I know what you are all thinking – how can healthy & brownie even be in the same title together? Well, guess what? They can!! I stumbled upon this recipe on Twitter a week or so ago & knew that I had to give it a try. I used Lara’s Rolled Oats in place of the instant oats. I tossed them in the food processor first, as suggested & then removed them to blend up the other ingredients. I have to admit that I was a little concerned at first – bananas and black beans in a brownie? I had heard about black beans. I have used bananas for “soft serve ice cream” and I do like them. I also used Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa for my choice of cocoa.
Look how fudgey they look!?!
A tip – don’t eat the brownies warm. While they weren’t bad warm, they were much better when cool. I also had maybe the most wonderful brainstorm while starting to eat my brownie – Artisana Coconut Butter as frosting! I quickly got out my coconut butter, warmed it up & spread a little on top. Pure heaven. I can’t wait to dig into another here shortly. The best thing about these healthy brownies, well, besides the taste, the nutritional stats. Check these out: 85 calories, 1g fat, 16g carbs, 4g protein = per square when cut into 9 squares (coconut butter frosting not included). I may just use one of these for my pre-run fuel for my long run tomorrow!
I have to say it again – H.E.A.V.E.N.
My son and me, November 2000. This is before we were gluten-free/diagnosed Celiac.
I was sold before you mentioned that Artisana Coconut Butter, but that thought sent me over the edge. That coconut butter is sensational, so these brownies with that topping must be equally phenomenal!
Shirley
Oh my goodness…those look like a taste of Heaven!!! Love what you did with the coconut butter too. Yummy!
All of my qsetuions settled-thanks!
Thanks Julie!
HOLY MOLEY, those look yummy! I MUST make those for Luke!! Makes one feel like a very s.m.a.r.t. mom.
Brilliant Kim, thanks for sharing!!
I might have to try these! I made some Black Bean Brownies last weekend that didn't turn out but it might be my oven…which reminds me, I need to call about that!
These look great! And I may have to buy coconut butter to try out too. I find so many great products and recipes on your site, and I appreciate it!
Question – I haven't yet ventured into agave. Is there a particular brand or type (there are light/dark?) you'd suggest starting with? Or do you think other sweeteners would work? (I have a brown sugar/splenda blend sitting in my cupboard)
Erin on GFFitness says she's going to try the brownies with nonfat greek yogurt instead of bananas next time.
The choc chip cookies in today's post look sooooo good.
MJ – I use Xagave that I reviewed here: http://www.glutenfreeislife.com/?p=2325 . You can also get agave at Trader Joe's or most grocery stores.
Kim
I am also a vegetarian and my body has never been in a very good shape. Being a vegan can really make you much heathier.".:
those just look delicious! know the saying you should go shopping when hungry? well, I shouldn't go blog hopping when hungry…
Thanks Cheryl!! : )