Black Bean Cherry Brownies

This recipe was adapted from Chef AJ’s Outrageous Healthy Brownies.  I have made these countless times for gatherings and they are always a hit with my friends.  You can substitute date syrup for maple syrup.  These are more cake like then they are fudgy brownies.

Ingredients

15 oz. can unsalted black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup maple syrup
2 T. ground flaxseeds
1 T. pure vanilla extract
2/3 cups dried Montmorency cherries, plumped
1 t. baking powder
½ t. baking soda
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup spelt flour
½ cup oat flour
½ cup Enjoy Life chocolate chips
½ cup chopped pistachios

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Place cherries in a small dish and pour boiling water on top, just enough to cover all the cherries.  Let set for about 3-4 minutes then drain off water and set aside.

Place black beans and maple syrup in a food processor using the “S”blade and process until smooth.  Add the flaxseeds, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda and cocoa powder and process until well blended.  Add the four and process very briefly until combined well.  Remove the bowl from the processor and place on countertop.  Remove the blade and fold in the plumped cherries and ¼ cup of the chocolate chips. 

Pour the batter into an 8” X 8” nonstick professional baking dish or use a silicon baking dish.  Sprinkle with the chopped pistachios and remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips.  Bake for 30- 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.