Easy Besan Brownies with Coffee & Chocolate Chips Recipe

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Besan Brownies with Coffee & Chocolate Chips Recipe

Introduction

Okay, confession time! I have a serious sweet tooth, and I love a good brownie. But I also like to sneak in a little extra goodness where I can, right? That’s how these besan brownies were born! They’re fudgy, chocolatey, have a hint of coffee, and are made with besan – chickpea flour – which makes them a little bit special. I first made these when I was looking for a way to use up some besan, and honestly, I haven’t gone back to regular brownies since. You’ll be surprised how amazing these are!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average brownies. They’re a delightful fusion of familiar flavors with a healthy twist. They’re perfect for a quick dessert, a potluck, or just a cozy night in. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! You’ll love how the besan adds a lovely texture and subtle nutty flavor that complements the rich chocolate.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious besan brownies:

• ¾ cup besan (chickpea flour) – about 90g
• ½ cup cocoa powder – about 45g
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder – about 1g
• ¼ teaspoon salt – about 1.5g
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal – about 14g
• ½ cup unsalted butter – 113g
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil – 15ml
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – about 150g
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 5ml
• ½ cup thick yogurt – about 120g
• ½ cup chocolate chips – about 85g

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! I’ve learned a few things over the years that make all the difference.

Besan (Chickpea Flour): Benefits & Why It Works in Brownies

Besan isn’t just for pakoras! It adds a wonderful, slightly nutty flavor and a really interesting texture to these brownies. It’s also packed with protein and fiber, so you can feel a little less guilty about indulging.

Cocoa Powder: Choosing the Right Type

I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa powder for these brownies. It has a smoother, less acidic flavor. But natural cocoa powder will work too – just be aware the flavor will be a bit more intense.

Instant Coffee: Enhancing Chocolate Flavor

Don’t worry, these won’t taste like coffee! The instant coffee actually enhances the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more complex. It’s a little secret my grandmother taught me.

Avocado Oil: A Healthier Fat Option

Avocado oil is a great substitute for other oils because of its neutral flavor and healthy fats. You won’t even taste it, I promise!

Flaxseed Meal: As an Egg Replacement & Nutritional Boost

We’re using flaxseed meal as an egg replacement here. It helps bind the ingredients together and adds a boost of omega-3s. To make your flax egg, simply mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

Yogurt: For Moisture & Texture

The yogurt adds a lovely moisture and tang to the brownies. I like to use thick, Greek-style yogurt, but any plain yogurt will do.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper – this makes it so much easier to get the brownies out later.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the besan, cocoa powder, instant coffee, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the flaxseed meal. Sifting is important to avoid lumps!
3. Now, melt the butter using a double boiler or in the microwave (in 30-second intervals, stirring in between). Let it cool slightly, then whisk in the avocado oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined.
4. Vigorously mix the yogurt into the butter mixture. Keep stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture looks glossy. This takes a little elbow grease, but it’s worth it!
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in two batches. Be careful not to overmix – we want fudgy brownies, not tough ones! Once combined, stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours (or pop them in the fridge to speed things up). This is the hardest part, I know! Use a hot knife to slice them for clean cuts.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaked brownies are always better than dry ones.
• Use good quality chocolate chips. It really makes a difference.
• For extra fudgy brownies, use a little less flour.

Variations

• Vegan Besan Brownies: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt.
• Gluten-Free Considerations: Besan is naturally gluten-free, but always check the label to ensure it hasn’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten.
• Adjusting Spice Levels (Coffee & Cinnamon): Feel free to adjust the amount of coffee and cinnamon to your liking. My friend loves adding a pinch of cardamom too!
• Festival Adaptations (e.g., Diwali Sweet Treat): Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds on top before baking for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A glass of cold milk is also a classic pairing.

Storage Instructions

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour instead of besan?

You can try, but the texture will be different. All-purpose flour will work in a pinch, but the brownies won’t have the same nutty flavor or slightly dense texture.

What if I don’t have avocado oil? What can I substitute?

You can use any neutral-flavored oil, like vegetable oil or canola oil. Melted coconut oil also works, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor.

How can I make these brownies fudgier?

Don’t overbake them! Also, using a little less flour and ensuring the butter is melted but not hot can help.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all be delicious. Add about ½ cup of chopped nuts to the batter along with the chocolate chips.

How long do these brownies stay fresh?

They’re best enjoyed within 3 days at room temperature, but they’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.