When I was 5, my mom told me I was allergic to chocolate.
Now, you’d think that a future 20-year product of the public education system would have smelled something fishy, but I smelled nothing but the tantalizing, forbidden scent of chocolate.
Believe it or not, the ruse lasted until age 10, when we were selling Hershey’s bars for a school fundraiser and I sank my teeth into a gorgeous, silky chunk of chocolate heaven.
Half a decade of my life. Irretrievable. Lost. Goner than a koala chucked into a black hole.
Aside from those five years of chocolate-less existence–and opting out of meat–and okay, my insanely picky palate–I’ve never had eating restrictions, really. At least not the kind of allergy that will debilitate you and close your throat and send you to the hospital with an EpiPen sticking out of your arm. Thank goodness.
I’m lucky in that respect, but it really wasn’t until grad school that I met friends who really did have food allergies. One of my closest classmates is allergic to a whole score of things, including nuts, dairy, and soy. I’ve told you about my recent student who has all of those allergies, plus corn, bean, fruit, and gluten allergies. Another guy in my office has Celiac, meaning gluten is a no-go for him, either. And this one’s not just a fad diet or a “gluten sensitivity,” I’ll tell you that much.
That’s why you may have noticed a lot more “allergy-friendly” recipes around the blog lately. Have you checked out last week’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Crumble Peanut Butter Mousse Parfait Cups? Seriously though–gluten-free doesn’t need to mean un-tasty. In fact, I’ve had so much fun baking GF lately, my friends with gluten allergies have started asking whether the latest batch of treats is gluten-free–and it’s so nice when you can make someone who usually can’t participate feel included in something as simple as dessert.
This recipe for Gluten-Free Black Brownies was the latest (and tastiest and fudgiest!) of my recent experiments in allergy-free baking. Plus nobody else even knew these were gluten-free. Make these and you’ll not only be a superstar–you’ll be that super-nice, accommodating person who brings treats everyone can enjoy!
Though I’ll be honest: I might just have to try the “chocolate allergy” thing on my own kids one day and see if it works.
Kidding. Just kidding.
Cheers to gluten-free and one bean-tastic brownie!
Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies for #SundaySupper
If you want to satisfy your chocolate cravings without the guilt, sink your teeth into THIS recipe! No one needs to know they are made from black beans--but you will want to tell the world they are wondrously gluten-free! Recipe slightly adapted from Minimalist Baker.
Ingredients
For the gluten-free brownies:
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 eggs (you may substitute flax eggs to make this recipe vegan)
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips (use vegan chocolate chips to make this vegan)
For the chocolate frosting:
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons soy milk (add up to 1 tablespoon more as needed)
Instructions
For the gluten-free brownies:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips in food processor. Blend (in pulses) for 3 minutes, until your batter is very smooth. (In her original instructions, Dana says the batter should be "slightly less thick than chocolate frosting but nowhere close to runny.")
- Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Press the chocolate chips into the batter.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, keeping a close eye on your brownies throughout. Make sure not to overbake! The center should still feel slightly underbaked and fudgy when you remove the pan from the oven.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting, cutting into squares, and serving!
For the chocolate frosting:
- In a medium bowl, cream butter. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar; vanilla, and soy milk Beat until light and fluffy. Frost cooled brownies.
Beantastic Beginners:
- Avocado Hummus by Our Good Life
- Bean Ragoût and Crisped Mushrooms by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Black Bean Chili Nachos by Brunch with Joy
- Chickpea Fries (Panisse) by Curious Cuisiniere
- Five Layer Greek Hummus Dip by Food Done Light
- Pizza Roasted Chickpeas by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- White Bean and Basil Spread by Peaceful Cooking
Bean-a-rific Soups and Stews:
- Butternut Squash White Bean Soup by Magnolia Days
- Chickpea and Bean Soup by Momma’s Meals
- Classic Cassoulet by Food Lust People Love
- Navy Bean & Kale Soup by An Appealing Plan
- Navy Bean Soup by The Messy Baker
- Slow Cooker Pork and Bean Stew by Nosh My Way
- Kielbasa and White Bean Soup by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
- Spicy Sausage, White Bean and Spinach Soup by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
Bean-a-licious Sides:
- Bean and Cornbread Salad by MealDiva
- Clams with Black Beans by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole by Gluten Free Crumbley
- Gold Rush Baked Beans by Lifestyle Food Artistry
- Maple Brown Sugar Baked Beans by Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen
- Pinto Beans With Cornbread Croutons by Nik Snacks
- Whiskey Bacon Baked Beans by Sew You Think You Can Cook
Incredi-bean Main Meals:
- Arugula Tomato and Beans Flatbread by Family Foodie
- Bean and Bacon Tacos by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Beefy Lima Bean Casserole by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Colombian Red beans – Frisoles Antioquenos by Palatable Pastime
- Italian Beans and Greens by Simply Healthy Family
- Honey-Lime Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos by The Chunky Chef
- One Pot Tuscan Style Garlic Herb Pork Chops by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Orecchiette with White Beans and Swiss Chard by Delaware Girl Eats
- Skillet Black Beans and Pork by Cooking Chat
- Ultimate Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes by Pancake Warriors
- White Bean Ragout, Frisèe, and a Fried Egg by The Wimpy Vegetarian
Amaze-beans Sweet Endings:
- Chocolate Covered Espresso Bean Bark by Love and Confections
- Flourless Almond Joy Cookie Dough Ball by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Flourless Mocha Brownies by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl
- Gluten-Free Donuts by NinjaBaker
- Pecan Praline Black Bean Brownies by Rhubarb and Honey
- Soy Awesome Cookies 2.0 by What Smells So Good?
