So you’re probably wondering what’s so magical about these lunchbox brownies. And truth be told I could write a whole book on the topic.
The secret to the magic is taking a humble can of black beans and turning them into a decadent deeply chocolately treat.
It also happens to be nutritious (thank you eggs and beans), and nut free, so they’re fine for school.
Yes there is some sugar but it’s not enough to send you on a blood sugar roller coaster.
And you can have them ready in literally 20 minutes.
See… I told you they were magic.
Magical Lunchbox Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans 400g / 14oz
- 40 g cocoa powder
- 150 g brown sugar
- 70 g olive oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 150 g chocolate chips
Instructions
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Crank your oven to it's highest setting. Line a rectangular tin approx 16x26cm (6x10in) with baking paper.
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Place black beans, cocoa, brown sugar and oil in a large jug or bowl. Using your stick blender puree the beans (or you can do this in a food processor) or mash beans with a fork until as smooth as possible. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until well combined.
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Pour the mixture into your tin. Sprinkle over the chocolate chips.
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When the oven is preheated. Pop the brownies in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes or until puffed up a little and set in the middle - you want these brownies cooked through. They should feel springy.
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Cool in the tin for at least an hour but preferably longer before cutting into squares. You can speed up the process by refrigerating. Cut into 12 pieces.
Recipe Video
Note: Only the ingredient quantities on the left column adjust with the converter. The g/oz ingredient quantities on the right for the black beans aren’t converted.
Variations & Substitutions for Magical Lunchbox Brownies
plan-B (pantry) – this is a pantry recipe!
no black beans – white beans or chickpeas work well too. You could replace with 250g (9oz) almond meal (almond flour) if the bean thing freaks you out :)
dairy-free -use dark chocolate chips.
buttery – replace olive oil with melted butter.
sugar-free – replace sugar with golden stevia granules or your favourite sugar substitute.
different sugar – white sugar works. You could use maple syrup (I’d reduce the eggs to 3 to make up for the extra liquid).
different topping – I love them with pecans or walnuts or almonds or sunflower seeds by my boys like the extra hit of chocolate best. A swirl of peanut butter is really good too.
Waste Avoidance Strategy
black beans / cocoa powder / brown sugar / olive oil / vanilla extract / chocolate chips – keep them all in the pantry.
eggs – will keep in the fridge for weeks or use for another meal.
Prepare Ahead
Yes! These are best when they’ve had time to chill in the refrigerator. Will keep in the fridge for 2 weeks or can be frozen.
More Recipes like Magical Lunchbox Brownies
- Red Velvet Brownies
- Paleo Brownies
- Chocolate Walnut Birthday ‘Cake’
- Moist Chocolate & Zucchini Cake
- No-Bake Chocolate Cherry ‘Cake’
With love,
Jules x
Would you be able to give the measurements in cups and tablespoons instead please?
What are your owens highest setting? Mne goes to 280 celcius, whitch might be a bit too much
Do I leave the oven on the highest setting for the 10 minutes?!
These look fabulous.
I’ve been looking to make for awhile (and until I purchased olive oil) but through necessity I am making at 4.30am for my daughters guides camp. I totally forgot about the need for shared food. I used natvia sugar free chocolate chips and rapadura sugar.
Thankyou x
If you replace sugar with Natvia how much natvia do you use please
We’ve made these multiple times. They are WONDERFUL! Thank you so much.
As we are on a different continent, I find I have to cook them a bit longer (5 minutes or so).
So glad you’re enjoying Mandy!