Just four healthy ingredients are needed to whip up these dense, fudgy chocolate brownies which boast a hefty dose of protein! Dark, rich and subtly sweet, depending on the size you cut them, pack in over 15 grams of protein per serving! Naturally gluten free, vegan, paleo and refined sugar free!
Hey guys! I’m so excited to announce some exciting news- I’m continuing my collaboration with Kohl’s for this coming quarter!
I was thrilled that many of you guys appreciated the healthy back to school and college dorm room snack recipes I shared last time. Now that we’re entering the colder seasons, snacking and healthy meals are something imperative to ensure optimum health. For this quarter, I’m going to be sharing healthy snacks and lightened up treats which are healthy but DON’T sacrifice on taste.
Based on my feedback from the last campaign, you guys really appreciated the quick and easy snacks, especially those with an added protein boost. For my first recipe in this series, I’d love to share one of my favorite healthy snacks which taste absolutely decadent but are insanely healthy AND pack a protein punch.
When it comes to using protein powder in baked goods, you need to be incredibly careful as to what brand, type and consistency you use. I must admit, I’ve had MANY failures in which the successful result was achieved by simply replacing the protein powder used. There is the assumption that baking with protein powder results in hockey pucks or a hot (non-edible) mess.
I trialled this with 3 different types-A paleo protein powder, a vegan protein powder and my favorite casein protein powder. What is pictured is using the vegan brown rice blend which, when paired with this pan from Kohl’s, produced these delicious brownies. I also attest the combination of these two for the puuuuuuurty crackly tops of the brownies which makes us all swoon! So how about the recipe then?
These flourless protein brownies need just four ingredients to whip up! They are rich, soft and decadent, you’d be fooled into thinking they were actually healthy! Unlike traditional brownies, these contain no butter, flour, sugar or oil. Instead, a combination of mashed fruit, nut butter and protein powder give it the extremely dense and creamy texture! These flourless protein brownies are low calorie, vegan, gluten free and if you use the paleo protein powder, completely paleo friendly too!
HACK! I know I sound like a broken record, but these taste 200% more amazing once cooled and refrigerated. I swear they get so much more dense and fudgy, it takes it to another level!
Make these delicious four ingredient flourless protein brownies and join Kohl’s and I in celebrating their #makeyourmove campaign.
- 3 medium, overripe bananas (approximately 1 cup or so)
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter or almond butter (can sub for any nut/seed or soy nut butter)
- 2 T - 1/4 cup cocoa powder (more = richer taste)
- 1-2 scoops of protein powder (see above content for tested recommendations)*
- Preheat the oven the 350 degrees, grease a small cake pan or loaf pan and set aside.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl or stovetop, melt your nut butter.
- In a blender, food processor, or using your hands, combine the bananas, cocoa powder, protein powder and nut butter until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the greased pan and bake for around 20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing into pieces.
- * I do NOT recommend whey protein powder- It lends itself to a gummy texture.
- You don't need to blend or process all ingredients, but they lend a smoother texture- Although I do like my banana chunks in them
- These brownies are not super sweet, as the protein powders used all had sweetener in them. Adjust accordingly if you'd like a very sweet brownie.
- Brownies are best kept and enjoyed refrigerated- They are also freezer friendly
3 Ingredient No-Bake Rice Crispy Treats
Healthy No Bake Giant Cookie for ONE
3 Ingredient No-Bake Oatmeal Bars
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Kohl’s.
Cheers, hugs and handshakes for supporting the brands and companies which allow me to share what I love to do everyday!
Do you have a Kohl’s department store near you?
Brownies with crackling topping > Brownies without. Truth.
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Yes, I love kohls! I also agree that most brownies are so much better and fudgier when they’re left to cool for a good amount of time. And cracked top for me 🙂
YES! Thanks Michele!
How many calories are they? per 1 brownie
Hi Amy! For sure- If you add the ingredients into myfitnesspal and then divide it by the number of brownies, it will provide it for you! 🙂 Enjoy!
Yay- I loved the originals, but these crinkle tops are my favorite thing to see on a brownie. I wonder if my soy protein would work? I’m so clueless when it comes to protein powder. .
