fudgy black bean brownies (gluten-free and vegan)

I’ve been searching for black bean brownies that actually live up to my expectations, and I think I’ve found them!!

These are actually dense and fudgy, but if you prefer cakey, take a look over here.

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies (gluten-free and vegan)
thanks, Minimalist Baker!

1 15 oz. can (~ 1.75 cups) black beans, well rinsed and drained
1 large egg OR 2 large flax eggs (2.5 T flaxseed meal + 6 T water)
3 T coconut oil, melted (or sub other oil of choice)
3/4 cup cocoa powder (the higher quality, the better)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
heaping 1/2 cup pure cane sugar
1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
Mini chocolate chips to top (may sub nuts or other toppings)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 12-slot standard size muffin pan.
2. Prepare flax egg by combining flax and water in the bowl of the food processor. Pulse a couple times and then let rest for a few minutes. OR just pulse the egg.
3. Add remaining ingredients (besides chocolate chips or other toppings) and puree – about 3 minutes – scraping down sides as needed. You want it pretty smooth. If the batter appears too thick, add a Tbsp or two of water and pulse again. It should be slightly less thick than chocolate frosting but nowhere close to runny.
4. Evenly distribute the batter into the muffin tin and smooth the tops with a spoon or your finger. Optional: Sprinkle with crushed walnuts, pecans or chocolate chips.
5. Bake for 20-26 minutes or until the tops are dry and the edges start to pull away from the sides. I found mine took about 25.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes before removing from pan. They will be tender, so remove gently with a fork. The insides are meant to be very fudgy, so don’t be concerned if they seem too moist – that’s the point. Plus, they’re vegan so it doesn’t really matter.
7. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. Refrigerate to keep longer.