I have made many sweet treats with date caramel; it is one of my favorite ways to add sweetness to a dessert recipe in a more natural way. With a few easy steps, you will have a creamy and versatile concoction to be used as an ingredient, or to enjoy on its own.
The other day however, as I was setting the stage to make date caramel black bean brownies, I actually decided to skip a step. After soaking the dates in hot water, peeling and de-pitting, I figured they were ready to go. Normally you would blend the soaked dates in a food processor with vanilla extract and some of the soaking liquid, but what would happen if I simply threw them into the blender with the other ingredients? These delectable brownies are the result, and did I mention they can be be made in your blender – no bowls required!
The consistency is creamy and not overly sweet. They are sweetened with just the dates and then whatever chocolate protein powder you decide to use. I use Be Well By Kelly’s chocolate protein powder, which contains some monk fruit. If you decide to omit the protein powder, simply add an extra tablespoon or two of cacao/cocoa powder, and perhaps a tablespoon of granulated sugar (coconut sugar or monk fruit for example). Don’t quote me on that – I didn’t test this recipe that way, but I believe that substitution should suffice.
Bonus: my three year old also loves them. Any way I can get legumes and eggs into my child, I call it a win! That post-black bean brownie smile.
Planning and prep
In order to make these black bean brownies, there is minimal prep, but a few things to think about before baking begins:
- Soak the dates in hot, boiling water for at least 20 minutes. I put 2 cups of dates (which is about 14-16 pitted Medjool dates) in a glass, Pyrex bowl. I use my electric tea kettle to heat some water, and pour it atop the dates in the bowl.
- Drain and rinse your black beans, and let them dry while your dates are soaking
That is about it! Aside from preheating your oven, you should be good to go.
Healthy, Fudgy Black Bean Brownies Sweetened With Dates {Grain-Free}
Equipment
- Blender
- 8×8 baking tin
Ingredients
- 2 – 2.5 cups pitted Medjool dates soaked in hot water for at least 20 minutes
- 1 15oz can black beans drained and rinsed
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup cacao powder or cocoa powder
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder optional; see note
- 1/4 cup almond milk or dairy-free milk of choice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking tin with parchment paper
- Once the dates have soaked, drain them. Use your hands to peel off the outer skin and remove the pit (they should peel easily).
- To a high-speed blender, add all of the ingredients: soaked dates, black beans, eggs, cacao or cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder (if using), and milk. Blend on high, using the tamper to get everything going if you need to. Consistency should be a creamy brownie batter.
- Transfer the batter to the baking tin. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Allow the brownies to completely cool in the baking tin (at least one hour), before transferring them to the refrigerator to set (at least another hour). When ready to enjoy, slice into squares.