Hmm. I haven’t tried it with soy but the ones people have tried already use Vega? It tends to work with most protein powders but only a few elicit the crackly top 🙂
I’m going to try my Arbonne protein powder (that’s what I searched in Pinterest for this to pop up), I know they use brown rice and pea protein so fingers crossed!!! I’ll be making them with my almost four year old daughter!
Hi Amber! Please let me know how it turns out- I’ve had a few requests regarding if that particular brand works 🙂
Hey! Okay I tried responding on my phone last time but that didn’t really work….. We did end up using that brand of protein and it turned out amazing! Although I forgot to mix the nut butter in beforehand so it was quite marbled, but that’s okay. We (meaning I) ate the brownies way too fast, to take pictures, but we’ll be making them today and will update with a picture if you’d like! Thanks. (Oh and good luck on the book deal, that’s great news!)
OH yay!!! I’m so glad it turned out so well for you, Amber- The fact that you ate it too fast makes me so happy 😀
And thank you so much 🙂
I am using Arbonne as well so this is great to know! I actually haven’t used mine in a shake yet because its so perfect for baked goods. Thanks for sharing!
Healthy brownies!! You have me from the word go!! I love these and am definitely booking-marking this recipe! 🙂
Please do 🙂
Ugh, I want these right meow. And YAY KOHL’S. You rock.
Thanks buddy!
Oh my gosh I want these like now!!
YAAAS 😀
Brownies without cracked topping just aren’t brownies! I really should try this refrigerator trick of yours…you’ve been loving on that lately! Brownies for the win! Can I have brownies for breakfast?
YES! Seriously, they have this amazing richness, denseness, awesomesauce?
Love how rich and fudgy these look! Have you ever baked with Sunwarrior protein powder? That’s the kind we use at home (for our shakes) but I have yet to bake with it…
I haven’t made these specific brownies with them sorry, P! But, most people who’ve made it so far used vega which I think is plant based like sunwarrior 🙂
I love that these aren’t super sweet and Riley loves brownies. I wonder how I could make them and convince him that they’re bad for you? That’s the only way he’ll think dessert tastes good.
hhahahahaha serve it with a side of hershey’s syrup 😀
I haven’t eat breakfast yet and now I’m craving brownies. These look perfect and I love a good brownie from the fridge!
Right? Thanks so much, Megan!
Wow these look exactly like regular brownies. At first I had a hard time believing that they were flourless.
They are so good, Emily!
Arman you had me at brownies – love this simple recipe – and I seriously can’t believe these are no flourless – amazing!
Thanks so much, Sam 🙂
Those crackly tops are perfection!
They sure are 🙂
Do they taste like the almond butter at all? If so, I’m absolutely sold on them!
They have a slight flavour, but it’s mostly cocoa 🙂 Rich and dark 🙂
I’ll have Brownies for breakfast tomorrow. Those are already chilling outside 😀
😀 YOU ROCK!
Holy shiitake balls, these look insane!! Those crackly tops are wha brownie dreams are made of. I can’t believe they don’t have any refined sugar or eggs! I’m telling you, you’re a magician.
Thanks Sarah! 🙂 It took a few tries with different protein powders but yes- the crackly top IS possible 😀
Those are the most perfect looking protein brownies I have ever seen. I am making these tomorrow, pronto! Can’t wait to take them to the gym to share.
Thanks so much, Amy 😀 Hope they worked out well 🙂
Dear Arman, These protein packed brownies look wonderful and I love that you made them with bananas. Such a great snack to have on hand. Take care my friend, Catherine
Thanks so much, Catherine! 🙂
Haven’t been here for a little while, and I’m shocked how many good things you’ve made and posted (and presumably eaten) #totallyjealous Well done, Arman!
Thanks so much, Ben! Hope you’ve been well 🙂
Okay, it’s not that your other recipes hadn’t looked good, too, but this one takes the cake, no, brownie ;). For years, I assumed the crackly crust was the result of the caramelized sugars from the refined kind and melted chocolate in traditional recipes. And now you’re giving proof caramelized banana sugar is working this magic, too?! I’m impressed. Did it take you a lot of trials to get the results you were going for here?
You bet- I tried 3-4 different protein powder types before delving into different protein powder brands before succeeding- Others have tried it and it’s worked, but only a handful produce the crackly tops!
Which type and brand of protein did you like best?
