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

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

02/07/2022 by fitasamamabear

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A dairy-free protein brownie held between to fingers with more chocolate brownies on a cutting board to the side
Pin image with text: Overhead view of two protein brownies stacked with more brownies on a wooden cutting baord and a blue linen, chocolate chips all around
Pin image with text: two images the top of two chocolate brownies stacked and the second of brownies on a cutting board, linen and stacked around
Pin image with text: Two chocolate brownies stacked with more brownies on a cutting board and a scoop of protein powder on a blue linen

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.

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Two chocolate brownies stacked with more brownies on a cutting board and a scoop of protein powder on a blue linen this …

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!

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

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).

Multiple ingredients like mashed banana, protein powder, and yogurt for gluten-free brownies in measuring cups, all ingredients labeled.

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

Steel bowl with yogurt, protein powder and maple syrup in a steel bowl on a blue linen
Mix together all the ingredients except chocolate chips.
Steel bowl it chocolate brownie mix in it and chocolate chips being poured in with the bowl on a blue linen
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Baking tray lined with parchment paper filled with protein brownie mix all on a blue linen
Press the healthy protein brownies into a baking tray.
Chocolate protein brownies on parchment paper being cut into squares
Bake and let the protein brownies cool before cutting.

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.

Pin image with text: Overhead view of two protein brownies stacked with more brownies on a wooden cutting baord and a blue linen, chocolate chips all around

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.

Frequently Asked QuestioFrequently Asked Questions About Protein Brownies

Can you add protein to brownie batter?

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.

Can you use protein powder instead of flour?

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".

Why are my brownies dry?

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

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Six chocolate protein brownies on a wooden cutting board with chocolate chips around them and a jug of protein powder behind them
Two chocolate brownies stacked with more brownies on a cutting board and a scoop of protein powder on a blue linen

Protein Powder Brownies (Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free)

 Thick and easy to make, these chocolate protein brownies are a great way to curb cravings and fuel up!
5 from 29 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Cooling time 10 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Course post-workout
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 246 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking tray

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"

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 11gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 86mgPotassium: 233mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 83IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 128mgIron: 2mg
Keyword dairy-free, protein powder, vegan protein powder recipe
Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

Shelby aka Mama Bear

fitasamamabear

Meet Shelby – a Certified Strength Coach who has spent the last 10 years teaching women how to show up for their goals.

Her website, Fitasamamabear.com is a crucial resource for busy moms who need help making fitness and healthy living practical.

Learn how an everyday smoker and fast food junkie turned into a super fit mom of 3. If you want to send Shelby a message, visit her contact page.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tessa

    February 07, 2022 at 9:18 pm

    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!!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      February 07, 2022 at 11:21 pm

      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

      Reply
  2. Sherry

    February 08, 2022 at 8:51 pm

    5 stars
    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!!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      February 09, 2022 at 10:48 am

      Ahh yay! It's nice to have new ways to use it outside of just shakes!

      Reply
  3. Greta

    February 08, 2022 at 10:00 pm

    5 stars
    I was looking for an exact type of protein brownie. Healthy and perfect for my diet! Thanks for sharing it!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      February 09, 2022 at 10:49 am

      It's a great one- enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Glenda

    February 08, 2022 at 11:57 pm

    5 stars
    Brownies that are good for me? Is it okay if I also ate one for breakfast? lol. Thanks for sharing this tasty recipe!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      February 09, 2022 at 10:49 am

      It is DEFINITELY okay hehe given I've eaten multiple for breakfast... 😀

      Reply
  5. Jennifer

    February 09, 2022 at 3:03 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      February 14, 2022 at 5:12 pm

      They're easy to gobble up hehe glad you liked them!

      Reply
  6. Rachel

    February 09, 2022 at 3:31 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      February 14, 2022 at 5:12 pm

      Haha you and me both- I could live off chocolate!

      Reply

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About Me

Blond haired woman in a black sweater outside smiling at the camera

Hey- I’m Shelby!

A Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years teaching women how to show up for their goals.

I’m a lover of all things chocolate and peanut butter, a feeder of stray cats, and a total introvert in real life. But I’m also super passionate about helping make fitness & healthy living PRACTICAL for busy moms.

Go here to read how an everyday smoker and fast food junkie turned into a super fit mom of 3.

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