Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pie (Healthy!)

When you’re craving something sweet, chocolately, rich and gooey — but aren’t quite ready to spend A) hours in the kitchen or B) thousands of calories, give this recipe from Chocolate-Covered Katie a try.

It really hits the “Dear God, I need something decadent” spot. Bonus: since it’s made with chickpeas (yes, chickpeas; no, you won’t taste them in the final product!) you get a boost of protein that balances out the sugar nicely.

Trust me: no one will know this is a “healthy” dessert when eating this. Unless you tell them — and it’s pretty fun to do that after they’ve eaten and enjoyed a hefty slice.

Healthy Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pie (adapted) 

2 cans  garbanzos beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup oats
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1-2 tsp. cinnamon, optional
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350-degrees F.  Lightly oil a 10-inch springform pan; set aside.

Blend, blend, blend all of the ingredients — except the chocolate chips — well in a food processor. Mix in chips, and pour into pan.  Bake for approximately 35 minutes.

Let stand at least 10 minutes before removing from the pan.