Outrageous Brownies
Outrageous Brownies aren’t just any brownies—they’re a delightful, guilt-free twist on a classic treat. Believe it or not, they’re made with black beans and sweetened with dates! These brownies are incredibly moist, fudgy, and packed with rich chocolatey goodness. What’s more, they’re vegan, gluten-free, and surprisingly nutritious. You won’t believe how easy they are to whip up and how much your taste buds will thank you.
The history of brownies traces back to 1898, but this version stands out for its creativity and health benefits. If you’ve been searching for a way to indulge without compromising on your health goals, these brownies are here to save the day. Prepare to wow your friends and family—they’ll never guess they’re enjoying a dessert made with legumes!
Why You’ll Love Outrageous Brownies
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: Packed with natural, wholesome ingredients that keep it low-fat and nutrient-rich.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or those looking to eat cleaner.
- Rich & Fudgy Texture: You won’t miss the butter, oil, or refined sugar.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun way to sneak in healthy ingredients without anyone noticing!
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal prep time mean you can enjoy brownies faster.
What You Need To Make Outrageous Brownies
To make these brownies, you’ll need pantry staples like black beans, gluten-free oats, and plant milk. Cocoa powder and date paste bring all the chocolatey sweetness you crave. You’ll also want optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for extra indulgence.
How To Make Outrageous Brownies
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, blend black beans, date paste, and plant milk until smooth. Add vanilla bean powder, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa powder, and blend again.
- Combine Oats: Add gluten-free oats and process briefly until just combined.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into a 10-inch silicone baking pan and smooth it out evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with chocolate chips or nuts, gently pressing them into the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center no longer jiggles and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. Pair them with a glass of homemade Vanilla Almond Milk for a perfect treat!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I substitute the black beans with another ingredient?
While black beans create the best texture, you can try chickpeas or white beans. However, the flavor and consistency may differ slightly.
What is date paste, and how can I make it?
Date paste is simply blended dates with water until smooth. It’s a natural sweetener with caramel-like flavor—easy to make at home!
Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and enjoy when you’re ready.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
A food processor is ideal for achieving a smooth batter, but a high-powered blender can work as well.
Can I skip the chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, the brownies are delicious on their own. The add-ins are optional for extra indulgence.
Outrageous Vegan Brownies
Ingredients
- 15- ounce can salt-free black beans rinsed and drained or 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans
- 1 1/2 cups Date Paste
- 3/4 cup unsweetened plant milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder
- 1 teaspoon aluminum and sodium-free baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sodium-free baking soda
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats or oat flour
- 1 cup unsweetened or date-sweetened dairy-free chocolate chips optional
- 1/2 cup finely chopped raw unsalted pistachios, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place beans, Date Paste, and plant milk in a food processor fitted with the “S” blade and process until smooth.
- Add the vanilla bean powder, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa powder, and process again. Add the oats and process very briefly, just until combined.
- Pour the batter into a 10-inch square silicone baking pan. Sprinkle with nuts and/or chocolate chips, if using, and gently press the toppings down with the palm of your hand.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the middle does not jiggle and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool before cutting.
Notes
– With the chocolate chips added, this recipe becomes rich and decadent while staying superbly sweet.
– Chef’s Tip: If your blender or food processor struggles with rolled oats, no worries! You can leave them whole, and the brownies will still turn out great.
Credit: Reprinted with permission from The Simple Vegan Kitchen by Chef AJ.