Cheesecake Brownies

Alright, so I am smack in the middle of finals period. And if I am to admit a secret about my studying routine, I am a stress eater. Meaning, that during finals, when I am studying all day, I feel that I need to constantly eat in order to keep my energy level high enough to study.


Last semester, I had a day where I did not eat a meal, just snacks all day (not very satisfying). In order to avoid this type of situation, I have tried to minimize the temptations available and I have severely restricted the amount of junk food that enters my apartment.


But by enters, I really mean the junk food that I buy. This rule conveniently does not apply to what I can make from scratch.


This leads me to my next point...

Goodbye, any attempt at eating only healthy snacks...


Except for the fact that these are made with black beans...

Can you tell? Because the taste does not give it away!


And half of them will make their way to my last class of the semester for a snack day...


Welcome back, healthy snacks...


Cheesecake Brownies
 Makes about 20 brownies


Brownies
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
3 large eggs
1/3 melting butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips


1. Preheat an oven to 350° F and butter a baking pan.


2. In a the bowl of a food processor, combine the black beans, eggs, melted butter, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, salt, vanilla, and sugar. Blend until smooth.


Cream cheese topping
8 oz cream cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar


3. In a large mixing bowl beat the cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.


4. Pour most of the brownie batter into the pan and spread it evenly, leaving a small portion of the mixture. Pour the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie mixture. 


5. Pour the reserved brownie mixture in various areas on top and use the handle of a wooden spoon to make a swirl pattern. Cook the brownies for 30-35 minutes.

Enjoy


~R