Hi Chrystal, I love the vegan or casein ones, they provide the best texture 🙂
I can’t believe these don’t have flour or eggs in! They look so good!
Thanks buddy! 🙂
I just made these and they are very good! I made mine with a vegan protein (Vega brand) and didn’t get the crackle. I think to get the crackle top, everyone would have to use the same type of powder you did. Still delicious, though!
Laura! that is so bizarre, do Vega make different types of protein? One reader made it and had the crackly tops- Dang!
They do! I used a protein & greens blend, where the protein comes mostly from green veggies. That could be why. #science
I love brownies with crackly tops!!!
I’m not really a protein powder person. I think it’s because most of them smell kind of weird haha. But your protein snacks always look SO good!
Thanks buddy. I’d eat kale for you.
These brownies look yummylicious! I think adding some cacao nibs to the batter would be good, too!
ooooo That sounds like a great (cocoa infused) idea! 🙂
the chewier, the better!! HOW did you get these brownies to look like the sugar, butter, flour-laden ones?! Must. Try.
My name is Harry.
Harry Potter.
Brownies with crackly tops ALWAYS. And no nuts. And everything tastes better from the fridge. Except maybe coffee — give it to me hot.
YES. You’re like my mum and I. HOT HOT HOT.
The crackly tops are my favorite part.
Your my favourite. 🙂
I just found your blog (literally 20 minutes ago) and there’s already so many recipes I want to try. I’m gonna start with these though. They look magical.
Ailish…This comment made my day. I hope you faceplant this brownies as I have myself. 😀
Yummy! Just finished baking these 🙂 I added some walnuts on top!
Thank you for the recipe I’m going to re-use this; It was simple, quick, and healthy
YAY! I’m so glad to hear that, Amy!
Am I correct in seeing that the pan needed for this is the 7″ x 11″ pan? I have an 8″ x 8″. Would that work?
That would definitely work- It just will make them thicker brownies yum! 😀
HI! I’m thinking of trying this with the hemp protein powder I use. How much would you say ‘2 scoops’ is for someone who doesn’t have that protein powder scoop? 😬 Thanks!!
Hi there! My protein powder scoop is 34 grams if that helps 🙂
any idea how many tablespoons? We have whey protein available in our local bulk food store.
Hi Erin! I’m not sure, I’m sorry- The scoop is 34 grams if that helps!
I find brown rice protein powder to lend the BEST texture in baking! So delicious and fluffy! But WHY OH WHY OH WHY do I have to wait overnight for the best results?!?!?! BOOOOO! LOL just kidding but I am not patient when it comes to these things! Will definitely make this recipe!
hi! how many does this make?!
Hi there! I made about 9 decent sized squares 🙂
Did you use chocolate protein powder?
Hi Patricia- You can use either- I did use both 🙂
What protein powder did you use and where could I get it?
Hi Daniela! 🙂 I added the 3 various protein powders I tried in the post- You can get them on Amazon 🙂 Others have had success with Vega protein 🙂
Did you mix the three together in equal amounts or did the recipe work with all the brands separately?
Hi J, no I tried it each time with each brand individually.
Hi,
Your recipes look amazing. Unfortunately many of them claI’m to be Paleo on pinter est but they are not. There are no grains on Paleo. It’s a bit misleading.
Hi Kristina! With all my recipes, I always include a tested paleo option- The directions are all listed there 🙂
Cheers
Peanut butter isn’t paleo.
Hi Pam! that’s correct- That’s why I used both cashew butter and almond butter and for those who don’t follow a paleo diet, can enjoy it with peanut butter! Cheers!
Is there a way to make them without peanut butter or almond butter? Would something like coconut oil work? I want too make them for my mom but she is allergic to peanut butter and doesn’t like almond butter
Hi Jessica! I haven’t personally tried it with coconut oil but you could try- Does she like Sunbutter or cashew butter?
I think I speak for everyone, ok, I speak for me, when I say you and your recipes are the answers to our prayers/wishes/miscellaneous meditations :). I made the flourless pumpkin blondies and they were the perfect light dessert for Thanksgiving. I am definitely going to make these very soon. Definitely.
