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BROWNIE BITES (nut-free)

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With three school-aged kids, I need lots of nut-free snacks on hand.

Good news is, these nutritious-and-delicious Brownie Bites come together super quick in your blender or food processor.  Better still, they are free of added sugar and absolutely packed with fibre, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

The surprise ingredient in these delicious no-bake bites of bliss is black beans.  Now don’t let this scare you off!  When they first tried my original Double Chocolate & PB Brownie Bites, my hubby and 3 chicklets could NOT taste the beans and thought someone else had made them unhealthy brownies!  They are wise to my ways now, but these are a hit all the same!

In terms of nutrition, black beans really pack a punch.  One cup of these nutrient-rich legumes contains almost 15 grams of fibre — including resistant starch aka gut-friendly prebiotics — and over 15 grams of protein.  Furthermore, black beans are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals including zinc and folate, as well as flavonoid antioxidants.

Ingredients for 12-15 brownie bites:

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  • 1 can black beans (19 oz), rinsed and drained

  • 6 pitted Medjool dates*

  • 1/3 cup Nuzest Clean Lean Rich Chocolate (or Smooth Vanilla or Just Natural) protein powder

  • 1/4 cup Giddy Yo raw cacao powder

  • 1 to 2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted, or avocado oil

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

  • 1/8 tsp sea salt

  • optional chocolate coating: 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips and 1 tsp coconut oil

*Note: These brownie bites are sweetened only with dates.  However, if you prefer them sweeter, add 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup, or Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener or stevia to taste. I like to add a few drops of the liquid chocolate Lakanto sweetener.

Directions:

  1. Put black beans and dates in food processor or blender container and blend until very smooth.

  2. Add protein powder, cacao, 1 tablespoon oil, vanilla, and sea salt. Blend until a uniform paste is created, scraping the sides and bottom with a rubber spatula as needed. If mixture seems dry, add a second tablespoon of oil.

  3. Adjust sweetness to taste (see note above).

  4. Scrape mixture onto a plate or parchment paper and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. Roll chilled dough into balls and then place in freezer for 15 minutes or until firm.

  5. For optional chocolate coating, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler or small pot over low heat, stirring continuously.

  6. Dip balls in melted chocolate and place on parchment. Chill before serving.

Brownie Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a week, or the freezer for up to 2 months.

These nut-free Brownie Bites are great for school lunches.

These nut-free Brownie Bites are great for school lunches.