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

    ReplyDelete
  5. Replies
    1. They taste like regular brownies and have barely a difference! I hope you like them :)

      Delete
  6. Yum!! I love these.

    would you like to follow each other on GFC? Please let me know!
    The LookBook

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow! They look so yummyyyyy!!! Another great post! :)


    April of:https://beybiapril.wordpress.com/
    Instagram: @aprilnunezzz

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow this is pretty amazing. Delicious! Thanks for sharing!
    Happy Monday!
    Much love, Len
    http://www.lenparent.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Len! If you end up making them I hope you like them! :)

      Delete
  9. I'm so full right now, but these look amazing..... maybe I do need a little dessert?

    Via Sora || instagram · twitter · pinterest · bloglovin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We always have room for dessert in our lives. Dessert is never a no! :)

      Delete
  10. What a beautiful dessert!
    Love your blog and I am a new follower <3
    I hope that you will follow me back :)
    Kisses

    ReplyDelete
  11. Looks so yummy!!

    Please take a look at my new blog My new BLOG

    ReplyDelete
  12. OMG these look incredible! Definitely on my list of things to bake!
    http://emilysthoughts.wix.com/emily

    ReplyDelete
  13. Aww yummy yummyyy! Thanks for sharing this brownie recipe! Love it!
    xx
    cvetybaby.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. They look so yummy. I've never thoughts of using black bean for cookies :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's definitely surprising how well they work out for baking! :)

      Delete
  15. Omg this looks delicious :) I agree with Emilia I never knew to use black beans. Great post babe. enjoy your day.

    Kayla xo // Kayla's Vibration

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kayla! :)) I hope you have a wonderful day!

      Delete
  16. Mmm....brownies. Anything brownies and I'm good haha! It's such a great recipe but I'm just not a fan of black beans unfortunately...Oh well, maybe I'll just use something else?

    xx Bash |   go say   H E Y   B A S H

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed! Brownies are my absolute favorite desserts! You can't taste the black beans at all so maybe give them a try? :)

      Delete
  17. delicious . it makes me hungry.
    http://www.ootdchannel.com/

    ReplyDelete
  18. im not a fan of those healthy snacks but your pics are making me think twice. thanks for the recipe, I might have to just give this a try. When I was in college I would eat all the time. Freshman 15 is real...lol. Took so long to lose the weight. But, now that I work, I'm too busy sometimes to even think about food. LOL.

    xoxo,
    geri

    http://everydaylivingnyc.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Some healthy snacks are definitely worth it! I can't not think of food haha I love eating! But yeah it's definitely tough to stay healthy all the time :) Thanks Geri!

      Delete
  19. These sound delicious! I get hungry all the time and seem to eat about every 3 hours. I do find eating higher fat foods helps keep me fuller for longer as they're so much more satiating.
    Look forward to more of these recipe posts!
    farah x
    www.vatkinary.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same here! Good to know that I'm not abnormal! Higher fat foods really help satiate me. I find that foods with lots of volume and bulk really help keep me full too. Thanks Farah!

      Delete
  20. Yum yum these are really mouth watering!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This looks so delicious! I love it,and every time when I see/read posts like this I'm hungry,so thanks a lot xd jk,great post!!
    New post--> beautyshapes3.blogspot.hr

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I love reading food posts too! Can't stay away from them whenever I'm online! :)

      Delete
  22. I'm not so good at creating new version of classic recipes. But this one looks so delicious so I have to try to make it! *-*
    I love brownies!
    Have a lovely day dear!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Roberta! I really hope you enjoy them! They are super chocolatey :))

      Delete
  23. These are sooo yummy!! And also healty!! Well done :) xx

    aishettina.blogspot.it

    ReplyDelete
  24. Looks so yummy!
    Have a nice week!
    Gil Zetbase
    http://gilzetbase.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Gil! I hope you have a wonderful week as well!

      Delete
  25. Felling hungry :P
    http://www.ootdchannel.com/

    ReplyDelete
  26. wow this looks really delicious. i love to bake too. infact brownies and butterscoth are my main favorite recipe. hope you would check our blog too =) keep in touch http://anotsosecretlife2011.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Baking is really relaxing and fun to do. Ooh butterscotch and chocolate is a delicious combination! Thanks! :)

      Delete
  27. Wow! The brownies look incredible! They do look fudgy and chewy and moist - all of which I look for in brownies. I might give this a try! :)

    Jenn
    The Pink Lemonade Girl
    YouTube
    Bloglovin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You definitely should Jenn! They are super delicious brownies! I love fudgy ones over cakey ones too :))

      Delete
  28. OH my gosh nooooo you're killing me! These brownies look beyond delicious! I've actually just baked a batch of flapjack and now I'm already regretting that decision because brownies has shot to the top of my 'cravings' list haha ;)

    aglassofice.com
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh flapjacks are delicious! Make the brownies too and enjoy them together haha thanks Gabrielle!

      Delete
  29. I'm up for anything that's gonna satisfy my craving for sweet stuff, yet can still be healthy!
    Aleeha xXx
    http://www.halesaaw.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a great way to eat sweets in a guilt-free way :) I can't stay away from sweets! Thanks Aleeha!

      Delete
  30. Wow, this, healthier version of brownies look so good, definitely I'd give them a try, because I've eaten cupcakes with black beans before and they were delicious, I wouln't guess that there didn't contain flour at all! :D

    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Plus you can't taste the beans either! It's really surprising how well the beans work in baking :)

      Delete
  31. They look so yummy!

    http://marylyl.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  32. Yum! These look delicious Andrea! 😀

    ReplyDelete

Follow Me on Bloglovin'

Follow

Pinterest