Chocolate Chickpea Brownies
If you’re on the hunt for a decadent dessert that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition, look no further than these Chocolate Chickpea Brownies. Yes, you read that right—chickpeas! They add a wonderful moistness and a protein boost to these brownies while keeping them gluten-free and guilt-free. Whether you’re a health nut or just looking for a way to indulge without the added guilt, these brownies will satisfy your chocolate cravings while surprising you with their unique ingredient list.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Chocolate Chickpea Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic brownie recipe. The use of chickpeas or white beans adds fiber and protein, making these treats not just a dessert, but a wholesome snack option as well. You won’t believe how fudgy and rich they taste—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the usual sugar crash. Plus, they are incredibly easy to whip up, and you can customize them to suit your dietary needs.
What You’ll Need
- 1 can chickpeas or white beans – provides the base and moisture for the brownies.
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder – adds that rich chocolate flavor.
- 2 tbsp Dutch cocoa or additional regular cocoa – deepens the chocolatey richness.
- 1/3 cup flour (white, oat, spelt, almond, sorghum, etc.) – helps bind the ingredients.
- 3 tbsp milk of choice or applesauce – adds moisture and richness.
- 3 tbsp oil or nut butter of choice – enhances the texture and flavor.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder – helps the brownies rise.
- 1/4 tsp each of salt and baking soda – balances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup sugar – sweetness is key; for refined-sugar-free alternatives, try these Black Bean Brownies.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips – not optional! Omit at your own risk for a true chocolate experience.
Appliances & Accessories
- Food Processor – for blending the chickpeas into a smooth mixture.
- Mixing Bowl – to combine all the dry ingredients.
- Spatula – for folding in the chocolate chips.
- Baking Pan – a square or rectangular pan will work perfectly.
- Oven – to bake the brownies to fudgy perfection.
Chocolate Chickpea Brownies — Do This Next
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chickpeas
Drain and rinse the can of chickpeas (or white beans) thoroughly. This step is crucial for removing any excess sodium and ensuring a clean flavor.
Step 3: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, cocoa powder, Dutch cocoa, flour, milk or applesauce, oil or nut butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Step 4: Sweeten the Deal
Add in the sugar and blend again until fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick and glossy.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Transfer the brownie batter to a mixing bowl and gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula. This will ensure you get gooey chocolate goodness in every bite.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy!
Make It Diet-Friendly
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free flour such as almond flour or oat flour.
- Lower Sugar: Substitute sugar with a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier option.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk.
- Nut-Free: Opt for canola or sunflower oil instead of nut butter if you have nut allergies.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
These Chocolate Chickpea Brownies are incredibly forgiving. Don’t have chickpeas? White beans work just as well. Feel free to experiment with different types of flour based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. The key is to blend everything until it’s smooth; this will give you that fudgy texture that you crave. Also, the chocolate chips are a must—they melt wonderfully and add bursts of chocolate flavor throughout the brownies.
- For an extra touch, consider adding nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Chocolate Chickpea Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to preserve them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the brownies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly in the microwave for that freshly baked taste.
Quick Questions
Can I make these brownies without a food processor?
While a food processor helps achieve a smooth texture, you can use a blender or mash the chickpeas by hand and mix everything in a bowl, though the texture may be slightly different.
What can I use instead of sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. Just be mindful of the liquid content if you’re using liquids.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free flour option, these brownies can easily be made gluten-free!
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, indicating they are perfectly fudgy.
Reader Favorites
- Sally’s Baking Addiction – for more sweet treats and baking tips.
- Pinch of Yum – a great place for healthy recipes and food photography inspiration.
- Minimalist Baker – offers simple, delicious recipes that are often plant-based.
Serve & Enjoy
There you have it! Your very own batch of Chocolate Chickpea Brownies, ready to impress friends and family alike. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a get-together, looking for a snack, or just need a little something sweet to enjoy after dinner. Each bite is rich, fudgy, and utterly delightful. So go ahead, bake a batch, and indulge in the deliciousness of these unique brownies!
Chocolate Chickpea Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Step 2: Drain and rinse the chickpeas (or white beans) thoroughly.
- Step 3: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, cocoa powder, Dutch cocoa, flour, milk or applesauce, oil or nut butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Blend until smooth.
- Step 4: Add in the sugar and blend again until fully incorporated; the mixture should be thick and glossy.
- Step 5: Transfer the batter to a mixing bowl and fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula.
- Step 6: Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Step 7: Allow the brownies to cool for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Experiment with different types of flour based on your preferences.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- For a twist, add nuts or dried fruit to the batter.
