Are you tired of using the same old ingredients in your baking? Maybe it’s time to try something new and unexpected, like baking with beans! That’s right – beans aren’t just for savory dishes anymore. They can add moisture, fiber, and nutrients to your baked goods. Not to mention, they’re a great option for those following a plant-based or gluten-free diet.
From a nutritional perspective, beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, making them a great alternative to traditional flours. They also have a low glycemic index, meaning they won’t cause your blood sugar to spike and crash like refined sugars and flours can. This makes beans a great choice for those with diabetes or anyone looking to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.
Baking with beans can also help add moisture and texture to your baked goods. Pureed beans, such as black beans or chickpeas, can replace some or all of the oil or butter in a recipe, resulting in a lower-fat and more nutritious final product. Additionally, beans can give your baked goods a denser and chewier texture, perfect for brownies, cakes, and even cookies.
Affordable and versatile, beans are an ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. You can experiment with different types of beans, such as navy, white, red or black beans, to create unique and delicious baked goods. So, next time you’re in the kitchen, consider reaching for a can of beans and get ready to bake up something delicious. To get started, here are four bakings recipes that include U.S. Dry Beans and USA Pulses:
Red Bean Sweet Rolls
Transform your sweet roll game and add a nutritional twist with the rich, nutty flavor of red beans in every delicious bite. These red bean sweet rolls, courtesy of Sylvie Gruber (blogger at A Baking Journey, and eatusabeans.com), are filled with a delicious red bean paste – a unique way to include more legumes into your diet. Perfect for breakfast and school lunches, they are also a healthier sweet treat to snack on all day long!
Berry Bean Bread
Cooked with navy beans, this berry bean bread recipe is perfect for when you’re hungry for a tasty brunch treat. The navy beans give this bread the texture it needs without the use of butter. Full of flavor, each slice of this bread is packed full of blueberries, cranberries, and walnuts. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a mimosa and enjoy this delicious, nutritious brunch favorite.
Black Bean Chocolate Chunk Brownies
Looking for a chewy and delicious vegan brownie recipe? These Black Bean Chocolate Chunk Brownies developed by The Balanced Blonde are just the answer. And it only takes 8 ingredients to make this chocolatey delight! All you need is some black beans, banana, cocoa powder, agave nectar, rolled oats, chocolate chips, almond butter, and vanilla extract. Simply use gluten free oats to make this sweet dessert gluten free treat!
Blueberry Lemon Loaf
Ready to mix white beans into your baking steps? This fluffy and moist Blueberry Lemon Loaf combines the sweet flavors of buttermilk and vanilla with zesty lemon and fresh blueberries. Impress your guests with this lovely loaf and let them guess the sneaky, secret ingredient (white beans!) and enjoy.
