The Protein Brownie is every bit as decadent and chocolatey as your classic favorite, but with a nourishing boost that makes it perfect for a wholesome snack, a guilt-free dessert, or even a quick pre- or post-workout pick-me-up. This recipe delivers deliciously fudgy squares packed with protein, healthy fats, and just the right touch of natural sweetness—totally satisfying and easy to make, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Protein Brownie recipe is that you only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, each thoughtfully included for flavor, texture, or a nutritional boost. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love using them:
- Chocolate protein powder: Adds the protein punch and a rich, chocolatey base—choose your favorite blend to customize flavor and nutrition.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Creates deep, dark chocolate flavor and gives the brownies their irresistible color.
- Almond flour: Lends a gentle nuttiness and makes the brownies tender and naturally gluten-free.
- Baking powder: Gives these dense treats just a bit of rise for a soft, cake-meets-fudge texture.
- Salt: Brings out the sweetness and balances the rich cocoa for pure brownie bliss.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness without extra fat or refined sugar.
- Almond butter (or peanut butter): Offers healthy fats and a creamy texture—go with your favorite for a flavor twist.
- Maple syrup or honey: Sweetens naturally and keeps things extra gooey; maple syrup is perfect for a vegan swap!
- Vanilla extract: Deepens complexity and rounds out all those chocolate flavors beautifully.
- Dark chocolate chips (optional): For extra pools of melty chocolate in every bite—because you can never have too much!
How to Make Protein Brownie
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your batter is. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it, making sure the corners are covered to guarantee easy brownie removal later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the chocolate protein powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything together well—this step ensures every square of Protein Brownie will have the perfect taste and texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the unsweetened applesauce, almond butter (or peanut butter), maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Give it a good mix until the mixture is silky and thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients, and gently stir until you have a rich, thick, unified batter. If you’re using dark chocolate chips, fold them in now for that glorious chocolate burst in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Fudgy Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 18–20 minutes until the edges look set and the center is just barely firm to the touch. The key to a fudgy Protein Brownie is not to overbake—slightly underdone is the secret!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let your brownies cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, which makes them easier to slice into squares and gives them time to set up for that perfect chewy bite. Enjoy the enticing smell of chocolate filling your kitchen!
How to Serve Protein Brownie
Garnishes
Top your Protein Brownie with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, an extra dusting of cocoa powder, or a handful of fresh berries for a simple and delicious finish. A drizzle of nut butter or melted chocolate never hurts, either!
Side Dishes
Serve your brownies alongside a creamy Greek yogurt, a fresh fruit salad, or even a mug of your favorite warm drink—coffee, tea, or hot chocolate—turning snack time into a genuinely indulgent affair.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Protein Brownies in cute jars with layers of nut butter and yogurt for a parfait-style treat, cut them into mini cubes for party platters, or use as the base for a health-boosted sundae with banana slices and a sprinkle of granola.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Protein Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, fudgy, and delicious for up to five days—perfect for snacking all week long.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully! Place squares in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. Freeze for up to two months and thaw in the fridge whenever you crave a treat.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm Protein Brownie, just pop your square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness and makes the chocolate chips melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
FAQs
Can I use any kind of protein powder for this Protein Brownie?
Absolutely! Whey, plant-based, or casein powders all work—just pick a chocolate flavor you love. Remember to check the sweetness, as some powders are sweeter than others, and adjust your syrup or honey if needed.
Are these brownies truly gluten-free?
Yes, they are! Using almond flour means no wheat or gluten in the mix, so these Protein Brownies are friendly for gluten-free diets as long as your protein powder is certified GF too.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
It’s super simple: use a dairy-free, plant-based protein powder and swap in maple syrup for honey. Double-check that your chocolate chips are vegan, and you’re set for a totally plant-powered Protein Brownie.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Be sure to keep an eye on the baking time, as thicker brownies might need an extra 3–5 minutes to cook through.
What’s the best way to know when the brownies are done?
Look for set edges and a center that’s just firm but not dry. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Overbaking is your enemy if you want that classic fudgy Protein Brownie texture.
Final Thoughts
If you love luscious, chocolatey treats that love you back, these Protein Brownies are bound to become a staple in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch—be sure to share a square (or two) with someone special, and enjoy every single bite!
Print
Protein Brownie Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a guilt-free treat with these protein-packed brownies. Rich in chocolate flavor and fudgy in texture, these brownies are a perfect post-workout snack or a satisfying dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine protein powder, cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix applesauce, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine and bake: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mix, fold in chocolate chips, spread in pan, and bake for 18–20 minutes until just set.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup. Adjust sweetness based on your protein powder.
- These brownies are fudgy and best stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
