FUDGY HOT COCOA BLACK BEAN BROWNIES

photo and recipe by Ashley Sornsin

NNothing says ‘winter’ more than hot chocolate! Now you can enjoy hot chocolate in a fudgy brownie that’s surprisingly healthy, made with no flour, but rather black beans. Don’t worry; no one will know these are healthy, as they are so chocolatey and fudgy, each bite tastes indulgent! These are easy to make, putting all ingredients directly into a blender. The ‘marshmallow’ frosting contains no marshmallows, but comes together with just a few ingredients! Even without the frosting, these brownies are to die for!

INGREDIENTS

1 flax egg

(1 tbsp ground flax + 2 ½ tbsp hot water) 1 can black beans (drained/rinsed) ½ c pure maple syrup ¼ c refined coconut oil (melted) 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ c oat flour

(blend oats to make flour or any flour) 6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder ½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp sea salt 1 tsp instant coffee ½ c airy-free mini chocolate chips + extra for topping

Frosting: c refined coconut oil ¼ c maple syrup 2 tbsp tapioca starch/flour ½ tsp vanilla extract

PREPARATION

1. Set the oven to 350° and line an 8”x 8” pan with parchment paper. 2. Prepare flax eggs and allow to sit for a minute. 3. Add black beans, flax eggs, oil, maple syrup, and vanilla to food processor or blender. 4. Add to mixing bowl with flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, coffee and then mix. 5. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour batter into pan and bake for 30 minutes.

FROSTING

To make frosting, beat coconut oil until fluffy then slowly add maple syrup. Once combined, add tapioca starch and vanilla extract and mix until fluffy. Once brownies have cooled, spread frosting on top and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.