Surprise Yourself Black Bean Chocolate Torte

I know what you’re thinking, black beans and chocolate sounds like a gassy and pimple-y nightmare. Trust me on this one. It’s delicious, nutritious, high in fiber, and the black beans are so over-powered by the chocolate that you don’t even taste them. They add a smooth and dense texture because they’re pureed, which will help you to digest them, so you’re not at risk for turbo-charging your colon. However, I can’t promise no pimples because this recipe is loaded with chocolate. You can always snazz it up with strawberries and hazel nuts on top for extra fanciness. Who knew a can of black beans could look this good all dressed up!

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Ingredients:

  • 1 Can of Black Beans (drained and rinsed) - Option: 1 Can of Black Lentils

  • 1/2 cup of almond milk, unsweetened (to make the bean paste)

  • 3 eggs (egg substitute: 1/4 unsweetened applesauce or 2 TBS. Sunflower oil + 1Tbs ground flaxseed)

  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla

  • 1/4 cup peanut butter

  • 1/4 cup of cocoa powder

  • 2/3 cup of turbino sugar (or brown sugar or coconut sugar)

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 cup of chocolate chips

  • Optional: 3 tablespoons of coconut flour or gluten free flour for a more cake-like texture.

Instructions:

  • Pre-heat oven to 350-375

  • Drain and rinse the black beans, puree in a blender or food processor with 1/2 cup of almond milk

  • Mix the black bean paste with the eggs (or substitute), peanut butter, and vanilla

  • Mix all the dry ingredients together (cocoa, baking powder, sugar)

  • Combine the wet and dry ingredients, add the chocolate chips

    • Option to add 1/4 cup strawberries, nuts, or more chocolate chips

  • Pour into a cake pan or quiche dish

    • I like to put a drop of oil, spread thin on the bottom, then add a layer of parchment paper. The oil makes the parchment paper stay in place. The parchment paper doesn’t let the torte stick to the bottom - it’s a win for everyone!

  • Bake for 30-40 minutes

  • Add any strawberries and hazelnuts as a topping. Since everything goes with chocolate, you can go wild with the topping (peaches, mango, blueberries, sliced pears, gummy bears, etc.)