Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

Since making efforts to eat cleaner, I've been trying to find some healthier alternatives to the sweets and treats I love and crave. Tonight, I tried this recipe and I'm very happy with the results. Even the kids liked them!

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Prep time: 10 Minutes – Cook time: Approx 30 Minutes – Total time: Approx 40 Minutes
Yield: Makes 12 - 16 Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans (15oz - rinsed and drained)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup egg whites (or 3 eggs  total)
• 1/3 cup  unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/2 cup natural cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup  agave, honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tsp instant coffee
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (more if you wish)

Peanut Butter Swirl Ingredients:

• 1/3 Cup Peanut Butter
• 1 Tbsp agave, maple syrup or honey
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 F.
2. Place all of the gluten-free brownie ingredients into your food processor and blend until smooth.
3. Spray an 8×8 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Evenly spread batter into baking dish.
5. On your stovetop melt peanut butter swirl ingredients together and mix.
6. Dollop peanut butter swirl mixture with a spoon about an inch from each other on the brownie batter.
7. Use a knife to create swirls in the batter.
8. Place in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes.
9. *Ovens vary so your discretion is needed. You will know your brownies are baked when the top becomes firm and the brownies pull away from the sides of the dish.
10. Sticking a tooth pick in the middle and pulling it out clean will ensure your brownies are baked fully.
11. Remove from oven when baked and let set in the baking dish for about 10 minutes.
12. Carefully cut the brownies, serve and enjoy!
13. To store brownies, let them cool completely and then store them in an air tight container in the refrigerator.

I've seen many different recipes for black bean/gluten-free brownies but the coffee and addition of the peanut butter swirl is what caught my eye and made me try these.