Rebecca, this is SUCH a kind comment- thank you so much 🙂
And obviously we all think of brownies when we meditate, right 😀
I made your brownies today, 4 ingred, but added an egg for protein and to make them more cakey. They are super dry, do you think the egg did that, or what ingred should I increase for moistness?
oh no! I think the egg definitely aided the bouncy/cake like texture- I think you’ll need to add more liquid or ensure your mashed starch is very ripe! 🙂
thanks for the reply!
Darn! I have a banana sensativity. Any thoughts on something to substitute?
Hi Leah! You could use canned pumpkin which would be a great choice 🙂
Great idea! I’ll try it. Thank you!
These look amazing! I love brownies.
These look so amazing. I love how the recipe only has 4 ingredients!!!!
I would love to try these with a different protein powder as I avoid anything with soy.
Hi Diana! Let me know how it turns out! 🙂
I used a blend of hemp and pea protein powders and didn’t get the crackly topping. They smell great and they’re cooling now! I can’t wait. I’ll try out the rice protein powder next time. Thanks for a great recipe!
You are so welcome, Michelle- I’ve never tried it with that protein powder blend but I’m intrigued!
Do you taste the bananas in these, I’m not really a big fan of banana tasting desserts
Hi Abby- They do, but if you up the cocoa powder it should mask most of it 🙂
Anyone try making these without protein powder? I have everything in the house except that!
Hi Alison! I have a recipe for 3 ingredient brownies which don’t need protein powder 🙂
These were delicious. I used chocolate vega protein. My kids loved these. I didn’t need to melt the pb though and I just mixed it by hand because I was too lazy to clean my blender. They turned out great. Thanks for the recipe!!
Laura! This absolutely made my day- Thanks so much for letting me know! Glad you all enjoyed it 🙂
Which Vega blend did you use?
I made this recipe for two reasons, it was the top Google choice and I had all the ingredients. Holy tasty brownie batman!!! Not only was it great out of the oven but it kept getting tastier in the fridge. I will try all of your recipes now! I have a horrible sweet tooth that leads to bingeing; these satisfy my sweetness and fill me up. Thank you so much!!!!
😀 BEX!!!! Thanks so much for this lovely comment- Seriously, I am obsessed with it straight out of the fridge 🙂
Must make ASAP! How many servings did you get? I ran the numbers using 2 scoops Sunwarrior protein powder and found I can only make 5 servings to get 15g protein per brownie. I might just make 6 or 7 to get a few more out of it. Can’t wait to try.
Hi Robin! I got around 9 or so slices but that depends on how thick/thin they are 🙂
Any substitute fo protein powder pls.
Hi Leera! If you stop by the blog tomorrow, I’ll be sharing a recipe without the protein powder but similar taste and texture to these 🙂
Great!! Thanks
How do you think the Orgain Organic Protein plant based powder would work (in creamy chocolate fudge)? That’s the only one I have, it has sprouted brown rice protein, chia protein, hemp protein, and fiber. Brownies are my life, but I don’t want one’s with all the sugar or the super hard healthy recipes I can find online, but your brownies sound perfect!
Hi Nina! I reckon Orgain would work great- I love using their protein powder in smoothies but can’t say I’ve tried it with this 🙂
If you’re allergic to nuts what can substitute the peanut butter?
Hi Alyssa! Are you a fan of soy nut butter or sunflower seed butter? They’d both be suitable! 🙂
If I wanted to feed this to my son and leave the protein powder out, would it still cook just the same?
Hi Lisa! It sure would- In fact, check back tomorrow for a spin on this without protein powder 🙂
Hi Arman, I made this with Nature’s Plus Spirutein protein powder, chocolate flavor (though heat kills the spirulina) and they came out great. Thanks!
Hi Joann! Thanks so much for letting me know- Glad you enjoyed them 😀
Do you have any idea what the nutritional facts are for this one?
Hi Jay! If you add the ingredients into a calorie calculator, it will provide it for you! Enjoy 🙂
Do you think you could sub coconut or almond flour for the protein powder? I’ve just started a paleo-ish diet and I don’t have protein powder thanks!
Hi Haley! I’d recommend you try out my 3 ingredient blender brownie or flourless brownie recipe- they omit the protein powder completely 🙂
Made these for dinner last night. 🙂 They were a hit (why would they not be?).
😀 Thanks SO much for the feedback, Raia!
Which protein powder makes the brownies look like the picture?
