Ingredients:
Baking spray or neutral oil, for greasing the pan
1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup(202 grams) smooth sunflower seed, almond, or peanut butter
1/2 cup(127 grams) unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup(78 grams) maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoonsvanilla extract
1/2 cupplus 3 tablespoons (64 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoonbaking powder
1/2 teaspoonkosher salt
1/2 cup(85 grams) semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped, divided
1/2 cup(81 grams) salted roasted nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or hazelnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)
Flaky sea salt
Directions:
Heat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on at least two sides, then grease with spray or oil.
In a food processor or high-power blender, combine the beans, nut butter, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla. Purée until completely smooth, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add in the cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then purée for another 1 to 3 minutes, until totally combined.
Heat a few inches of water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Place half (42 grams) of the chocolate in a heat-safe medium bowl over the water. Melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally, then remove from the heat. Scrape the bean mixture from the food processor into the bowl with the chocolate and use a spatula or wooden spoon to completely combine (really get into it—don’t worry about overmixing!).
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with an offset spatula. Scatter the remaining chopped chocolate, chopped nuts (if using), and some flaky salt over the surface of the brownies, then pat down ever so slightly. Bake for about 30 minutes, until dry to the touch and matte in texture, with a few cracks on the surface. Let cool completely in the pan (this is important as these brownies are incredibly fudgy—you can speed this up by placing the pan in the refrigerator after cooling at room temperature for 30 minutes) before slicing into 12 to 16 squares. Judge if you like, but these are also very good straight from the refrigerator or even the freezer.