Crispy on the outside and dense and fudgy inside, these Peanut Butter Protein Brownies are the perfect way to curb dessert cravings. Naturally dairy- and gluten-free, these bite-sized brownies pack in an extra 7 grams protein, while bringing a rich chocolate flavor.
"These brownies are a bomb! My kids enjoyed it during their snacks and have been asking me to make it again, thank you!"
-Lianne
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 1 hr
- 👪Serves: 9
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 220 kcals and 7 grams of protein
- 📋Main Ingredients: Sweet potato, natural peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, maple syrup, and mini chocolate chips.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, refined suagr-free and vegan.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: These fudgy peanut butter brownies are rich, chocolatey, and packed with protein for a healthier dessert treat.
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
Not sure what to do with that lone sweet potato on the countertop? Turn it into chocolate peanut butter protein brownies, of course! Sweet potatoes actually make some of the fudgiest brownie bites, and these are no exception. As a busy mom (and coach), I love using protein desserts like this to help clients enjoy what they eat while still hitting their goals. These almond butter dark chocolate cups are always a hit, too.
These vegan protein brownies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and fuel. They’re great as a simple single-serve dessert or dressed up for a party tray. If you’re struggling to increase protein intake, check out my Strong and Sweet Protein Guide to help you get started.
Jump To
- A Quick Look At The Recipe
- 💭Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- Flavor Variations
- How To Make Peanut Butter Protein Brownies
- Expert Tips To Make It
- Which Protein Powder To Use
- Peanut Butter Protein Brownies FAQs
- More Protein Powder Desserts You’ll Love
- Peanut Butter Protein Brownies (Dairy and Gluten-Free)
This blog post is sponsored by Naked Nutrition which has one of the best-tasting vegan protein powders I’ve tried.
💭Why You'll Love This Recipe
Flavor: With these chocolate protein brownies, you have a rich peanut butter flavor swirled with the indulgence of yummy chocolate.
Easy to make: The brownies are made in just one bowl and with no fancy kitchen techniques. Perfect for busy moms or beginners in the kitchen.
Texture and taste: The brownies have a thick, fudgy texture thanks to the base being sweet potatoes!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cooked Sweet Potatoes: This is what is responsible for the fudgy inside of the protein brownies and adds some “bulk’ to them. If you have extra, whip up this meal prep: Shepherd's pie with sweet potatoes.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: The kind of protein powder you choose can and will make a difference to the peanut butter protein brownies recipe. Learn more about how to choose a vegan protein powder for your goals. For the best results in texture, opt for Naked Nutrition’s Chocolate Pea Protein Powder.
- Peanut butter: Use a fresh jar of peanut butter so it mixes well (not the hard part on the bottom), and use natural peanut butter so there are no extra additives that could change the texture. We use our own no oil peanut butter the most and then use leftovers to make peanut butter chocolate protein bars.
- Mini chocolate chips: Mini ones work best as they’re evenly distributed (and dairy and gluten-free ones as needed).
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
Classic party brownies: Make the flourless brownies as is, top them with dairy-free cream cheese frosting or Whole30 coconut whipped cream, and dust them with cacao powder.
Valentine’s protein brownies: sub in pink sprinkles for chocolate chips. Top the brownies with Whole30 whipped cream and dust them with pink fairy sugar.
Chocolate Christmas brownies: sub in crushed candy canes for chocolate chips. Add in ⅛tsp peppermint extract before baking. Then, top the two bite brownies with Whole30 whipped cream and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Fall pumpkin brownies: sub in pumpkin puree for the sweet potato and keep the chocolate chips. Add in ¼tsp ground cinnamon. Top the brownies with Whole30 whipped cream and dust them with pumpkin pie spice.
How To Make Peanut Butter Protein Brownies
Step 1: In a large bowl, mash the sweet potato and combine it with the liquid ingredients.
Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients and mix until combined.
Step 3: Use a spoon to manually portion the batter into a mini silicone muffin tray.
Step 4: Bake the peanut butter protein brownies and let them cool in the silicone mold before topping them.
Expert Tips To Make It
If you need to make them nut-free, use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter.
The batter is extremely thick. You need to portion it out and press it (it doesn't pour). Make sure to really press the brownies into the mold so that they hold together once cooked.
Make sure to cook the sweet potato fully so that it mashes easily. Sweet potato chunky brownies are not what we’re going for.
You cannot use whey protein as well in this recipe. Vegan protein powder absorbs liquid, which is why these two-bite brownies are flourless. Whey protein powder and collagen do not. You’d end up with a mushy mess.
Sizing: I find this recipe is best when cooked in 12 cups, silicone mini muffin mold. If you use the mini muffin tin and liners, know that the protein brownies will come out more "one bite" sized and denser.