Thanks
Hi Kelly! I’ve used several casein protein powder brands which I’ve found to give it the crackly top. Readers have sent in photos/tagged their creations on Instagram using Vega protein powder which produces the same result!
Hi Arman,
This might have been asked already but you have so many comments to read through.. I’m really not into protein powders, could you give me any recommendations on replacing it with brown rice flour? As you suggest that the vegan brown rice powder works best. 🙂
Thanks!
Hi Rebekkah! I haven’t tried it with brown rice flour but you can try my 3 ingredient blender brownies- They don’t need any flour 🙂 The vegan brown rice works REALLY well- Others really enjoy vega protein too!
So I just read a comment from you a couple of comments up from mine which makes me think you used casein protein powder in the ones pictured. But in the post you say you used the brown rice one. Using casein protein powder would explain the volume and crinkle top that were not achieved when I used your brand of brown rice protein.
Hi Kalli! I do apologise- The protein powder used in the pictures was Casein- Chocolate cake batter flavor. The vegan one does indeed work just as well- Many readers have had success with Vega brand too 🙂
OH my gosh I can’t wait to try some of your recipes!! Thank you for taking the time to post these! Now, if they could just be calorie free…😉
Hahahahaha Karin. We could then have a Ben and Jerry’s party.
These look delicious! I know you said no whey protein powder but will the result be awful if I use it?
Hi Christina! To be completely honest, it didn’t turn out very well- Very moist and sticky and didn’t form into brownies- Saying that, I only tried 2 whey powders- You might have luck using your brand 🙂
Ah ok! I have a feeling that’ll probably happen. I’ll try it and let you know!
Just made these, here is my nutrition estimate from a 8×8 pan, 9servings—YMMV 110cal, 6carbs,6protein. I used half almond butter/half pnut butter because I had about half the required almond butter that I needed to use up. This recipe is a saver. OH and I added about 3T choc chips.
Thanks for the feedback, Sharon 🙂 Half almond/half peanut butter sounds delicious!
Is shakeology considered a whey protein – would it work for this recipe? I have a bag I got burnt out on drinking and would love to use up in this recipe. Sounds amazing!!
Hi Autumn- I’ve never tried this with shakeology, but please let me know how it turns out 🙂
Made these with 1 scoop of Plant Fusion Vanilla, about a 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, salted almond butter and the 3 bananas. Added a dash of vanilla extract and pink Himalayan sea salt. INCREDIBLE! Thank you for the recipe 🙂
Alexa!!! Thanks so much for tryign it out and the addition of sea salt = PERFECTION!
I absolutely love being able to get extra protein in my diet in the form of protein powders; casein in particular. But a few years ago I became sensitive to the sweeteners they use in Optimum Nutrition Casein. They were the purest I could find, and I still use their creatine but had to stop the protein. Now I eat heaping piles of plain Fage greek yogurt three times a day : ) I’ve searched everywhere for a pure protein without added fake sugars. I checked out the three that you posted and it looks like they all have the artificial sweeteners. My question, since you seem to know about the healthier protein mixes available is this: are there ANY out there that don’t have artificial sweeteners or stevia? I thank you in advance for any information! Even if it is bad news of not having any protein powder options!!
I have made ones with Hemp Powder and used 10 dates to sweeten it. The result is amazing ! Thank you !
X
Fantastic- The addition of dates is great! 🙂
Hi Arman,
Love your blog! These brownies look fudgy and delicious. I cook healthy food for my family but I have not baked healthy. I think I should start baking healthy now 😉
Hi Ruwani! 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words- Small steps 🙂
Can you use collagen (high protein, none gelling kind) in leu of the protein powder?
Hi Brittany! I haven’t personally used it so I can’t vouch for the results, sorry!
Can I skip the protein powder? Does that change the consistency?
Hi Francine! You sure can- I’d recommend you try this recipe instead- https://thebigmansworld.com/2015/10/05/healthy-3-ingredient-flourless-brownies/
Hey buddy thanks for the recipe! Mine didn’t come out nearly as good as yours but they were decent after a workout. I used 2 scoops Garden of Life Raw Protein Cacao and almond butter as suggested. Were you able to get a nice texture/crackly top with other protein powders besides what you linked? For some reason I think using peanut butter has something to do with the crackly top. How much protein and banana did you add exactly because I added a cup of mashed banana and it seemed too much. Ugh I just want to get this right but it seems the recipe leaves too much room for screwing it up. All your help is appreciated.
