23 Desserts Made With Beans and Lentils

December 15, 2019

Desserts made with beans and lentils are rising in popularity. These healthier treats use beans and lentils instead of flour, without sacrificing taste. Today I’m sharing 23 delicious treats that don’t sacrifice flavor, but have a healthier twist.

I’m a fan of “healthier” desserts. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to improve the nutrition of a favorite recipe. HOWEVER, I think that these “healthier” desserts need to be just as delicious and satisfying.

You should FEEL GOOD from the food you eat – and that includes desserts and sweets.

So when I first heard of brownies made from black beans I was obviously skeptical. Why would I want a brownie to taste like a taco? (Tacos being the only context I had at the time of black beans.)

But making desserts made with beans and lentils can be a delicious way to AMP UP the nutrition, without sacrificing flavor!

These 23 recipes are proof!

Here’s why baking with beans is better for you…

Beans contain around 7-9 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup serving
And about 7-8 grams of plant-based protein
Beans can actually help balance your blood sugar!
They’re filling

Now there’s nothing wrong with flour. I’m a big fan of it – gluten filled and all – BUT sometimes you want a healthier treat. When beans are blended together to a hummus-like consistency, the starch from beans replaces flour.

But keep in mind… just because a treat is healthier for you, doesn’t mean you should eat the entire tray in one sitting (hello stomachache!).

It’s important to eat mindfully, no matter the nutritional quality of the food you eat.

Choose a treat you’re really in the mood for. If you want something fruity, a chocolate brownie probably won’t hit the spot.
Place your food on a plate. Don’t eat it standing over the sink or in front of an open refrigerator. Food on plate. Then sit and eat.
Pay attention to your satisfaction after the first bite. And then the second. And third and fourth. Does it change?
Ask yourself: “Is this what I’m in the mood for?” Sometimes we THINK we want a brownie, but when we go to eat it it’s not doing the trick. It’s OK to re-evaluate.

So now that you know why these desserts made with beans are good for you and how to enjoy them mindfully, let’s get to the good stuff… THE RECIPES!!