Rocco DiSpirito's Party-Perfect Recipes

Courtesy of Rocco DiSpirito

Slide 3 of 4

Black Bean Brownies

Take a break from the sweets with this easy solution that will nix your craving instead.

Prep: 30 minutes
Serves over 8

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon espresso powder
3/4 cup egg substitute
2 tablespoons low-calorie sugar-free chocolate syrup, such as Walden Farms
2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream (such as Breakstone's)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
24 packets (84g) Truvia or 8 tablespoons granulated Splenda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sliced almonds (optional)

Combine the beans, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and egg substitute in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes, scraping the bowl halfway through.
Add the chocolate syrup, sour cream, butter, Truvia, and vanilla. Process until all the ingredients are combined, about 1 minute.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, turning the dish halfway through the baking time. A toothpick inserted in the center will come out with soft batter clinging to it.
Top with sliced almonds. Let the brownies cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. Then cut into 12 squares and serve. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Nutrition information per serving: 53 calories; 1.6g fat; 4mg cholesterol; 8g carbohydrate; 4g protein; 3g fiber; 94mg sodium

Originally published on FitnessMagazine.com, January 2012.

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sweetdrms2nt wrote:

I just used regular chocolate syrup - it's only a 10-calorie difference for the entire recipe. I also omitted the espresso powder and added a bit of extra vanilla extract. These were great once I threw 'em in the fridge, otherwise they have an odd texture. I'd make them again!

4/7/2012 11:43:19 PM Report Abuse

anonymous wrote:

I agree with CKFit. I'm always surprised and highly disappointed to see an organization devoted to healthy living list artificial sweetener as an ingredient. They are first on my list of supposedly edible chemicals that will not be permitted into my body, or that of my family.

2/6/2012 10:53:03 AM Report Abuse

CKFit wrote:

reduced fat items usually have some kind of artificial sweetener in it. Just because it's lower calories doesn't mean it's good for you. I'd hoped for better from a fitness and health leader like Fitness Magazine. Also, plain greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream - zero fat and loads of good protein!

2/4/2012 11:20:20 AM Report Abuse