Which Protein Powder To Use
These mini protein brownie were made specifically with Naked Nutrition’s Chocolate Pea Protein Powder. This protein powder is amazing for anyone who is looking for pure, simple, protein.
It has just three ingredients: cacao powder, coconut sugar (minimal), and pea protein powder.
No additives, funny names, or “flavors” are added.
The reason I chose to partner with Naked Nutrition is that they’re exactly like their name: naked. Transparency doesn’t often happen with companies, but this one rocks.
Side note: They have an egg white protein I really want to try, but it doesn’t ship to me. If you try it, drop me a comment on how you like it!
Peanut Butter Protein Brownies FAQs
The healthy protein brownies taste best when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Stored this way, they’ll last about 7-10 days.
Chocolate brownies are fudgiest when there is limited flour and an ingredient like bananas, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or applesauce to give them a moist texture.
The best way to cook two-bite protein brownies is by using a silicone mini muffin mold. Using this, the brownies just pop right out. Using liners makes it harder to get the brownies away from the liner.
Though many dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo brownie recipes use coconut sugar, it's not interchangeable with maple syrup. As a liquid, the texture is dependent on maple syrup, and changing it for a powder will alter the texture.
More Protein Powder Desserts You’ll Love
If you tried this Peanut Butter Protein Brownies Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
Peanut Butter Protein Brownies (Dairy and Gluten-Free)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup sweet potato cooked
- 4 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanut butter natural
- ½ cup Chocolate protein powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt scant
- 4 tablespoons Avocado oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
- In a large bowl, remove the skin and mash the sweet potato.
- Mix in the maple syrup and peanut butter until mostly smooth.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Use a spoon to manually portion the batter into a mini silicone muffin tray.
- Bake for 20 minutes and let them cool fully in the pan.
- Top them with drizzled peanut butter if you want.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Jane says
Honestly, this recipe for protein brownies tastes pretty good. The fudgy texture is exactly what me and my boyfriend crave in a brownie. I'm also on a diet so these protein brownies are a perfect choice!
fitasamamabear says
Yay!! Glad to give you a new option!
Tina says
I love that these used sweet potato! They came out so good and not funky tasting at all from the protein powder. Even my kid loved them!
fitasamamabear says
It's a secret ingredient twist!
Via says
The chocolate protein powder adds a healthy twist. Easy, delicious, and satisfying. I love that it is guilt-free!
fitasamamabear says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Kiara says
Made these peanut butter protein brownies as dessert. The crispy outside gives the perfect crunch, and the fudgy inside satisfies my sweet tooth. The fact that even my kids loves it, is a bonus.
fitasamamabear says
Always a win when kids love them!
tianna says
love the addition of the protein powder and sweet potato in this brownie
fitasamamabear says
It's a nice little boost and the sweet potato makes them so fudgy!
Brittany Fiero says
I’m currently trying to get in shape and love this recipe. It’s so simple and delicious way to meet my protein goals.
fitasamamabear says
Ohhh glad you love it, honestly it makes it such a yummy way to get the best of both worlds!
Christina's Bread Bakes says
I love all your high protein snacks and this one tops the list! Anything peanut butter and chocolate is a keeper for me. Thank you for all your great ideas.
fitasamamabear says
Haha it's my favorite flavor too!! Thanks for all the kind words!
Giangi Townsend says
Those brownies are just amazing. Packed with flavor which is a plus in my book,
Thank you for the recipe
fitasamamabear says
Haha a plus in mine too! Glad you enjoyed them.
Carrie says
Thank you for this recipe! I'm always looking for some protein options that will quench my sweet tooth!
fitasamamabear says
Haha me too! I'm definitely a chocolate lover lol
Sage Scott says
These sound absolutely delish, and I love that they are both packed with protein AND alpha-gal friendly.
fitasamamabear says
Double win!
Erin says
I love that you used sweet potato in these! I need to try that and get that protein powder ASAP so I can try these. 🙂
fitasamamabear says
It's definitely sneaky! It also keeps them wicked fudgy lol
Tatiana says
These are perfect for peanut butter lovers! Will be making them this week.
fitasamamabear says
Peanut butter is LIFE lol
MacKenzie says
Meal prepping these protein brownies next week. Love them! The perfect healthy sweet treat.
fitasamamabear says
Enjoy!! They're the perfect way to indulge a craving!
Traci says
These brownies were so good and started the new year off right! Thanks!! So delicious!
fitasamamabear says
Brownies are a life staple 😀
Jennifer says
These are amazing! They are so rich and chocolatey and I love the extra nutrition in them. Winner recipe!
fitasamamabear says
Hehe thank you!