By now, you’ve pinned a black bean brownie recipe or two and contemplated making them no fewer than a dozen times. If you haven’t gotten around to trying it yet, you’ll *definitely* want to after seeing all of the delectable bean-based desserts you’re missing out on. Whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a healthier weeknight alternative to your favorite dessert (campfire cone, anyone?), beans are the way to go when it comes to maximizing the nutritional value of your sweet treats. Stock your pantry full of white beans, chickpeas and black beans, because you’ll never want to run out again. Keep reading for 15 healthy desserts that are sweet, gooey and full of tasty legumes.
1. Black Bean Chocolate Orange Mousse: It’s not uncommon for a vegan mousse to be made with avocados or cashews, but black beans also yield an amazing result that leaves no bean-like taste whatsoever. In the end, you’ll have a luscious, creamy mousse worthy of serving to guests. (via Wrapped in Newspaper)
2. Black Bean Fudge Brownies: How can a brownie be bad when it looks that good? If you’ve been wary of trying black bean brownies, now’s your chance. This recipe is sweetened with maple syrup and dates, while cocoa powder and dark chocolate pack an indulgent punch. (via Hearted Eats)
3. Chickpea Cookie Dough Balls: Roasting your chickpeas prior to making these cookie dough balls will dry them out and impart a nutty flavor that really makes them taste like cookie dough. They’re full of protein from the beans and nut butter, which make them a great pre-workout snack. (via A Dash of Compassion)
4. Chocolate Black Bean (Banana and Avocado) Ice Cream Sandwiches: Kids and adults alike will love these ice cream sandwiches. They’ll think they’re eating chocolate cookies with cool green ice cream, but you’ll know their new favorite snack is secretly good for them. (via Further Food)
5. White Chocolate Chocolate Cake Cookie: Sometimes, when you’re all alone and PMS strikes, you need one cookie and you need it fast. That’s where this thick, cake-like cookie comes in handy. Plus, you won’t feel bloated after eating it, which is a *huge* bonus. (via Imma Eat That)
6. Chocolate Covered Brownie Pops: Not only are these pops totally adorable, but they’re mighty delicious as well. Invite a few pals over to make them and choose their own toppings. Try shredded coconut, chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips. (via The Glowing Fridge)
7. Guilt-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip: Desserts that require no baking whatsoever are staple recipes to have in your collection. The combination of cannellini beans, vanilla, almond butter and a tiny bit of brown sugar create the perfect cookie dough flavor. Top with mini chips and serve with graham crackers (or a spoon). (via My San Francisco Kitchen)
8. Healthy Peanut Butter Blondies: One of the great things about using beans instead of flour is the moisture they bring to the dessert. If you love fudge-like brownies, you’ll adore these gooey blondies made with garbanzo beans and peanut butter. (via Joy Food Sunshine)
9. Healthy Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies: These beautiful cookies get their crimson hue from beet puree and their spectacular taste from all things chocolate. The hidden bean is garbanzo, and you’d never know it’s there. (via Desserts With Benefits)
10. Peanut Butter Swirl Black Bean Brownies: Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in brownie heaven. If you’re patient enough to wait until the brownies have cooled, you’ll be rewarded with a dense and cakey dessert. We won’t tell if you decide to throw a scoop of ice cream on top. (via Nourished the Blog)
11. Hazelnut Mocha Protein Skillet Cake: This skillet cake screams date night. Serve it after a gym rendezvous with your S.O. �— it’s packed with protein to recover from your strenuous workout. (via Peanut Butter and Fitness)
12. Red Bean and Walnut Sticky Rice Cake: This unique cake uses homemade red bean paste and sweet rice flour to make a dense and chewy gluten-free dessert. Its slightly sweet and nutty flavor is nothing short of addicting. (via Supper Nummy)
13. Adzuki (Red Bean) Cheesecake: Adzuki beans are common in Asian cooking and baking, and unlike black beans, they’ve been gracing baked goods for centuries. This cheesecake combines homemade and store-bought adzuki paste for a perfectly sweet balance. (via Joy’s Cozy Oven)
14. Cookie Dough Banana Ice Cream Sandwiches: It’s crazy that something so cute can be so good for you. Banana ice cream (AKA pureed frozen bananas) is layered between thin slabs of chickpea funfetti cookie dough, frozen solid and cut into bite-sized squares. Adorable doesn’t even begin to describe it. (via Imma Eat That)
15. Vegan Meringues: If you’re asking yourself how a meringue (essentially whipped egg whites) can be vegan, here’s the lowdown: Aquafaba is the juice that comes in a can of chickpeas. The proteins in that juice have a similar composition to egg whites; therefore, you can use it to make vegan meringues. Try using the beans for one recipe and the juice for another. (via Cooking Is Messy)
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Paige Johnson
Paige is a blogger, food writer and culinary master from Louisville, Ky. She's a newlywed who's obsessed with dogs and renovating her 117 year old home. When she's not working on her blog — My Modern Cookery — you can find her binge watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S with a triple shot latte in-hand.
