Tahini Brownies
When it comes to brownies, the classic chocolate treat is hard to beat. However, if you’re looking for a twist on the traditional recipe, Tahini Brownies are sure to delight your taste buds. These brownies are not just rich and fudgy; they also pack a punch with the nutty, creamy flavor of tahini. You might be surprised at how well tahini complements the chocolate, creating a dessert that’s both unique and utterly delicious. Plus, these brownies come together quickly and easily, making them a perfect option for a last-minute dessert or a sweet treat to enjoy throughout the week.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The magic of Tahini Brownies lies in their ingredient list. By using black beans as a base, these brownies are gluten-free and loaded with fiber and protein. The tahini adds a depth of flavor that enhances the chocolate without overpowering it. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a batch of brownies that are not only indulgent but also healthier than your average brownie. Plus, they’re naturally sweetened with sugar, ensuring a delightful sweetness in every bite.
What You’ll Gather
To create these delicious Tahini Brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp Dutch cocoa powder (or additional regular cocoa powder)
- 1/3 cup flour (white, spelt, oat, almond, sorghum, etc.)
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp each: salt and baking soda
- 1/2 cup sugar (for refined-sugar-free, make Black Bean Brownies)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (not optional)
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp additional tahini for decoration
Prep & Cook Tools
Before diving into the kitchen, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Food processor: For blending the black beans and tahini into a smooth mixture.
- Baking dish (8×8 inch): To bake the brownies in.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
- Spatula: For mixing and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
Step-by-Step: Tahini Brownies
Creating your Tahini Brownies is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to get that perfect batch:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies will bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Blend Black Beans and Tahini
In a food processor, combine the drained black beans and tahini. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This mixture forms the base of your brownies.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
To the black bean and tahini mixture, add cocoa powder, Dutch cocoa powder, flour, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and sugar. Blend again until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will give your brownies those delicious melty pockets of chocolate.
Step 6: Pour and Spread
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish. Use the spatula to spread it evenly and smooth out the top.
Step 7: Bake the Brownies
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy! For an extra touch, drizzle with additional tahini before serving.
Dietary Customizations
If you’re looking to adapt these Tahini Brownies to fit different dietary needs, consider the following options:
- Gluten-free: Use almond flour or oat flour instead of regular flour.
- Refined-sugar-free: Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar.
- Dairy-free: Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free or use dark chocolate.
- Nut-free: Omit tahini and replace it with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
Avoid These Traps
To ensure your Tahini Brownies turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t skip the chocolate chips! They add essential flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to over-bake. Brownies should be fudgy, not dry.
- Make sure to blend the black beans well. A smooth mixture is key for the best texture.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
Make-Ahead & Storage
These Tahini Brownies are perfect for meal prep or a make-ahead dessert:
You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Once baked, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Common Questions
Can I use other types of beans for this recipe?
While black beans are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other beans like kidney beans or pinto beans. Just ensure they’re well blended for a smooth texture.
Do I need to use tahini?
Tahini is what gives these brownies their unique flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with almond butter or another nut or seed butter you enjoy.
Can I omit the chocolate chips?
While you can technically omit the chocolate chips, they add a delicious burst of chocolate flavor and gooey texture. It’s highly recommended to keep them in the recipe!
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done! If it comes out wet, give them a few more minutes.
Let’s Eat
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Tahini Brownies, it’s time to indulge! These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself after a long day. Their fudgy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and the delightful nuttiness from tahini make them a dessert you’ll want to return to again and again. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a batch of these scrumptious brownies today!
Tahini Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies will bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy.
- Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a food processor, combine the drained black beans and tahini. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This mixture forms the base of your brownies.
- To the black bean and tahini mixture, add cocoa powder, Dutch cocoa powder, flour, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and sugar. Blend again until all ingredients are well combined.
- Using a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will give your brownies those delicious melty pockets of chocolate.
- Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish. Use the spatula to spread it evenly and smooth out the top.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy! For an extra touch, drizzle with additional tahini before serving.
Notes
- Don't skip the chocolate chips! They add essential flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to over-bake. Brownies should be fudgy, not dry.
- Make sure to blend the black beans well for the best texture.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
