The Secret Ingredient to Sneak a Little Extra Protein Into Your Desserts

POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Poor beans. Many people pass them up because they're not a fan of the squishy texture or their gaseous repercussions. But these inexpensive magical legumes are so healthy for you, between their fiber, protein, and iron content, everyone should include them in their diet. If you're having trouble stomaching a bowl of beans, you can still reap the healthy benefits without your taste buds even realizing it. Appeal to your sweet tooth and try out these dessert recipes, all made with the goodness of protein- and fiber-loaded beans.

Vegan Chocolate Mousse Cups
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Vegan Chocolate Mousse Cups

The best part about this delicious dessert is the edible chocolate cup you serve it in!

Vegan Chocolate Frosted Doughnuts
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Vegan Chocolate Frosted Doughnuts

Yep, there are chickpeas in these delicious doughnuts, adding protein, fiber, and a satisfying softness.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Freezer Fudge
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Freezer Fudge

For 140 calories, each vegan and gluten-free two-inch square offers over five grams of fiber and 5.8 grams of protein. Just forget it's made with lentils because I swear on Grandma's cookie recipe that no one will be able to tell.

Chocolate-Mousse-Filled Strawberries
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Chocolate-Mousse-Filled Strawberries

Would you believe these strawberries are filled with velvety chocolate mousse that's vegan? Aside from cutting back on calories and saturated fat, they're also made with good-for-you ingredients like silken tofu and chickpeas.

Chocolate Hummus
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Chocolate Hummus

The creamy texture and robust flavor of this chocolate hummus made with chickpeas will appeal to anyone's taste buds, and you'll wonder if you'll ever be able to eat fruit alone again.

Black Bean Brownies
Mmm...is For Mommy

Black Bean Brownies

If you loved adding spinach to your brownies for extra nutrition, you'll love this healthy twist as well. Bake up a batch of these Legendary Black Bean Brownies from Mmm...Is For Mommy, made with — you guessed it — black beans. Aside from bursting with fiber, protein, and chocolatey flavor, they're also gluten-free!

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Raisin (and Bean) Cookies
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Raisin (and Bean) Cookies

These traditional oatmeal raisin cookies are made with pureed cannellini (white kidney) beans and peanut butter, giving these treats a moist and chewy texture. Enjoy two cookies for 220 calories, and also get 3.6 grams of fiber and 5.8 grams of protein.

Blueberry Banana Bean Smoothie
Flickr User quinn.anya

Blueberry Banana Bean Smoothie

What's great about smoothies is that you can hide just about any healthy ingredient in your glass, and the sweetness of the fruit disguises the flavor. Try this protein-packed recipe:

1 banana
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup cannellini beans
6 oz. vanilla yogurt

The beans add five grams of fiber and six grams of protein!

Strawberry Adzuki Popsicles
Instagram | kerryyanique

Strawberry Adzuki Popsicles

It's easy to whip up your own fruit popsicles, but these have an added twist — adzuki beans. Add these ingredients to a blender:

1 cup adzuki beans
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup sliced strawberries

Puree until smooth, distribute into popsicle molds, and after five or so hours, enjoy a fruity, protein- and fiber-packed frozen treat.