Brownies are a favorite dessert for many, but chickpea brownies take them to the next level. They’re fudgy, chocolatey, and packed with protein and fiber, making them a delicious and nourishing treat. Whether you’re looking for a healthier dessert or love trying new recipes, these brownies are sure to impress.
Why We Love These Chickpea Brownies
Chickpea brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a statement that healthy and indulgent can go hand in hand. Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas, these brownies keep you satisfied longer without a sugar crash.
- Fudgy Perfection: Achieve that coveted gooey texture while enjoying a gluten-free treat.
- Quick and Accessible: Made with common pantry ingredients, these brownies are simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to share.
- Dietary Versatility: Ideal for gluten-free diets and easily adaptable for dairy-free preferences.
- Hidden Veggies: A creative way to sneak legumes into your family’s diet without them even noticing.
Ingredients for Chickpea Brownies
Chickpeas – The base of these brownies, chickpeas add moisture and structure, while also providing a healthy dose of protein and fiber. Do not substitute with other beans, as chickpeas contribute to the unique texture and flavor of these brownies.
Hazelnut Spread – This adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps keep the brownies moist. If you don’t have hazelnut spread, you can use peanut butter or almond butter as an alternative, though the flavor will change slightly.
Maple Syrup – Maple syrup is used as the sweetener in this recipe. It adds sweetness while also giving a slightly caramelized flavor to the brownies. You can substitute with honey or agave syrup, but the taste and texture might differ slightly.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Cocoa powder gives the brownies their rich chocolate flavor. Using unsweetened cocoa powder is crucial, as sweetened cocoa will alter the sweetness balance. You can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, more intense flavor.
Dark Chocolate Chips – These provide pockets of rich melted chocolate throughout the brownies. You can substitute with semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, but the brownies will be sweeter and less intense in chocolate flavor.
Extra Chocolate Chips (Optional) – For an added indulgent touch, sprinkle more chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking. This step adds a bit more texture and extra melted chocolate on top for a visually appealing finish.
How to Make Chickpea Brownies
Follow this step-by-step guide to create the perfect batch of chickpea brownies:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, hazelnut spread, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary for an even blend.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the food processor. Pulse until everything is well combined. The batter will have a dense and rich texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Remove the blade from the processor and gently fold in the dark chocolate chips using a spatula. This step ensures every bite has pockets of melted chocolate.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out with the back of a spatula. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for a visually appealing and indulgent finish.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a bit of moisture but not wet.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. For an extra fudgy texture, refrigerate them for at least an hour before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chickpea Brownies
- Use High-Quality Cocoa: The better the cocoa, the richer the chocolate flavor. Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for a more intense taste.
- Blend Thoroughly: A smooth batter is crucial. Blend the chickpeas until there’s no trace of their texture.
- Chill for Texture: Let the brownies cool and refrigerate them for a fudgier consistency.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: While maple syrup is recommended, feel free to use agave or honey for a unique flavor profile.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter for a subtle coffee undertone that complements the chocolate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your chickpea brownies turn out perfect every time:
Overbaking: This can dry out the brownies. Always check a few minutes before the suggested bake time.
Skipping Parchment Paper: It’s not essential but makes removal much easier and prevents sticking.
Not Rinsing Chickpeas: Failing to rinse thoroughly can leave a briny taste in the final product.
Adding Too Many Toppings: Overloading the top with chocolate chips can weigh down the batter, affecting its texture.
Variations to Try for Chickpea Brownies
Nut Butter Swirl: Swap hazelnut spread for peanut butter and swirl some on top before baking for a marbled effect.
Vegan Option: Use a plant-based chocolate spread and dairy-free chocolate chips to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
Extra Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.
Mocha Brownies: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder for a mocha-inspired treat.
Coconut Bliss: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking for a tropical flair.
Pair Your Chickpea Brownies with These Serving Ideas
Enhance the enjoyment of your chickpea brownies with these creative and delicious serving ideas:
Classic Dessert:
For a comforting and indulgent treat, serve your chickpea brownies warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The warm, fudgy texture of the brownies pairs perfectly with the cool, smooth ice cream, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors. Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for extra decadence.
Elegant Presentation:
Elevate the presentation of your brownies by dusting them with a light coating of powdered sugar. This simple touch gives the brownies a refined look, making them perfect for special occasions or gatherings. Alternatively, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a glossy, indulgent finish that adds both visual appeal and an extra burst of chocolate flavor.
Healthy Snack:
If you’re looking for a healthier twist, enjoy your chickpea brownies alongside a handful of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the fruit complements the rich, fudgy brownies, creating a balanced snack. For an extra protein boost, add a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side. The yogurt’s creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the dense brownies and adds a touch of tanginess.
Portable Treat:
Chickpea brownies are also great for on-the-go moments. Pack them in lunchboxes or take them with you as a snack for work, school, or a road trip. These brownies are sturdy enough to stay intact without getting messy, making them a convenient option when you need something sweet and satisfying while out and about.
How to Store Chickpea Brownies
Proper storage is key to keeping your chickpea brownies fresh, fudgy, and delicious for as long as possible. Here are the best methods to preserve their taste and texture:
Refrigeration:
To store your brownies for a few days, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. This method will keep the brownies fresh for up to 5 days. Storing them in the fridge helps maintain their fudgy consistency and ensures that they don’t dry out. The cool temperature can also make the flavors meld together, enhancing their taste.
Freezing:
If you want to keep your brownies for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Next, store the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps preserve their texture and flavor for up to 2 months. Freezing is perfect if you want to make a big batch and save some for later.
FAQ Section
What does chickpea flour do in baking?
Chickpea flour plays an essential role in baking by adding moisture and structure to the final product. Unlike traditional wheat flour, chickpea flour is naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet. The flour is also rich in protein, which contributes to the density and chewiness of baked goods, like brownies. This makes chickpea flour perfect for creating rich, fudgy textures. Additionally, the mild flavor of chickpea flour allows the other ingredients, like chocolate, to shine without overwhelming the taste.
Why are chickpeas so filling?
Chickpeas are considered a filling food because they are high in both protein and dietary fiber. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues and helps keep you feeling full for longer periods by stabilizing blood sugar levels. Dietary fiber adds bulk to the food you eat, slowing down digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. Together, these two nutrients make chickpeas an excellent choice for controlling appetite and reducing cravings, making them a great addition to desserts like chickpea brownies.
What kind of flour is best for brownies?
When it comes to baking brownies, the type of flour you use can greatly affect the texture and flavor. For gluten-free brownies, almond flour is a fantastic choice. It is made from finely ground almonds, providing a rich, nutty flavor and a slightly moist texture that is perfect for brownies. The healthy fats in almond flour also add to the richness of the dessert. For those who are not concerned with gluten, all-purpose flour works well for creating a classic brownie texture. It provides the structure and softness that many people expect from traditional brownies without altering the flavor too much.
More Brownies recipes you will love!
Chickpea Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 15 oz can of chickpeas
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hazelnut spread
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- Extra chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a food processor, blend chickpeas, hazelnut spread, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth, scraping the sides as needed.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the processor. Pulse until well combined, creating a thick, rich batter.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Remove the blade and gently fold in dark chocolate chips with a spatula for even distribution.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added indulgence.
- Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out slightly moist but not wet.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into squares. For an extra fudgy texture, refrigerate for an hour before serving.