CHOCOLATE PROTEIN BROWNIES (gluten free)
When you want a sweet treat but don't want not all the sugar, this recipe is for you! I love the idea of being able to have a brownie and reap the benefits of getting in a good dose of protein and healthy fat!
Ingredients:
3/4 cup chocolate protein powder
1/4 cup of sweetener of choice, I use organic coconut sugar (great for baking), other suggestions- stevia, or monk fruit sweetener, can also try honey for a fudgier brownie (the sweetener can be trial and error depending on how sweet your protein powder is)
1/2 cup of almond butter or peanut butter (all natural- crunchy or smooth will work)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
3/4- 1 cup almond milk (start with 3/4 cup and add more if needed- see mixing procedure)
Optional- a sprinkle of chocolate chips if you don't mind adding a little more sugar to the recipe.
Procedure
Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 8x8 baking pan with nonstick spray. If the nut butter is cold, you may need to heat it up for a few seconds in the microwave for easy mixing. For best results, mix protein powder and milk first in a shaker cup- pour into mixing bowl and add the rest of ingredients. The mix should be (a little) thinner than normal brownie batter. If it is really thick or dry you can add a little more almond milk.
Bake 20-25 mins- I like to take them out a little early so they are like fudge!
I add a little nut butter or dollop of Tru Whip on top for an extra indulgent treat! Enjoy!
Refrigerate in airtight container, or freeze and microwave ~ 30-45 seconds when ready to eat!
CHOCOLATE PROTEIN BROWNIE BARS (gluten free)
Here is another tasty brownie recipe with a slightly different taste and texture from the ones above. A great homemade protein bar- but they still look and taste just like brownies. If you divide them up into 12, each brownie is less than 100 calories and a great source of protein, this is a great snack or nighttime treat without the guilt.
Ingredients
1/2 cup almond flour
2 tbsp coconut flakes unsweetened
1 tbsp ground flax seed
3 scoops chocolate protein powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp almond butter (all natural)
2 tbsp honey
1 large mashed banana (or 2 small)
2 eggs
Procedure
Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8x8 square baking pan with parchment paper (or spray with PAM spray). Mix all the dry ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine almond butter and honey. (You can quickly zap them in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften them up for mixing). Add mashed bananas and eggs, mix thoroughly. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool and slice into 12 bars. Try adding a Tbsp of all natural nut butter on top! Enjoy!
Refrigerate in airtight container, or freeze and microwave ~ 30-45 seconds when ready to eat!
Nutritional Info per bar (makes 12)
Calories ~95, Total fat 5g, Carb 6g, Protein 7g, 3g sugar
