Flourless Chocolate Chip Blondies (with a secret ingredient, shhhh...)

The other day I was perusing Pinterest looking for some ideas of healthy desserts and whammo I came across this little gem.

Now, listen to me here:  this isn’t just a little healthy dessert that you might bite into and say, “Oh…hmmmm, this is actually good…for something healthy…”  This is a dessert that you would bite into and proclaim, “Holy Mother of ALL that is good in the world…this is YUM…ANNNDDD it’s healthy????”

Yah, it’s that good.

Have I ever told you that I suck at making brownies?  I’ve tried them all; boxed brownies of all different brands, homemade brownie recipes of every kind you can ever imagine, I’ve even tried different pans and different temperatures…I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I just suck at making them.

But now, I’ve found this recipe…and oooohhhh, you guys, it’s good…I mean, REALLY good.

See, there's a secret ingredient that makes these healthy...are you ready?  It's chickpeas.

Now, hold up - don't go running off.  I PROMISE you will love these!

Here's how my taste test went:

I whipped up the batter and gave it a little taste and I think I closed my eyes.  Then, I ran over to Hubs with my spatula and this is how the convo went:

Me:  TASTE this…

Which he promptly did…then he looked at me…

Me:  Taste it again…

Hubs:  What’s in it?

Me:  Almond Butter.

He looked at me skeptically because…well, the boy just doesn’t trust me not to slip weird stuff in his food anymore.

Hubs:  Almond butter and what else?

Me:  Chocolate chips.

Again with the skepticism…

Hubs:  No, but there’s something else…

Me:  Vanilla!  Oh, and maple syrup!

Hubs:  Jenn…there's something else...just tell me.

Me:  FIIIIINNNNE…chickpeas.

Hubs:  Like BEANS?

Me:  Yah!  But you loved it!!  You licked the spatula clean!

End of story:  He LOVED them.  BOOM.

And you will, too!

Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup almond butter (you can use peanut butter, too)
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup chocolate chips, plus 2 tablespoons
sea salt, to sprinkle on top

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Spray 8×8 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray
3. In a food processor, add all ingredients except chocolate chips and pulse until batter is smooth.
4. Stir in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips.  At this point is when I began to eat the batter!
5. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan then sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips on top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and edges are a tiny bit brown. Just like brownies, they will look underdone.
7. Cool pan for 20 minutes on wire rack.
8. Cut into squares.
9. Sprinkle with sea salt.
10. DEVOUR!!

Now run along and make them for your sweetheart!

Nutrition:
Makes 16 blondies

Calories 110 / Carbs 14g / Fat 6g / Protein 3g / Fiber 2g / Sodium 210mg

*Nutrition information is an estimation only and the nutritional analysis I provide for each recipe is calculated via My Fitness Pal using the nutritional data found on their website. I am not a registered dietitian, so always consult with qualified healthcare provider for any answers to personal health care questions.

Adapted from Ambitious Kitchen