Healthy Indulgence: The Ultimate Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Blondie Bean Brownie Sundae
Imagine a dessert so surprisingly delicious, so wonderfully healthy, that you completely forget about its “secret” ingredient. This is precisely what our Blondie Bean Brownie Sundae delivers! We’re talking about healthy, dairy-free, and gluten-free blondie brownies that are so incredibly good, you won’t give a second thought to what’s ‘missing’ from traditional recipes. To transform these delightful brownies into an unforgettable treat, we top them with a luscious, creamy coconut milk-based So Delicious Dairy Free® frozen dessert, creating a truly guilt-free sundae experience that satisfies every craving.
Embracing Culinary Adventure: Why Beans in Brownies?
Here on this site, we believe in culinary exploration and offering a diverse range of recipes that reflect life’s ever-changing moods and inspirations. Just as our lives evolve, so too should our palates. We’re not content with the mundane; we crave novelty, whether it’s a fresh hair color or an innovative dish in the kitchen. This recipe springs from that very desire to try something entirely new, pushing the boundaries of what’s expected and embracing the notion that unconventional ingredients can sometimes fit perfectly where you least expect them.
So, let’s make the introduction: Beans, meet Brownie. This pairing might raise an eyebrow or two, but prepare to have your preconceptions delightfully shattered. The idea of using beans as a base for a sweet treat is not as far-fetched as it sounds. Beans, particularly white beans, offer a remarkable texture and moisture that lends itself beautifully to baked goods. They act as a fantastic binder and contribute a subtle earthiness that, when combined with the right flavors, completely disappears into a rich, fudgy brownie. Beyond their textural benefits, beans are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with fiber and protein, transforming what is often a sugary indulgence into a more wholesome, satisfying dessert. This ingenious swap not only boosts the nutritional profile but also allows for a naturally gluten-free base, making these brownies accessible to even more dessert lovers.
The Delectable Blondie Bean Brownie: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
These blondie bean brownies are a revelation – surprisingly light, yet deeply satisfying, and just plain delicious. What sets them apart is their nuanced flavor profile. A subtle hint of warm cinnamon weaves through the rich, robust notes of almond butter and the comforting sweetness of pure vanilla extract. The result is a truly delightful treat that defies expectations for a “healthy” dessert. We deliberately aimed for a loose, tender crumb, which is why old-fashioned oats were incorporated into the batter. The oats not only help to fluff up the brownies, giving them a lovely, soft texture perfect for sundae assembly, but they also beautifully absorb the melting frozen treat, ensuring every spoonful is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
The creation of these brownies was a journey that brought out my inner food scientist. Every ingredient choice was deliberate, aimed at achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and rise. For instance, my decision to use turbinado sugar instead of my usual honey was crucial. While honey offers natural sweetness, its acidic nature can interfere with the leavening agents – baking powder and baking soda – preventing the brownies from rising adequately. Many bean brownie recipes online result in flat, dense treats, and that was something I was determined to avoid. By opting for raw turbinado sugar, I ensured that the baking powder and soda could do their job effectively, resulting in a wonderfully fluffy and airy brownie. A touch of brown sugar was also added, not just for its sweet notes but because it imparts a deeper, more caramel-like flavor that makes everything just a little bit yummier. It’s amazing how a little understanding of food chemistry can elevate a simple recipe!
The Perfect Companion: So Delicious Dairy Free® Frozen Treat
When it comes to completing this healthy sundae, the choice of ice cream is paramount, and So Delicious Dairy Free® frozen dessert proved to be the ideal partner. I honestly wish I had discovered this brand years ago! With family members who are lactose intolerant, finding desserts that everyone can enjoy has often presented a challenge. So Delicious Dairy Free® has completely solved those dessert-planning dilemmas. It’s not just dairy-free; it’s also egg-free, contains no artificial ingredients, and is certified vegan, making it a truly inclusive option for a wide array of dietary needs and preferences. This means you can effortlessly make a whole lot of people very, very happy with one simple choice.
The brand offers an impressive variety of enticing flavors, such as Salted Caramel and Cashew Dark Chocolate Truffle, which are fantastic for other occasions. However, for this particular Blondie Bean Brownie Sundae, I opted for the classic and universally loved chocolate and vanilla varieties. Their creamy texture and rich flavor perfectly complement the warmth and subtle spice of the blondie brownies, creating a harmonious and utterly satisfying sundae experience. The light, fluffy brownies, paired with the smooth, cool embrace of coconut milk-based ice cream, topped with a sprinkle of nuts, create a delightful contrast that is simply irresistible.
Crafting Your Ideal Sundae: Customization and Enjoyment
This Blondie Bean Brownie Sundae is more than just a recipe; it’s a foundation for creative dessert making. Whether you choose to dress it up with an array of your favorite toppings or keep it wonderfully simple, this dessert is guaranteed to satisfy all palates. While I designed it to be light, primarily topping it with chopped nuts to maintain its healthy profile, the possibilities for customization are endless. Feel free to add a drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce, a scattering of fresh berries, or even some vegan whipped cream to jazz it up. Moreover, a quarter cup of dark chocolate chips or dairy-free carob bits would be an excellent addition to the brownie batter itself, enhancing its flavor and texture even further.
Beyond being the star of this incredible sundae, the blondie bean brownies are fantastic on their own. They make for a perfect, wholesome snack option, ideal for satisfying a sweet craving without any of the guilt. They are easy to pack for on-the-go enjoyment or to simply savor with a cup of coffee or tea. This recipe truly offers a versatile dessert that you can feel good about serving to your family and friends, knowing it’s both delicious and caters to various dietary needs. So go ahead, bake a batch, and discover the delightful surprise that is the Blondie Bean Brownie Sundae!
Blondie Bean Brownie Sundae
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Equipment
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Food Processor
Ingredients
For the Blondie Bean Brownies
- 1 15 oz can white beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup raw turbinado sugar
- 2 Tbs light brown sugar
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- ¼ tsp kosher sea salt
- ⅛ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
For the Sundae Assembly
- coconut milk ice cream (such as So Delicious Dairy Free®)
- chopped nuts (for topping)
- Optional: dairy-free caramel sauce, fresh berries, vegan whipped cream
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 or 10×6 inch baking pan (a 13×9 inch pan would be too large for this amount of batter) by lightly greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
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In a food processor, add the rinsed and drained white beans. Pulse several times until the beans are broken down into a coarse mixture.
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Add the remaining brownie ingredients in the order listed: large eggs, pure vanilla extract, raw turbinado sugar, light brown sugar, almond butter, old-fashioned oats, finely chopped walnuts or pecans, kosher sea salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Process until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth.
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Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out with a spatula to ensure an even thickness.
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Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Do not overbake to maintain a soft, tender texture.
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Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan before cutting into squares. For the ultimate sundae experience, serve the brownies warm. Top each serving with a generous scoop of So Delicious Dairy Free® coconut milk ice cream and a sprinkle of additional chopped nuts. Get creative with other favorite toppings like dairy-free caramel sauce, fresh berries, or a dollop of vegan whipped cream. This recipe yields approximately 14-15 delicious servings.
Notes
Additionally, incorporating 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips or dairy-free carob bits directly into the brownie batter would be a fantastic enhancement to this recipe, adding an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Nutrition
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