Protein Brownies
on Nov 30, 2024
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When I started my health and fitness journey, one of my biggest struggles was meeting my daily protein goal. I began finding creative ways to incorporate protein powder into some of my favorite recipes, so I wouldn’t have to suffer through another piece of chicken breast 🙅♀️.
If you’re looking to increase your protein intake without sacrificing treats, then this recipe is for 🫵! Whether you’re after a mid-day snack made with quality ingredients or need a pre/post-workout treat to help you get those gains 💪, these Protein Brownies are going to become your new obsession. In just 4 ingredients and about 5 minutes, you can whip up fudgy, decadent chocolate brownies that will have everyone requesting the recipe – even the gym bros!
Why You’ll Love Protein Brownies
These Protein Brownies are the perfect treat—healthy, free of added sugar, yet rich and satisfying. Keep in mind that these brownies are not as sweet as regular brownies, so don’t expect the same sugar rush you’re used to 🫨. The sweetness comes solely from the bananas 🍌, which makes these brownies a guilt-free delicious option, far from those overly “healthy” treats you dodge at a potluck. More importantly, the added protein is undetectable, so you don’t have to worry about a gritty or grainy texture. Trust me, unlike your ex, these Protein Brownies will have you weak in the knees for all the right reasons 😜.
How to Prepare
🌡️ Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
🍌 Add the peeled, ripe bananas to a mixing bowl and mash with a fork.
🥜 Add in the nut (or seed) butter and stir.
🍫 Then add in the unsweetened cacao and protein powder and stir together.
🤎 Pour batter into a parchment paper-lined 8×8 baking dish. (Optionally, top with chocolate chips before baking).
😋 Bake for 15-20 minutes, cool, slice and enjoy!
Nonna’s Tip 🍌
If your bananas are super ripe, I find that this recipe doesn’t need any added sweetener at all!
Variations and Substitutions for Protein Brownies
- Experiment with a different 🥜 nut or seed butters like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- For a sweeter brownie, you could add sweeteners such as 🍯 honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup.
- Change up the flavor of your Protein Brownies with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of 🧂 salt.
- Have fun with some toppings: chocolate chips (white or dark), 🥥 coconut flakes, or even chopped candy canes for a holiday treat.
- For a soft and gooey consistency, feel free to under-bake it a bit!
Similar Recipes
Healthy Banana Brownies
25 mins
Black Bean Brownies
30 mins
Cottage Cheese Pudding
5 mins
Fudgesicle Recipe
8 hrs 5 mins
Nutritional Highlights
These Protein Brownies seriously feel like an ooey, gooey indulgent brownie, but they’re sooooo not. Each brownie has 7 grams of protein thanks to the protein powder and nut butter, PLUS, there’s absolutely no refined sugar: just super ripe and sweet bananas and optionally maple syrup if you need a little more. These are also only 137 calories per square (which are pretty generously-sized IMO!), and are gluten- and dairy-free.
This is the perfect little bite when you need a pick-me-up in the afternoon but do not want to lose sight of your goals for the day. Satisfying, guilt-free, and really delicious!
Best Served With
- Serve by Protein Brownies for dessert with a scoop of vanilla 🍨 ice cream or my delicious Cottage Cheese Ice Cream.
- A dollop of whipped cream.
- Some fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or 🫐 blueberries.
- A glass of 🥛 milk.
Common Questions
Not at all! If you’d like to add a little sweetness you can add it in (or honey or agave syrup instead), otherwise totally omit it.
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.
Yes, you can use something smaller for thicker brownies, but you may have to extend the cooking time.
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies and then if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it comes out with wet batter, they need more time.
You can grease the pan with butter or cooking spray, but parchment paper helps to prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Protein Brownies
Ingredients
- 2 bananas, very ripe
- ½ cup organic peanut butter, or any nut or seed butter
- ⅛ cup cacao powder
- 1 scoop protein powder, chocolate or chocolate/peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
- Add the peeled, ripe bananas to a mixing bowl and mash with a fork.
- Add in the nut (or seed) butter and stir. Add in the unsweetened cacao and protein powder and stir together.
- Pour batter into a parchment paper-lined 8×8 baking dish. (Optionally, top with chocolate chips before baking).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you’re looking for a good protein snack, these are it! I bring them to work and to the gym as a post-workout treat, and just wow!
Are you for real!? These are GOOD…not only good for a protein brownie, but good, good. Will definitely keep making these!
These brownies hit the spot perfectly! What I love about them is how ridiculously easy they are to make. They are not only delicious, but also packed with protein to make me feel a little less guilty about indulging! These are a must-try!