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For over a decade, I’ve been sneaking beans into my brownie recipes—from black beans to chickpeas—to boost their fiber content and support gut health. It also helps balance blood sugar levels. Surprisingly, you won’t even notice the healthy twist, unless you spill the beans!
This recipe, adapted from the well-loved Joyous Health’s black bean chia brownies, has been improved with a few delightful additions: maca, walnuts, chocolate icing, and naturally colorful sprinkles. These enhancements inspired the name “Cosmic Black Bean Brownies,” since maca pairs beautifully with chocolate’s flavor, adding a slight caramel taste and a superfood boost. It’s known as an adaptogen, which supports your body’s ability to handle stress. But trust me, enjoying these brownies is anything but stressful—it’s pure joy! If you don’t have maca, you can skip it without impacting the texture or cooking time. I’ve been using Organika’s gelatinized maca lately, but feel free to omit if unavailable.
I offer two sweetening options: coconut palm sugar or Lakanto sweetener, a mix of monk fruit and erythritol. Lakanto is low on the glycemic index and better than artificial options, though coconut sugar is less processed and can be found at health food stores or Rise Market in Canada.
A fun fact: When I shared a video on Instagram, someone asked if these were “Cosmic Brownies.” Intrigued, I discovered a store-bought sugar-filled version with the same name. My cosmic-themed brownies got their name partly because of their visually delightful sprinkles. Although my daughter Vienna isn’t a fan of nuts in baked goods, adding sprinkles works wonders in enticing her to try new things.
If you prefer nut-free brownies, simply leave out the walnuts. Egg-free variations are also possible; check the recipe card for instructions. Using flax eggs produces a slightly different texture and extends the baking time by about 10 minutes. Store the brownies in the fridge once cooled.
These Cosmic Black Bean Brownies are… well, cosmic! Let’s chat about the magical icing: it’s made with ripe avocado, cocoa powder, and raw honey. You’ll find it hard to resist licking the bowl clean!
Here is the Cosmic Black Bean Brownies recipe. They can easily be made nut-free by simply omitting the walnuts.
**How to make a flax egg:**
– 1 egg = 1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water. Combine and let sit for 5 minutes.
– Multiply the recipe by three, as it calls for three eggs.
– Bake for an extra 5-10 minutes using flax eggs.
**Note:** Lakanto, of erythritol and monk fruit, is slightly more processed than coconut sugar, but minimally affects blood sugar.
**Chocolate Icing Tip:** If avocados aren’t super soft, add a little liquid for smoother icing. Consider incorporating 1/4 cup protein powder and 3-4 tbsp water or nut milk.
If nuts aren’t an issue, definitely include the walnuts for an enhanced texture. I hope these become a family favorite!
Happy Love Day!
**FAQs and More:**
– *Food Processor for Icing:* I use the cordless KitchenAid.
– *No maca?* Simply leave it out.
– *Sweeteners for Kids:* While Lakanto is fine in moderation, coconut sugar or honey is more natural for regular use.
– *Allergic to Avocado?* Try a coconut whipped icing instead (recipe link included).
– *Protein Powder Use:* Optional in the icing, but not necessary for the brownies.
– *Subbing Kidney Beans:* While you can try, the taste might be stronger than black beans. Blend well, and let us know how it goes!
Enjoy baking and indulging in these cosmic treats!
