Protein Brownies

When we started our health and fitness journey, one of our biggest struggles was meeting our daily protein goal. We began finding creative ways to incorporate protein powder into some of our favorite recipes, so we 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!

What stands out

These Protein Brownies are the 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 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 us, 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!

Kitchen tip

If your bananas are ripe we find that this recipe doesn’t need any added sweetener at all!

Swaps

1. Experiment with a different nut or seed butter s like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
2. For a sweeter brownie, you could add sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup.
3. Change up the flavor of your Protein Brownies with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of salt.
4. Have fun with some toppings: chocolate chips (white or dark), coconut flakes, or even chopped candy canes for a holiday treat.
5. For a soft and gooey consistency, feel free to under-bake it a bit!

Nutritional Highlights

These Protein Brownies seriously feel like an ooey, gooey indulgent brownie, but they’re not. Each brownie has 7 grams of protein thanks to the protein powder and nut butter, PLUS, there’s no refined sugar: just 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 little bite when you need a pick-us-up in the afternoon but do not want to lose sight of your goals for the day. Satisfying, guilt-free, and!

Serve it with

• Serve by Protein Brownies for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or our Cottage Cheese Ice Cream.
• A dollop of whipped cream.
• Some fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
• A glass of milk.

Questions

do we have to use maple syrup in this protein brownies recipe?

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.

can we use frozen bananas in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.

Can we use a baking dish of another size instead of 8×8?

Yes, you can use something smaller for thicker brownies, but you may have to extend the cooking time.

how can we tell if the brownies are cooked?

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. br

what if we don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease the pan with butter or cooking spray, but mark parchment paper helps to prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

Makes 9 brownies

• 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

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• 8 x 8 Baking Dish
• Parchment Paper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
2. Add the peeled, ripe bananas to a mixing bowl and mash with a fork.
3. Add in the nut (or seed) butter and stir. Add in the unsweetened cacao and protein powder and stir together.
4. Pour batter into a parchment paper-lined 8×8 baking dish. (Optionally, top with chocolate chips before baking).
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes.