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
- Mix the mashed banana, maple syrup, yogurt, and vanilla extract in a large bowl (except the milk!).
- Add in the protein powder and cacao (or cocoa powder). Mix until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and milk and let the protein brownies for three minutes.
- Scrape the batter into a parchment-lined, 8x4 baking pan.
- Use a spatula, to distribute the batter evenly.
- 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 (learn more about setting macronutrient goals).
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. Shop the Genuine Health Store on Amazon or grab it from Well Dot Ca.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth & Fuel Your Body
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Inside the Strong and Sweet Guide, you’ll discover exactly how much protein you need each day, how to choose the right protein powder, and enjoy over twenty-five easy ultra-simple snack recipes, each packed with 17 grams of protein or more.
Frequently Asked QuestioFrequently Asked Questions About Protein Brownies
Each protein absorbs liquid and bakes differently. So, you cannot simply interchange or add protein into healthy brownies recipes. Vegan protein powder especially absorbs more liquid than whey and will affect the tastes and texture of the brownies.
Protein powder and flour are not directly interchangeable. Vegan protein powder especially tends to absorb more liquid. However, with the right ratios, protein powder can be used in a recipe to make it "flourless".
Brownies come out dry when they're overcooked or too much liquid has been absorbed. When using vegan protein powder for brownies, each protein powder will absorb liquid differently which could be why they're coming out to dry. Next time scale back on the protein powder or increase the wet ingredients. Likewise,
Avoid overcooking your brownies by inserting a toothpick into them to check. You want the toothpick to come out with some of the brownie on it.
More High-Protein Recipes You'll Love
- Peanut butter protein powder ice cream
- The BEST dairy-free gluten-free brownies
- Protein granola
- 2 bite protein brownies recipe
- Flourless peanut butter protein muffins
- Overnight cookie dough protein oats
- Chocolate chia protein balls
- Peanut butter and jam protein balls
- Chocolate chip protein powder muffins
- Chocolate fudge protein balls
- High protein cookies
- High protein pancakes
- Yogurt protein pancakes
- Energizing protein bar
- Easy, no-bake vanilla protein bar
- High protein snack recipes
Protein Powder Brownies (Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Almond butter
- ⅛ cup cacao powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup vegan chocolate protein powder
- ½ cup mashed bananas about 2 bananas
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup coconut yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Mix in the eggs, vanilla, and unsweetened yogurt until smooth.
- Add in the protein powder and cacao. Mix until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and let sit for three minutes.
- Pour the batter into a parchment-lined, 8x4 baking pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes and remove from the oven to cool in thepan.
Video
Notes
- The brand you choose will affect both the taste and the texture of the brownies. Learn more about choosing protein powder for your goals.
- Make sure the protein brownies are completely cooled before slicing.
- If you want the healthy protein brownies to be even fudgier, cook for a few minutes less so that the inside comes out batter-coated when a toothpick is inserted.
- Most dairy-free yogurts will work for the recipe (see note in blog post)
- 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
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Tessa
Thank you for the reminder that the protein powder choice will effect flavor. I'm always inclined to just throw in whatever I have, but I want to make these ones right - they look so delicious!!
fitasamamabear
Haha I'm the exact same way! It wasn't until I started REALLY playing with it that I realized how very different each blend is lol
Sherry
My daughter has been wanting me to make more recipes with protein powder added so I decided to give your brownie recipe a try. OMG, were these so good! And you couldn't even tell that they had the protein powder in it. We will be making these fudge protein brownies again!!
fitasamamabear
Ahh yay! It's nice to have new ways to use it outside of just shakes!
Greta
I was looking for an exact type of protein brownie. Healthy and perfect for my diet! Thanks for sharing it!
fitasamamabear
It's a great one- enjoy!
Glenda
Brownies that are good for me? Is it okay if I also ate one for breakfast? lol. Thanks for sharing this tasty recipe!
fitasamamabear
It is DEFINITELY okay hehe given I've eaten multiple for breakfast... 😀
Jennifer
It's so hard to find a good dairy-free brownie recipe, but this one really delivers!I love that it's gluten-free, too. We gobbled them all up!
fitasamamabear
They're easy to gobble up hehe glad you liked them!
Rachel
Thank you SO much for sharing this recipe! I have the world's biggest sweet tooth and I have been looking for a healthier brownie that I can munch on! Your recipe is perfect! I loved the texture that the banana provides! Yum!
fitasamamabear
Haha you and me both- I could live off chocolate!