Fudgy Protein Brownies (11g Protein, Dairy & Gluten-Free)

Thick, fudgy, and rich, this protein brownies recipe is secretly good for you too! Naturally gluten-free, this brownies recipe uses vegan protein powder in place of flour to give you all the indulgence without the calories.

These protein brownies work as pre-workout energy or post-workout fuel (just like this protein zucchini bread!)

In fact, given they’re flourless, dairy-free, and gluten-free, as a Certified Nutrition Coach, I think that they actually work just about any time- just like these other secretly healthy treats!

Thick but with a dense, fudgy center, this recipe is one you’ll be hanging on top for life.

Want more of a kick? These coffee brownies are great for low-energy days.

Ingredients You Need

Mashed Banana: they help sweeten the brownies while giving them a fudgy texture.

Almond butter: any nut butter can be used, the creamier the better (cashew butter especially is a great choice!)! Make sure to use fresh nut butter and not the hardened part at the bottom of the jar.

Vegan protein powder: the protein powder you choose will affect the taste and flavor of the protein brownies as all protein powder absorbs differently (learn more about how to choose a protein powder). Learn more about choosing a protein powder for your goals.

Cacao powder: giving a bit of extra chocolate to the protein brownies! Though cocoa powder can be used in its place, using cacao comes with a host of other benefits.

Mini chocolate chips: make sure to opt for dairy-free, mini chocolate chips so that the chocolate-fudge-like pockets are frequently delivered throughout the batter.

Dairy-free yogurt: the yogurt helps keep these protein brownies thick and fudge-like without the addition of oil and excessive sugar. Coconut or nut-based (cashew/almond) yogurt can be used (see notes).

How To Make Protein Brownies

1. Mix the mashed banana, maple syrup, yogurt, and vanilla extract in a large bowl (except the milk!).
2. Add in the protein powder and cacao (or cocoa powder). Mix until combined.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips and milk and let the protein brownies for three minutes.
4. Scrape the batter into a parchment-lined, 8x4 baking pan.
5. Use a spatula, to distribute the batter evenly.
6. Bake for 30 minutes and remove the protein brownies from the oven to cool in the pan.

Step By Step Photos

Protein Brownies And Weight Loss

These healthy protein brownies come in with a calorie count of only 250kcals/serving and 11 grams of protein.

This means that while they're not a low-carb option, they are a great source of fuel in and around your workouts (just like these chocolate protein muffins).

You can use this protein brownies recipe post-workout or as an indulgent snack when you need a pick-me-up.

Thankfully they're a pretty low-calorie treat which means they're pretty easy to fit into your macro goals for the day.

Important Teaching Tips

Make sure the protein brownies are completely cooled before slicing.

If you want the protein brownies recipe to be even fudgier, cook for a few minutes less so that the inside comes out batter-coated when a toothpick is inserted.

Coconut, soy, or nut-based dairy-free yogurts will work for this recipe. However, any Greek Yogurt variations have not been tested. Because the yogurt is thicker, it may affect the texture.

Likewise, you cannot use chocolate whey protein powder for these healthy protein brownies and vegan protein powder absorbs differently than whey.

Neither can you substitute powdered peanut butter for nut butter.

The protein brownies can be stored on the counter though they will last longer in the fridge. If storing them in the fridge, let them sit at room temperature before consuming. Straight out of the fridge they tend to be a lot denser and more firm.

Important Products For The Flourless Brownies

In place of flour, these gluten-free brownies use protein powder!

That said, the brand you choose will affect both the taste and the texture of the brownies. This is why I use Genuine Health’s Fermented Vegan Protein Powder. It helps fuel your goals, recover and

stay full.

Made with 20 grams of plant-based protein, this vegan protein powder is dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified organic. It’s also been voted one of the best tasting vegan protein powders.

But best of all is that this protein is fermented. This helps break down the “anti-nutrient” in grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes that often causes bloating.

This protein powder literally gives you the best of both worlds.

Frequently Asked QuestioFrequently Asked Questions About Protein Brownies

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