Are you a brownie lover but worried about the high calorie and sugar content? Well, let me introduce you to a game-changing recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your health goals. These Protein Packed Peanut Butter brownies are not only delicious but also vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. Yes, you heard it right! You can indulge in these gooey and soft brownies guilt-free. 

The chocolate flavor is intense, (great for chocolate lovers!) and the creamy peanut butter swirls on top will leave you wanting more. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover a new level of healthy indulgence. Trust me, you won’t even realize you’re having healthy brownies!

These brownies get their protein boost from Hemp Protein, which is an outstanding source of fiber and high-quality protein. The irresistible chocolatey taste in this recipe comes from a winning combination of cocoa powder and coffee. These two ingredients work harmoniously to create a bold and intense chocolate flavor explosion that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate cravings you may have. Get ready to indulge in a delicious and decadent treat!

To make these treats vegan-friendly, I used Ground Flax Seed as a substitute for eggs to make flax eggs. Not only does this ingredient support digestion and cardiovascular health, but it also adds a lovely nutty flavor to the mix. Lastly, I sweetened them with Coconut Palm Sugar, which is an excellent alternative to processed sugars and provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. These are all key ingredients (and healthy ingredients) for the best vegan protein brownies.

Overall, these treats are a delicious and nutritious snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health. Give them a try, and you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients you’ll need for these healthy protein brownies

This is an easy recipe with simple ingredients, found in any big grocery store.

Let’s break down the role each ingredient plays in making these protein peanut butter brownies a delicious and nutritious treat:

• Cacao Powder. Is responsible for the deep and rich chocolate flavor that we all love in brownies.
• Baking soda. Is a leavening agent that helps the brownies rise and become fluffy.
• Hemp Protein. Source of protein and fiber that helps us maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
• Coconut oil. Adds tenderness and moisture to the brownies, making them soft, delicious and with a fudgy texture.
• Ground Flax Seed and water. Combine to create a vegan egg substitute that also provides cardiovascular and digestive benefits.
• Gluten-free flour. Provides structure to the brownies without the use of wheat, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Look for simple gluten-free flour, or other flour substitutions like oat flour, coconut flour or almond flour
• Coconut Palm Sugar. Is a healthier alternative to processed sugars and gives a sweet touch to the brownies.
• Vanilla extract. Adds a lovely aroma and complements the chocolate flavor of the brownies.
• Coffee. Enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Salt. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, making the brownies taste even better.
• Dark chocolate chips (vegan-friendly). Add texture and an extra layer of chocolate flavor to the brownies.
• All-natural, smooth Peanut Butter. Gives the brownies a nutty and flavorful touch.
• Pure Maple syrup. Sweetens the peanut butter and adds a touch of natural sweetness to the brownies.

Overall, each ingredient plays a crucial role in making these protein peanut butter brownies a delightful and nutritious treat. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while also providing a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.

Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Substitutions for this protein brownie recipe

If you’re looking to make these fudgy protein brownies, but don’t have all the ingredients the recipe calls for, don’t worry! Ingredient substitutions can be a great way to customize your baking and work with what you have on hand.

Whether you’re looking to reduce the sugar, add more protein, or simply switch things up, there are plenty of ingredient substitutions you can try. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that some substitutions may alter the taste or texture of your brownies, so it’s always a good idea to do a bit of experimentation and adjust the recipe as needed.

With that said, let’s explore some common ingredient substitutions for protein brownies that you might find helpful in a pinch.

• Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for Protein Packed Almond butter brownies
• Use whey protein powder, unflavored protein powder or pea protein powder instead of hemp protein. You can use vegan protein powder or a plant-based protein powder of your choice
• Use any sugar substitute instead of the coconut sugar for sugar free brownies
• Whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour in place of gluten free flour

Instructions with how-to photos for this protein brownies recipe

Start by Pre-Heating your oven to 350 Fahrenheit and lining a 13x9x2 in baking pan with parchment paper.

Next, make your “Vegan eggs” by mixing Flax seed and water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken

On a large mixing bowl, stir the dry ingredients: cacao, baking soda and hemp; add coconut oil, coffee and stir until mixture is thickened. 

Add coconut sugar, “Vegan Eggs” and mix until combined. Add flour, vanilla extract and salt, mix until well incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips and pour into prepared pan. 

Lastly mix all ingredients for the peanut butter swirl, add dollops on top of the brownie mixture and make swirls with a butter knife. 

Cover with aluminum foil to prevent swirls from drying out and bake for 35-38 min or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly wet, with moist crumbs attached. Let cool completely before cutting.

Cover with aluminum foil to prevent swirls from drying out and bake for 35-38 min or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly wet, with moist crumbs attached. Let cool completely before cutting.

Troubleshooting this easy protein brownie

• The brownies are dry and crumbly: This could be due to over baking or using too much protein powder. Make sure you bake your brownies until just ready, and to measure your ingredients correctly
• The brownies are too dense and heavy: This could be due to using too much flour. Measure your flour with the spoon and level method for more accuracy.
• Brownies are too sweet: This could be due to using too much sugar or sweetener. When substituting the coconut sugar with sweetener, look for a sweetener with a 1:1 ratio
• The brownies are sticking to the pan: This could be due to not greasing the pan enough or not letting the brownies cool completely before trying to remove them. Try greasing the pan more thoroughly with cooking spray or butter, or lining it with parchment paper. You can also try letting the brownies cool in the pan for a bit longer before attempting to remove them.
• Brownies are not cooking evenly: This could be due to an uneven oven temperature or the batter not being spread evenly in the pan. Make sure your pan is placed in the middle rack, in the center of the over, and try smoothing out the batter more evenly

Storing your high protein brownies

Brownies can last for 4 to 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container; they freeze pretty well, and if stored properly, can last for up to 6 months frozen.

Here are a few other healthy dessert recipes you might like:

Keto Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Healthy Nut and Seed bar recipe

Sugar Free Oatmeal Cookie recipe

Chocolate Banana Marbled Bread (GF, DF, Refined Sugar free)

Easy chocolate Tahini Fudge

Follow this link for more brownies and bars, or click here for more healthy recipes.

If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment below!