FUDGY PROTEIN BROWNIE HEAVEN

Craving a decadent brownie but trying to stick to your health goals? I get it! We all deserve a treat now and then, and these Fudgy Protein Brownies – Guilt-Free Indulgence – are the answer. Get ready to sink your teeth into a rich, chocolatey brownie that’s packed with protein and won’t leave you feeling guilty. Let’s bake some magic!

Gathering Your Brownie-Making Essentials

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have all the right ingredients. Don’t worry, most are pantry staples!

For the Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120g) Oat Flour: Provides a slightly nutty flavor and helps with texture.
• 1/2 cup (40g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that intense chocolate flavor. Use high-quality cocoa for the best results!
• 1/2 cup (100g) Granulated Sweetener (Erythritol, Stevia Blend, or Regular Sugar): Adjust to your sweetness preference.
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder: Gives a slight lift and chewiness.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

For the Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large Eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds moisture and helps reduce the need for oil.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) Melted Coconut Oil (or any neutral oil): Adds richness and moisture.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy): Helps create a smooth batter.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
• 1/2 cup (approx. 40g) Chocolate Protein Powder: The star of the show! Whey, casein, or a blend will work. Adjust the amount slightly depending on your protein powder.

Optional Mix-Ins:

• 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips (Dark, Milk, or Sugar-Free): Because why not?
• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Adds texture and healthy fats.

Step-by-Step to Fudgy Protein Brownie Perfection

Time to transform these ingredients into delicious brownies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, fudgy goodness in no time.

Preparing for Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes removing the brownies a breeze! Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Mixing the Batter:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, cocoa powder, sweetener, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, melted coconut oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this can lead to tough brownies.
4. Add the protein powder and gently fold it in until just incorporated. Again, don’t overmix!
5. If using, fold in the chocolate chips and/or nuts.

Baking and Cooling:

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
3. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is crucial for that fudgy texture! I know it’s hard to resist, but patience is key.

What Makes These Brownies Special?

These aren’t your average brownies! We’ve made some smart swaps to create a treat you can feel good about.

• The Protein Boost: Adding protein powder not only increases the protein content but also contributes to the fudgy texture.
• Lower Sugar: Using a granulated sweetener like erythritol or a stevia blend significantly reduces the sugar content without sacrificing sweetness.
• Healthy Fats: Coconut oil provides healthy fats and richness, while optional add-ins like nuts offer even more nutritional value.
• Moisture Magic: Applesauce keeps these brownies incredibly moist and helps reduce the need for excess oil.

Tips for Perfect Fudgy Protein Brownies

Want to ensure your brownies are a masterpiece? Here are a few extra tips I’ve learned along the way.

• Don’t Overbake: This is the cardinal rule of fudgy brownies! Undercooking is better than overcooking.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for the best flavor.
• Experiment with Protein Powder: Different protein powders have different textures and flavors. Find one you love! I often use a chocolate whey isolate.
• Let Them Cool: Seriously, let them cool completely! This allows the brownies to set properly and develop that signature fudgy texture.
• Customize to Your Liking: Feel free to add other mix-ins like peanut butter chips, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of cream cheese.

Troubleshooting Your Brownies

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here’s how to tackle common brownie-baking issues.

• Brownies are dry: You may have overbaked them. Next time, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Also, make sure you’re using enough liquid in the batter.
• Brownies are too cakey: You may have overmixed the batter. Be gentle when mixing and avoid overmixing. Also, consider reducing the amount of baking powder.
• Brownies are not fudgy: You may have overbaked them or used too much flour. Make sure to use the correct amount of flour and don’t overbake.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, get creative with variations! The possibilities are endless.

• Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies: Swirl a spoonful of peanut butter into the batter before baking for a delicious peanut butter chocolate combo. You might also enjoy PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE if you love that flavor!
• Mint Chocolate Brownies: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter and top with Andes mints after baking.
• Mocha Brownies: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee to the dry ingredients for a mocha flavor boost.
• Fall Spice Brownies: Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal treat, similar to PUMPKIN BROWNIES!

Sneaking in Extra Veggies

If you’re feeling adventurous (and want to sneak in some extra nutrients), consider adding shredded zucchini! Don’t worry, you won’t even taste it. Check out these Zucchini Brownies and Zucchini Brownies for inspiration!

Indulge in a Red Velvet Dream

For another decadent twist, explore the world of Red Velvet Brownies. The combination of chocolate and cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible.

Storage Tips for Lasting Freshness

To keep your brownies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage – just wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.

Enjoy Your Guilt-Free Treat!

There you have it – a recipe for Fudgy Protein Brownies that’s both delicious and good for you (well, good-ish!). I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. Happy baking!

Fudgy Protein Brownies

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Indulge in these decadent, guilt-free fudgy protein brownies that satisfy your sweet cravings while supporting your health goals. Packed with protein and lower in sugar, they offer a delicious and nutritious treat. Enjoy a warm, chocolatey brownie without the guilt!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 9

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Oven
• Toothpick

Ingredients

  

• ¼ teaspoon Baking Powder
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• ¼ cup Chocolate Chips Dark, Milk, or Sugar-Free) (Optional
• ¼ cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans Optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, cocoa powder, sweetener, baking powder, and salt until there are no lumps.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, melted coconut oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Add the protein powder and gently fold it in until just incorporated. Don’t overmix!
• If using, fold in the chocolate chips and/or nuts.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as baking time can vary.
• Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is crucial for a fudgy texture.

Notes

For optimal fudgy brownies, avoid overbaking; slightly underbaked is better. Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for enhanced flavor. Experiment with different protein powders to find your preferred taste and texture. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to allow them to set properly. Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them individually and freeze.