Fudge Protein Brownies (with Fiber!)

These fudgy brownies blend black beans, oats, cocoa, and protein powder into a chocolatey treat with fiber. Serve them as they are or warm with a scoop of ice cream.

A QUICK NOTE

Blend the batter until completely smooth; the black beans disappear into the chocolate flavor. Begin checking the brownies at 25 minutes so they stay fudgy.

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup rolled oats

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder

• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

• ¼ cup Swerve sweetener

• 3 large eggs

• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed

• 2–3 tablespoons Lily’s salted caramel chocolate chips or chocolate chips of choice

• Birthday Cake Halo Top or ice cream of choice, for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly.

3. Add the oats, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, protein powder, applesauce, coconut oil, sweetener, eggs, cocoa powder, and black beans to a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Stir in about 2 tablespoons chocolate chips, then sprinkle the remaining chips over the top.

5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Begin checking at 25 minutes.

6. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream if desired.