Hi there! For sure- I tried it with the 3 listed and from feedback from others, Vega, Shakeology and MRM have all worked too. What I used is stated in the directions 🙂
Thanks for the reply. Yes I read the directions completely but I was hoping for more accurate measurements. For example the difference between 1 and 2 scoops of protein powder can give quite different results. Also with the bananas my 3 medium bananas came out much more than 1 cup. I’m wondering if that is why my brownies didn’t come out as good as yours. Also did you have luck getting crackly top with almond butter? Thanks again for your help.
Hi, trying to calculate my macros with this, can you help please! 🙁 how many grams/ounce is a serving ?!
Hi Brie! After you make this, slice it up into pieces and then you’ll be able to calculate based on how many you make. I don’t weigh the servings, sorry!
What flavor of protein powder is best with these?
Hi Michael- I used a chocolate one, but you can use vanilla- The cocoa will give it the chocolate flavor regardless 🙂
Do you happen to have a shot of how the brownie batter is supposed to look or maybe a video? Also, are there any alternatives to protein powder? My powder didn’t come with it’s scoop so I’m trying to figure out what the measurements are for those. I only have the hemp protein powder right now, and they didn’t turn out well for me using that
Hi Kevin- No, I don’t have a video sorry. In regards to the protein powder, the scoops are usually 32-35 grams each. As for the alternatives, you could try my original 3 ingredient flourless brownie recipe- It omits the protein powder all together 🙂
I just made these brownies using a glass baking pan and chocolate WHEY protein powder my trainer distributes and although I didn’t get the crackling top they turned out FABULOUS with the whey. I couldn’t wait til they cooled to try them and they were so deliciously gooey
Oh fantastic- Thanks so much for the feedback, Ivory! 🙂
Used Chocolate Protein & Greens powder, some pumpkin puree, a mixture of various nut and seed butters, and 1 Tbsp Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa powder and 1 Tbsp Cacao powder. Baked it in an ungreased glass loaf pan and worked like a charm. I love them!! Great recipes 🙂
🙂 Thanks so much, Zahra- How AMAZING is the dark cocoa powder? It’s my favorite! 🙂
The recipe says “1-2 scoops of protein powder (see above content for tested recommendations)*… so how much exactly should I use???
Hi Cheryl! You can use 1 or 2 scoops- Up to you! It comes out great either way!
Sorry, not a fan. These weren’t even remotely sweet. Anyone who tries this add some sugar, honey, brown rice syrup, anything. And they don’t look anything like the photo.
Any way to make these without using a nut butter? For peanut/tree nut allergic families?
Hi Jules! You can totally make this with Sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter 🙂
hi! what is 2 T – 1/4 cup means? is that 2 tablespoon + 1/4 cup? thank you!
Hi Abby! If you like a really dark cocoa taste, I’d opt for 1/4 cup. If you want a subtle chocolate flavor, use just 2 tablespoons 🙂
Have you tried pb2 and water instead of regular peanut butter? I don’t have any of the regular stuff on hand and I want these TONIGHT!!!!
Hi Jenn- I’m so sorry, I haven’t- Please let me know if you do 🙂
I was considering the PB2 as well to lower the calories, but does that fat in the nut butter contribute in a certain way?
Hi there- I’m sorry, I haven’t tried it with PB2- You are welcome to see how it will turn out 🙂
What do you think it will turn out like if you used eggs instead of the peanut butter? My partner is allergic to nuts so I’m not sure what to use!
Hi Olivia! I haven’t tried that out, I’m sorry! Can your partner handle sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter? They work well with both of those 🙂
Out of the different protein powders you used, was the vegan protein powder the best in your opinion?
Hi Taylor! I think it was a tie between the casein and the vegan ones- The casein had a better texture and look, whereas the vegan one had a better flavor! 🙂
Hi I’m just wondering if you can use flour instead of protein powder?
Hi Renee! I’ve never tried it with flour, I’d simply omit the protein powder completely- It will be like my 3 ingredient flourless brownie recipe 🙂
Hello! I noticed you mentioned 2 other protein powders, would those work just fine as well? But maybe not top quite as crackly? I am looking knot purchasing the paleo brand you mentioned.
