Better for you Brownies

These sweet, fudgy, rich, chocolatey bites can be a little messy, but taste delicious! They make the perfect dessert, accompaniment to afternoon tea, or even an unconventional birthday cake!
I made a batch yesterday for what would have been my Mum's birthday. She sadly passed away almost 2 years ago, but I know she would have loved munching on these whilst chatting over a cup of coffee, or a glass of Riesling as the perfect birthday treat.

These are packed with protein and fiber, have no refined sugar or oil, and the added seeds and spices provide a host of nutritional benefits.
They're even vegan and gluten free!

Ingredients
2 ripe bananas or 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tbsp maple syrup OR 1 tbsp raw unfiltered honey
3 tbsp date sugar
1 small avocado
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup teff flour OR 1/2 cup oat flour
6 dried prunes OR 4 dried dates
1/2 cup plant based milk- I used oat milk (this can be substituted for water. If using water add 1 1/2 cups total and ignore the 2/3 cup measuement below)
1 cup water
1 tin black beans, drained
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp powdered cinnamon
1/4 tsp powdered cardamom
1/8 tsp powdered ginger
1/8 tsp powdered nutmeg
2 tbsp ground flax seeds
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup raisins
2 tsp peanut butter (optional- for topping)
1 handfull dry roast peanutes (optional- for topping)
1/2 cup cacao nibs (optional- for topping)

Method
Preheat the oven to 365°F/ 185° C.
Add the flax and chia seeds to 2/3 cup water, stir to mix and leave to one side.
Add the rest of the ingredients except the raisins (bananas, maple syrup, date sugar, avocado, cocoa powder, flour (teff or oat), prunes, 1/2 cup milk or water, beans, baking powder, and spices) to a blender, and blend on low/medium until a smooth batter is formed.
Add the flax/chia seed mixture, and pulse until mixed in.
Then,  mix in the by hand raisins using a spatula
Pour the mixture onto a lined baking tray.
To ensure the baking parchment/ greaseproof paper does not crease and sticks to the edges of the tray while you're baking, I find it easiest to wipe some water around the inside of the tray before lining.
If garnishing, drip the peanut butter over the top of the brownies using a spoon, then use a toothpick to drag across the surface to create a feathered effect. You can also add cacao nibs and/or dry  roast peanuts.
Bake for 35 minutes. Allow to cool, then leave in the fridge for at least 1 hr to ensure the inside is set, as it can be a little gooey.
Enjoy with fresh berries, a coffee, and a scoop of Nice Cream (recipe at https://snugglegrub.com/nicecream/)