Satisfy your sweet cravings guilt-free with these Flourless Chickpea Brownies. These high-protein brownies are a delightful twist on the classic, combining the goodness of chickpeas, the rich creaminess of peanut butter, and the nutty charm of almond meal.
Chickpea Brownies offer a delightful treat for those seeking a high-protein, vegan dessert. Not only are they rich in protein, but they are also oil-free and gluten-free, making them a wholesome choice for your sweet cravings.
These brownies have a crispy top and boast an indulgent, fudge-like center. The nutty undertones of the nut butter add a luxurious touch, and you'd be pleasantly surprised to discover that these scrumptious treats contain chickpeas as a key ingredient.
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Why Chickpeas?
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a versatile legume that provides an array of health benefits. Chickpeas are the secret ingredient in this recipe, and they offer more than just their unique texture and taste. They are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them an excellent addition to gluten-free and vegan baking.
Ingredients you Need
To make these delicious no-flour brownies you need
- Chickpeas: Chickpeas are the star ingredient of this recipe. They provide moisture, structure, and a nutritional boost to your brownies. If you're looking for a substitution, you can use black beans or white beans as an alternative.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter not only adds a delightful nutty flavor but also contributes to the brownies' texture. If you prefer or have allergies, you can substitute it with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- Raw Sugar: Raw sugar adds sweetness to the brownies. You can substitute it with other sweeteners like dates, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Adjust the quantity to suit your preferred sweetness level.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the brownies rise. Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder provides that rich, chocolatey flavor. You can use unsweetened cacao powder as a healthier alternative, and if you prefer a sweeter taste, choose Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Vanilla Essence: Vanilla essence enhances the brownies' flavor. If you don't have vanilla essence, you can use vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste as a substitute.
- Almond Meal: Almond meal adds a nutty element and contributes to the brownies' texture. If you don't have almond meal, you can make your own by grinding blanched almonds in a food processor.
- Almond Milk: Almond milk is used to adjust the brownie batter's consistency. You can replace it with any other plant-based milk such as soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. If you're not following a vegan diet, regular dairy milk is also a suitable option.
How to Make Chickpea Brownies
Here's a step-by-step process for making Chickpea Brownies
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line an 8X8 inch brownie pan with parchment paper.
- Rinse and drain a can of chickpeas, ensuring they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your brownies.
Blend Ingredients
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, creamy peanut butter, raw sugar, baking powder, cocoa powder, vanilla essence, almond meal, and almond milk.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Transfer to Pan and Bake
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick or a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be cautious not to overbake, as you want the brownies to be fudgy and moist.
Cool and Slice
- Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a while.
- After the brownies have cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and leave them on the cooling rack for another 30 minutes to let them cool completely.
- Transfer them to a cutting board and slice them into your desired size and shape.
Chickpea Brownies Add-Ons
Adding toppings to your brownies can take them to the next level and add unique flavors and textures. Here are some delicious brownie add-ons to consider:
- Nuts: Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor. Simply sprinkle them on top of the brownie batter before baking.
- Chocolate Chips: For an extra dose of chocolatey goodness, add chocolate chips to the batter. They'll melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the brownie batter and use a toothpick to swirl it for a beautiful caramel-marbled effect.
- Fruit: Fresh or dried fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or cherries can add a fruity twist to your brownies. They pair wonderfully with dark chocolate.
- Espresso Powder: For coffee lovers, a teaspoon of espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor and provide a slight coffee undertone.
- Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt on top of the brownies just before baking enhances the sweetness and creates a delightful salty-sweet combination.
- Toffee Bits: Sprinkle toffee bits, and candy cane on top of the brownie batter to add a sweet and buttery crunch.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl peanut butter into the brownie batter for a rich, nutty contrast.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can provide a tropical and crunchy texture to your brownies.
- Biscoff or Oreo Chunks: To add a classic flavor sprinkle Oreo or Biscoff chunks to the batter and bake.
Storage
To store these vegan chickpea brownies;
- Allow them to cool.
- Wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
- At room temperature, they're good for 2-3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Keep them dry, away from heat, direct sunlight, and excessive moisture.
- Check for freshness before serving.
More Vegan Gluten Free Desserts
- Date Roll
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies
- Jam Crumb Bars
- Pumpkin Almond Flour Cookies
- Soft Almond Cookies
- Chocolate Nice Cream
- Chocolate Avocado Mousse
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Flourless Chickpeas Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 can Chickpea 15 oz
- ½ cup Peanut Butter
- 1 cup Raw sugar
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Essence
- 2 tbsp Almond Meal
- ½ cup Almond Milk
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it's ready when you need to bake your brownies.
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan later.
- Open a can of chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly under cold water, and drain them to remove excess liquid.
- In a food processor, combine the rinsed chickpeas, creamy peanut butter, raw sugar, baking powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla essence, almond meal, and almond milk. Blend these ingredients until you have a smooth and creamy batter. You may need to scrape down the sides of the processor to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy and moist.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for some time. This cooling period allows the brownies to set and develop their perfect texture.
- Once the brownies have cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer them to a cutting board and slice them into your desired size and shape.
- Serve and Enjoy.
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Notes
- Use Good Quality Chickpeas: Start with high-quality canned or cooked chickpeas. Rinse and drain them thoroughly to remove excess moisture and any canned taste.
- Blend Thoroughly: When blending the chickpeas, ensure that the mixture is smooth and free from any lumps or visible chickpea pieces. This will result in a creamy texture.
- Don't Skip Baking Powder: Baking powder is essential for the brownies to rise and achieve a nice texture. Make sure it's fresh and not expired.
- Balance Moisture: Achieving the right balance of moisture is crucial. If the batter appears too dry, add a bit more almond milk; if it's too wet, increase the almond meal.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks add extra richness. Fold them into the batter for an extra chocolatey experience.
- Watch Baking Time: Be attentive while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This cooling period is essential for the brownies to set.
Talia says
wow this is really great. The taste is authentic.