Hi Brenda! They certainly do work with either of those brands 🙂
Oh my goodness these are amazing!! Followed your directions closely, refrigerated them overnight and my son and his friend had them for breakfast & raved about there yumminess…if that’s even a word:)) I just ate one and there so good it feels like a naughty treat, but they’re so good for you! I used Vega One protein and greens vanilla flavored 1.5 scoops, almond butter, 3 very ripe bananas and 1/4 cup Hershey’s sweet dark cocoa powder….yum!!!
OH fantastic- Thanks so much for the feedback, Christina! I’m revamping a version of this for my cookbook so stay tuned! 🙂
Hello!!! What brand for protein powder do you use???
Hi there! I’ve used the ones all linked here- https://www.thebigmansworld.com/shop 🙂
The casein and brown rice ones work best!
Is there anything else I can use to substitute the protein powder? In advance, thank you! 😀
Hi Aleyda! You can omit it completely, it will work out great 🙂
Could I use Bob’s Red Mill Soy Protein ? If so do I have to add additional sweetener. It is not flavored and has no sweetener in it. I have been looking for recipes to add this protein powder to. Thank You
Hi Laura! I’ve never tried it with that so I’m not sure- Let me know if it works out for you 🙂
I was wondering if any one has used creatine powder and if it worked? I am sorry, I don’t know much about protein powders but these look good and I like that they are healthier than regular brownies.
Hi Heather- I wouldn’t recommend a creatine powder, the formulation is very different to the tested protein powders. You can omit it completely 🙂
Amazing recipe. Thank you so much for sharing this. Will try this today. Can I use frozen banana?
Hi Megha! Absolutely 🙂
I tried this recipe and despite the fact that I SLIGHTLY overbaked the brownies, I believe that the main reason for their failure was the egg protein powder that I used. They turned out extremely hard and rubber-like.
Hi Areti! I’ve never tried it with egg protein powder, unfortunately. I cannot vouch for how they’d turn out.
Made them a couple of days back. They were so amazing. I watch my carbs and sugars as I am pre diabetic. This is a perfect recipe. Didn’t spike my blood sugar. Also, my 5 year old daughter loved it too. Will make them again. Thanks a million for this recipe.
Oh fantastic- Thanks so much for the feedback, Megha!
These are DELICIOUS! I used my QUEST chocolate protein powder and instead of using nut butter I substitute it with PBFit. High Protein and Low Fat. Taste Great!
😀 Thanks so much for letting me know, Jess- Quest protein powder is delicious! 🙂
I used sunflower seed butter, special dark cocoa powder, bananas, and hemp protein powder…I also baked in a 6×9 and it turned into this amazing chocolatey cake from the gods. With…you guessed it…a perfect crackly top! Thank you SO MUCH!
Courtney!!! Thanks so much for the feedback 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it and glad you got the crackly top! 😀
Hi there,
I tried making these but for some reason mine came out with an overpowering taste of bananas. It tastes almost like banana bread. I used 3 bananas and it was close to 1 cup and a quarter. Should I use less bananas?
Hi Amy! You could reduce the bananas or up the cocoa content- I recommend using a really strong cocoa powder to mask the taste, but it will still be quite banana-like
no sure how this can be vegan as most protein powders are made from dairy products?
Hi Cazza, if you check out the post, this has been tested using a vegan protein powder (which is actually the one pictured too). Enjoy!
oops yes I see that now, sorry 🙂
2 T – 1/4 cup cocoa powder means 2 cups + ¼ cup? Is that exact? Thanks! It looks soooooo goooood! Can’t wait to do the recipe!
Hi Katie! It’s 2 tablespoons and up to 1/4 cup- If you want milder brownies, use 2 tablespoons. For richer brownies, use a 1/4 cup.
Hey Arman! I just put these in the oven. I hope these turn out well!
Hi Aide! Please let me know how they turn out! 🙂
These look amazing. I’m just not a huge fan of bananas — does the flavor of bananas survive in the final product, or do you just taste chocolate-y deliciousness?
Hi Olivia! I do think the banana flavor does come through- I’d recommend using a chocolate protein powder and increasing the cocoa powder
Thanks so much!
just wondering can we opt out the bananas?
