Let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat—protein brownies! These little squares of goodness are not just delicious, but they’re also packed with protein, making them a guilt-free indulgence. I first stumbled upon this recipe during my quest for healthier snacks, and wow, I was hooked! The rich chocolate flavor combined with the creamy peanut butter makes them so satisfying. Trust me, you won’t believe there are black beans hidden in there! Whether I’m looking for a post-workout snack or a dessert to share with friends, these brownies have become my go-to, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare Protein Brownies
Get ready to whip up these delicious protein brownies in no time! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a nutritious treat before you know it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly every time!
- Now, grab your blender and add in the black beans, peanut butter, honey, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You want that batter to be velvety, so take your time with this step!
- Once your mixture is blended to perfection, stir in the chocolate chips by hand. This little extra step makes sure those delightful chocolate bits are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Next, pour the batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. You want it to bake nice and uniformly!
- Now it’s time to bake! Pop the pan in the oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick comes out clean—just a few crumbs is totally okay!
- Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for a bit. Trust me, this is key! It makes cutting them into squares much easier. After they’ve cooled, slice them up and enjoy your delicious, protein-packed brownies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—whip these up in just about 10 minutes!
- Packed with protein, making them a great post-workout snack or energy booster.
- Vegan-friendly, so everyone can enjoy these tasty treats without worry!
- A satisfying dessert option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your protein brownies turn out absolutely perfect? Here are some of my best tips to help you nail this recipe every time!
- Adjust the sweetness: If you’re a fan of sweeter treats, feel free to add a bit more honey! Just remember to balance it out with the other ingredients so your brownies don’t end up too gooey.
- Blend thoroughly: Make sure to blend the ingredients until they’re really smooth. This helps incorporate the black beans fully, giving you that rich, fudgy texture without any bean chunks. You want a silky batter, so take your time!
- Check your oven: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. If they’re looking a bit too jiggly after 20 minutes, give them a few more minutes, but don’t overbake! You want them moist and fudgy.
- Cool before cutting: Trust me on this one—let your brownies cool completely before slicing. It makes them easier to cut and helps them hold their shape so you can enjoy those lovely squares!
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Adding nuts, seeds, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top can elevate these brownies to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous (and I know you are!), there are so many fun ways to switch up these protein brownies. Here are some of my favorite variations that keep things exciting and delicious!
- Different Nut Butters: Swap out the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free option. Each nut butter brings its own unique flavor and creaminess!
- Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Just be sure to chop them up nicely so they mix well with the brownie batter.
- Dried Fruits: For a sweet and chewy surprise, add in some chopped dried cherries or raisins. They pair beautifully with the chocolate flavor and add a burst of fruity goodness.
- Different Types of Chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even mint chocolate chips for a refreshing twist. You could also melt some chocolate and swirl it into the batter for an extra indulgent touch!
- Flavor Boosters: Want to elevate the taste? Add a pinch of espresso powder for a rich mocha flavor, or a dash of cinnamon for a warm, comforting vibe. Wow, you won’t believe how much these little additions can transform your brownies!
Feel free to mix and match any of these ideas! The beauty of these brownies is how adaptable they are, so let your creativity shine and enjoy the process!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these delicious protein brownies and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh? No worries! Storing them is super simple. Just place your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge, where they can stay good for up to a week.
Now, if you’ve got a batch that you want to save for later (trust me, they freeze beautifully!), just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that amazing fudgy texture!
One little tip: if you prefer your brownies warm, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds after thawing. They’ll be gooey and delicious, just like fresh out of the oven! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! It’s always great to know what we’re enjoying, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one delightful serving of these protein brownies:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and measurements you use. But one thing’s for sure—these brownies pack a punch of flavor and nutrition without the guilt! Enjoy treating yourself to something that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these protein brownies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you out.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! These protein brownies are naturally gluten-free since they’re made with black beans instead of flour. Just double-check that your other ingredients, like the baking powder, are gluten-free as well!
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
If you have a nut allergy or just don’t like peanut butter, you can swap it out for sunflower seed butter or tahini. Both work beautifully and will still give you that creamy texture!
How can I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter brownie, feel free to add more honey or even maple syrup. Just remember to balance it out with the other ingredients to keep that perfect fudgy texture!
How should I store leftover brownies?
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, the fridge is a great option, where they can stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes! These brownies freeze wonderfully. Just wrap each one in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. Perfect for when you want a quick treat later!
What if I don’t have a blender?
No problem! You can mash the black beans by hand and mix everything together with a fork or a spoon. It might take a bit more effort, but you’ll still end up with delicious brownies!
Can I make these brownies without cocoa powder?
If you’re not a cocoa fan, you can try substituting it with carob powder for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste a bit, but it can still be tasty!
Have more questions? Feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you enjoy these delightful protein brownies to the fullest!
For more information on the health benefits of black beans, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on how to incorporate more protein into your diet, visit Eat Right.
If you’re looking for more delicious dessert recipes, check out our dessert section.
Print
Protein Brownies: 5 Reasons They’ll Delight Your Cravings
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious protein-packed brownies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a blender, combine black beans, peanut butter, honey, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt.
- Blend until smooth.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These brownies freeze well.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: protein brownies, healthy brownies, vegan brownies