- Strawberry Coco-Cacao Bean Smoothie by Dandelion Greens
- Sweet Bean Pie by Shockingly Delicious
- Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee by Noshing With The Nolands
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
Those look sinful. Wow!
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
Oh how funny your mom told you that you were allergic to chocolate! At least you got to make up for it. Great brownies for those with special dietary restrictions. They look nice and fudgy.
Haha, yeah–my mom still insists it was true up until then 😉 I’m definitely making up for it in spades now. Happy Monday, Renee!
I need to add your marvelous frosting to my bean brownies!!! Yours are super fudgy and irresistible!!!
Yessss I saw yours and they look GOOD! Definitely do this frosting, it rocks my socks every time!
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
Chocolate must be extra special now! After all you have five years to make up for! Gluten free never looked so good. Those are scrumptious Brownies!
Haha–well, I do enjoy it, but I think I would’ve fallen in love regardless! Gluten-free really does wonders sometimes, especially when you don’t have to worry about over-stirring. Thanks, Deb–happy Monday!!
All that fudginess! Wonderful!
Heh, thanks, Sue! Have a lovely week!
Little bits of fudgy deliciousness… yum!
And big bits of fudginess–yumm! Happy Monday, Diana!
I am SO trying these! I’ve heard of black beans in brownies, but never had them before! Your photos make me want to jump through the screen! They look delicious!!!!
Dawww that’s awesome–I know exactly how you feel, Val! Black beans work miracles–happy Monday!
We have a good friend who just can’t tolerate gluten. She bakes a brownie that’s quite similar to this. It’s really good! This looks excellent — thanks.
Oooh–yes, this is my first try, loved it! Happy Monday, John!
I love black bean brownies, yours look so fudgey good!
Oh yay, this is my first time–they’re fab! Happy Monday, Cindy!
omg … we were totally on the same wavelength this week, Ala! I am so digging your frosting though … and I am totally making it to go on my next batch of black bean brownies!
P.S. So glad you found out chocolate can be a wonderful part of your life!
Yes, we totally are! Yours look awesome 🙂 I miss black bean brownies already. Happy Monday!
Ooooh they look so fudgy and awesome!!
Hehe thanks, Amanda–have a great Monday!
I’ve seen so many black bean brownies, but I’m always wondering about the taste. Can you taste the black bean? I’m a huge fan of brownies in all forms and these look so fudgey and delish!
Hey! You can’t taste the black bean per se, though there is a little bit of a different texture/taste. But it’s AWESOME. You’d love these, Andrea 🙂 happy Monday!
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
THESE LOOK AMAZING!!!! There are no words.
I’d scream out loud if I found out allergic to chocolate. Thankfully, I’m not and glad you’re okay. A friend of mine is allergic to MSG and we *cough cough* ‘used’ her to test if a restaurant use MSG or not. This black brownies sound amazing though. I’ve never tried adding beans to baked goods but just converted me.
How did I miss your comment? I’m so glad both of us are chocolate-safe…but LOL, using your friend to test MSG sounds like a really interesting idea. Hehehe. I hope your friend is okay! You definitely need to try these, Linda!
I wouldn’t worry too much about your kids eating chocolate since their Mom is smart enough to make brownies with nutrient dense and protein packed beans.
Wendy, I don’t even know how I missed your comment–but I laughed so hard when you said that bit about a smart mum. Ha! Well, at least I hope I will be 🙂 thanks, and I hope you have a great weekend!
Wow, those look like fudge, nicely done!!
My mom always told me I was allergic to Cheetos! It seems like they were kindred spirits. These brownies look so crazy fudgy…I can’t imagine missing out on them because of a made up allergy!
LOL I just saw this comment–that’s genius on your mom’s part. I always thought it was just my mum. Cheers!
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
You’re so nice to make all these allergen friendly treats for your students 🙂 I’ve always wanted to try brownies made with beans and these look so fudgy and delicious! Definitely have to add them my next brownie baking session!
Daw, well they’re sweet kids and deserve it! I hope you do try these, they’re sooo crazy fudgy 🙂
Wow – can’t believe these are made with black beans – you’d never know!
they look sooooo delicious! Plus guilt free – win win 😀
Hope your studies are going well Ala 🙂
Bec {Daisy and the Fox}
You too, Bec!! Omgosh, we need to reconnect and stuff. I hope school is being nice to you! <3
Black bean brownies are the BEST, I have to try this!
WOW those brownies look amazing! I would be hard pressed to share them with anyone LOL
Omg, welcome to my life!! I’m seriously hoarding these again and again again and again….ha! Hope you have a wonderful weekend though 🙂
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]
[…] Gluten-Free Black Bean Brownies by Wallflour Girl […]