Black Bean Brownie Cupcakes

Don't let the name fool ya.  These cupcakes are fabulous!  I was perusing the internet a few days ago (surprise surprise) and came across this recipe for black bean brownies that looked very promising.  Now, I know what you're thinking...black beans IN brownies? That can't be good...Trust me...I felt the same way...but I have been seeing recipes like this one all over the place for quite some time now so I figured today was the day to try it out for myself and I am so happy I did.


These little gems are chocolatey with the traditional brownie texture, with just a hint of sweetness, which I actually prefer over the traditional brownie. Plus, they are Dr. Oz approved...that's got to mean something right?


Black Bean Brownie Cupcakes


Ingredients:

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed (I used Eden Organic)

1/2 cup agave syrup (I used about half agave and half honey)

1/2 cup self-rising flour

1/2 cup egg whites

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

2 tbsp vanilla

1 tsp baking powder

6 tbsp mini semisweet chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life semi-sweet mini chips)

Cream Cheese Icing:

6 oz light/fat free cream cheese

1/4 cup agave/honey/liquid sweetener of choice (I used honey)

2 tbsp vanilla

2 tbsp melted chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life)

For the cupcakes...preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Put all ingredients, except the chocolate chips, in your food processor and blend on high until nice and smooth.  Scrape down the sides and blend again for 20 seconds or so.  There should only be very small black flecks in your mixture from the beans.  This won't have any affect on the taste of your brownie.

Transfer to a medium sized bowl and mix in the chocolate chips.

Now, you can either bake them in a 8 by 8 baking pan or you can do like me and make 2 dozen mini brownie cupcakes :)  Put in the oven for 20 minutes, take out and cool...or shove in your mouth immediately...not that I did that or anything...

It's just enough for 2 little bites, or one large bite and satisfies your chocolate/sweet tooth in a matter of seconds.  

With a little smear of icing on top and you've got yourself one heck of a treat!  Enjoy with an afternoon tea, after dinner dessert or just whenever that craving strikes!

For the icing...add all ingredients into a large bowl and mix with an electric mixer until smooth.  I haven't iced my cupcakes yet, but after I do I think I will put them in the freezer for safe keeping and take one or two out whenever I feel the need!  It's nice to know I have a delicious healthy treat in the freezer just waiting for me :)

Okay...go ahead...you know you want to experiment with these babies ;)

xo