Are you ready to indulge in a guilt-free dessert that’s both delicious and nutritious? These Chocolate Protein Chickpea Brownies are not just your average treat; they are a game-changer! Packed with plant-based protein and rich chocolate flavor, these vegan and gluten-free brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth without the added sugar and calories. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in just 35 minutes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dessert that’s as wholesome as it is indulgent—let's dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 brownies
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the brownies bake evenly.
- Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with a bit of oil. This will help the brownies come out easily after baking.
- In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas. Pulse until they are smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This will be the base of your brownies and should have a hummus-like consistency.
- Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt to the food processor. Blend everything together until well combined and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder or chickpeas left.
- Once the mixture is smooth, fold in the dark chocolate chips using a spatula. This will give your brownies a delicious melty chocolate texture.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly in the pan. Smooth the top to ensure even baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges look firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make them easier to cut.
- After they have cooled slightly, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, cut the brownies into 12 squares. Serve as a delicious and healthy treat!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, ensure your ingredients, especially the cocoa powder and almond butter, are fresh. This will enhance the overall taste of your brownies.
- Blend Thoroughly: When processing the chickpeas, make sure to blend until smooth and creamy. This will create a fudgy texture that is essential for delicious brownies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your brownies while they bake. They should be firm around the edges but still slightly soft in the center to achieve that perfect fudgy consistency.
- Add Extra Chocolate: For an even more decadent treat, sprinkle some additional dark chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking. They'll melt into a delicious chocolate layer!
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This will help them set and make it easier to achieve clean, even squares.
- Storage Tips: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for a week. They also freeze well, so consider making a double batch to enjoy later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