Hi Emily! I’ve never tried it without banana, sorry!
These look incredibly delicious. I love the cracked top too… makes me swoon. Congrats on your partnership with Kohls, that is freakin awesome!!!
I’m allergic to all nuts, so what can I substitute for the nut butters? Would love to make these, as a celiac I can’t eat much of anything.
Tried with a pea-protein based protein powder. Didn’t work well for us *this time*, but I think I might have overcooked it, which might explain why it didn’t become ‘fudgy’ in the fridge. To eat these, we put an orange flavored icing on top – not ideal….. Plan to try again.
Hi Rainah! I’m sorry to hear that! From personal experience, pea based protein powders don’t lend the best textures- Hence I recommend brown rice, casein or a paleo blend 🙂
I just made these with a scoop of pea protein powder and a scoop of Greek yogurt protein powder. They are kind of meh and I can taste too much of the banana. Maybe apple sauce might work better. Thanks for the recipe though!
Just want to update my earlier comment, which was for the brownies while still warm. They are much better cooled! I left them covered while I went out and now that they are cool the banana isn’t overpowering and the protein powders aren’t too noticeable. I think I would up the protein powder a little bit to see if they would be a bit less soft next time.
Oh delicious!!!!!! 😀 So glad you enjoyed it, Marilyn!
Would this work with hydrolysate collagen? Instead of protein powder?
Hi Aubrey! I’ve never tried it with that, but please let me know how it works 🙂
Wow! These brownies were amazing! I didn’t get the cracked top on top of mine though. I’m not sure what kind my protein powder was, but they still tasted awesome! Definitely a number one go to in my family. Thanks for this.
😀 That’s what I like to hear! Thanks for the feedback, Sara!
Are there any other protein powders that will produce a cracked top? I have a deadline in baking about 50 protein brownies for a sports team, and I don’t think any stores near me carry the vegan rice powder 🙁
Hi there, most caseins work, along with Vega protein 🙂
Can I make these without protein powder? Do I need to make alterations if so?
Absolutely 🙂 Here you go- https://thebigmansworld.com/2015/10/05/healthy-3-ingredient-flourless-brownies/
Hi there, I’m trying this from the UK… What measurement is ‘a scoop’ (for the protein powder). I have the American cups but not sure what the scoop refers to. Is it like a tablespoon? Thanks ! Can’t wait to try this receipe!
Hi Claire! 🙂 It is 32-34 grams and should be 24 or so grams of protein per serving 🙂
What is the consistency of the batter ? Could you post a picture?
The consistency should be thick- There is a video on Facebook- thebigmansworld
I made these and they were awesome. I used optimum nutrition chocolate protein powder (whey, against the advice here) and they turned out fine. I also added a little honey to sweeten it up. I cut it into six pieces and they’re each about 220 calories with 10 grams of protein.
Thanks for the recipe!!
Hi Kelly! 🙂 Thanks so much for letting me know that Optimum’s whey protein worked 🙂
What can I use instead of a nut butter ?
You can use soy nut butter or sunflower seed butter 🙂
Have you tried them with a pea protein powder? It’s basically tasteless. Thanks
I haven’t- If you do use it, consider adding a little sweetener 🙂
Do you think this would work with PB2 as the protein powder?
I haven’t tried that, but let me know how it works out!
Made these today with crunchy peanut butter, hemp protein powder and organic cocoa powder. Wow, they are just fantastic! So easy to make and such a delicious pre-workout snack. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
FANTASTIC- cheers, Daniel!
Can I use chocolate isopure protein to cook this brownies?
I’ve only tried these brownies with my recommended protein powders- thebigmansworld.com/shop
What did I do wrong? The ones I made were dry and spongey :(. I used JRobb egg white protein. Is that why?
It sounds like it, I only recommend casein or brown rice protein for these.
These were delicious. I did use applesauces instead of bananas. Not my plan but when mixing up realized I was out of bananas. I will use bananas next time as probably choc goes better . Don’t really taste much of the applesauce but did turn out and is good. Thanks for a great recipe.
Hi! What’s the role of the nut butter in this recipe? I’m thinking of using Better’N nut butter as oppose to regular peanut butter.
It’s necessary. I haven’t tried with that before.