Description
Chocolate lovers rejoice with these protein-packed Brownies that redefine guilt-free indulgence. Rich cocoa and muscle-building protein combine for a delectable treat you’ll crave after workouts or as a satisfying sweet escape.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (or peanut butter)
Primary Dry Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Liquid and Sweet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- Combine dry ingredients – almond flour, cocoa powder, protein powder, baking powder, and salt – in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps.
- Incorporate wet ingredients: almond butter, honey/maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture reaches a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
- Gently fold dark chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout for consistent chocolate flavor in each bite.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface for consistent baking.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until edges appear firm and a toothpick inserted near the center reveals a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool completely at room temperature, which helps them set and achieve the ideal texture before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Swap almond flour with coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative, but reduce the quantity by about 25% as coconut flour absorbs more liquid.
- Choose a high-quality protein powder with neutral flavor to prevent overwhelming the chocolate taste, preferably chocolate or vanilla whey or plant-based options.
- For extra fudgy texture, slightly underbake the brownies by removing them from the oven when the center still looks slightly soft, as they’ll continue setting while cooling.
- Enhance nutrition by adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, chia seeds, or sugar-free dark chocolate chunks to boost protein and healthy fat content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 127 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg