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Originally published May 10, 2020. Updated on June 25, 2020
This week, I meal prepped brownies. Yep, good ol’ classic, fudgey, brownies. Totally normal, nothing weird about them, brownies….okay except for maybe the black beans and cauliflower.
Okay, so maybe these healthy, flourless Hidden-Veggie Protein Brownies are not “normal”. No, these brownies are so much more than that. They’re extraordinary. They’re dense, fudgey, and always elicit an “mmmm” sound from the crowd I’m serving them too. This sound is usually followed by a “what?” or a “what’s wrong with you?!” when I let them know what’s in it.
Let me tell YOU what’s in it and why you’re going to want to make these ASAP. These brownies pack a hefty protein punch from the black beans, peanut flour, and peanut butter. The black beans and cauliflower also provide vitamins and minerals as well as filling fiber, so you’ll feel satisfied after eating one brownie. These brownies are so good though, I wouldn’t judge you for eating the entire tray. The black beans and cauliflower are also what gives these brownies their silky, fudge-like texture. People have been putting cauliflower in smoothies for years to make them creamier and thicker, why not brownies? (And if you haven’t been putting cauliflower in your smoothies, here’s a recipe to try it out with.)
These brownies are also extremely easy to prep. A food processor does most of the heavy lifting for you. You do get a bit of a workout squeezing the excess water out of the cauliflower. But once you do and bake these brownies up, you’ll have a protein packed post workout treat to enjoy.
These brownies also freeze well. You can store them in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Pop one out of the freezer whenever you get a chocolate craving. Feel free to let it thaw, but I actually like them a bit frozen. They remind me of the cookie part of ice cream sandwiches this way, just with a lot more healthy goodness packed in.
So maybe these brownies aren’t normal. But who would want to be normal anyway? Leave normal behind and be extraordinary by making these Hidden-Veggie Protein Brownies.
If you make this recipe or any others on my blog, tag me in a photo on Instagram @figisisters . I would love to see your recreation!
Recipe:
Makes about 9 Brownies
Ingredients:
340 g - Frozen Cauliflower Florets
1 (15oz) Can - Black Beans - Drained and rinsed
40 g - Coconut Sugar*
20 g - Cacao Powder - Sub Cocoa Powder
5 g - Espresso Powder*
2 - Large Eggs
64 g - Peanut Flour - I used Naked Nutrition - Sub additional 64 g of regular peanut butter
32 g - Peanut Butter
45 g - Chocolate Chips - Optional
1 tsp - Vanilla Extract
¼ tsp - Kosher Salt
1 tsp - Baking Powder
3-4 tbsp water
Instructions:
Powdered sugar - Optional, for garnish
Preheat oven to 350F.
Steam frozen cauliflower florets in the microwave for 4 minutes*.
Place cooked florets in a dish towel or cheesecloth. Set aside in a strainer and allow to cool.
In a small bowl, mix together peanut flour, water, peanut butter, and coconut sugar until well combined.
When cauliflower is cool, gather the ends of the towel and squeeze as much excess moisture as possible.
To a food processor, add cauliflower, black beans, cacao powder, espresso powder, eggs, peanut butter mixture, vanilla, salt, and baking powder. Blend until well combined and smooth.
Stir in chocolate chips if desired.
Line an 8in baking dish with parchment paper. Pour batter into the dish, top with more chocolate chips, and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the dish for 15-20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, slice, and enjoy.
Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
*Notes:
I intentionally did not make these too sweet as I prefer them this way. If you would like them sweeter, add an additional 20-30 g of coconut sugar.
Espresso powder helps to enhance the chocolate taste.
Do not overcook the florets or you will be able to taste the cauliflower.
Looking for another sweet way to get your vegetables in, try these Popeye Protein Muffins.
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