Ingredients
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder (or plant-based)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or butter)
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang. Lightly grease parchment.
2. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, protein powder, flour, baking powder, and salt until no lumps remain.
3. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup, applesauce, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil until smooth.
4. 4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix. If using, fold in chocolate chips.
5. 5. Spoon batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. 6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. 7. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack (crucial for fudgy texture and clean cuts).
8. 8. Lift brownies out using parchment overhang. Cut into 16-25 squares. Serve.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum. For dairy-free, use dairy-free yogurt and dairy-free chocolate chips. Different protein powders may absorb liquid differently; if batter is too thick, add a splash of milk. If too thin, add a tablespoon of flour or protein powder. Do not overbake for best fudgy texture. Store in an airtight container: at room temp up to 3 days, fridge up to 7 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (with option for gluten-free, dairy-free)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bite (based on 20 servings)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg