Fudgy brownies with cherries

By the Chef Marshall O’Brien Group

These fudgy brownies are gooey and flavorful—both kids and adults will love them! They are also a better alternative than prepackaged brownies, since they have more nourishing ingredients like whole wheat flour, beans (but no one will know!) and healthy fat (coconut oil).

Serves 12

Ingredients

• 1 15-ounce can low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup frozen cherries, finely chopped (They are easier to chop when frozen.)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
• Combine all ingredients except cherries and chocolate chips in a blender or food processor and blend until very smooth.
• Stir chocolate chips and cherries into brownie mix; batter will be thick.
• Pour into pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they begin to pull away from edge of pan. The toothpick test will not work because they are so fudgy.
• Cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting.