4 Ingredient flourless brownies packed with protein and 100% guilt-free! These gooey and fudgy protein brownies are your new post-workout snack!
After a heavy workout, I often enjoy flourless protein brownie bites, homemade protein bars, and these fudgy protein brownies.
Are protein brownies good for you?
Not often do you hear a recipe with the words brownies in it healthy, but these are good for you!
Made with healthy and wholesome ingredients, they are PACKED with protein (over 68 grams in the entire recipe!) and contain healthy fats and are super low carb.
Unlike commercial protein brownies (store-bought ones!), these have no fillers, no additives and take 20 minutes to whip up.
Can I add protein powder to baked goods?
When it comes to using or adding 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.
Whey Protein Powder Brownies
From experience, I do not recommend using whey protein powder for any of my recipes. Whey tends to make the batter extremely liquid-like but once it is cooked, it becomes dry and brittle- not something we want in a recipe.
Instead, I trialed this with 3 different types-
All three options work, but only the vegan protein powder produced the crackly tops that you find on fudgy brownies.
To ensure you achieve this crackly top, sprinkle some granulated sweetener on top (either coconut palm sugar or another granulated sweetener).
Craving chocolate? Make these Brownie Bites– They taste like raw brownies!
Best Protein Brownies Recipe
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!
Protein Brownie Ingredients
Unlike traditional brownies, these contain no butter, flour, sugar or oil. Instead, a combination of mashed fruit (or vegetables), nut butter and protein powder gives it the extremely dense and creamy texture!
Unlike traditional brownies, these fit ALL the major diet groups- They are 100% paleo, vegan, gluten-free, keto-friendly and super low carb!
How to make fudgy protein brownies from scratch
You’ll start by adding all your ingredients into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend the ingredients together very well, until fully combined. If desired, add some chocolate chips. Then, transfer the batter into a lined pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a skewer comes out ‘just’ clean. While the brownies are still hot in the pan, lightly press your hand over the top, to form un-natural cracky tops.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan completely, before drizzling with chocolate and slicing up.
Ingredient Substitution and Swaps
To lower the carbs and make these brownies keto-friendly, swap out the banana for mashed pumpkin. If you do opt for this, be sure to add some sweetener to it (keto maple syrup, liquid stevia etc).
Swap out the almond butter for any smooth/drippy nut butter- Peanut butter works great. Keep it nut-free by using sunflower seed butter.
Want to leave out the protein powder? Make these brownies instead.
How to enjoy protein brownies- Storing and Freezing
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!
Store leftover protein brownies in a sealed container in the fridge. Leaving them at room temperature will see them spoil easily. They will keep fresh for at least 2 weeks.
Protein brownies are freezer friendly and can also be stored in the freezer. Place wrapped brownies in individual ziplock bags or place them all in a freezer-friendly container.
PS- These protein brownies are great for kids, so throw a few in a lunchbox or as an after school snack!
Still craving more chocolate? Try this Homemade Nutella.
More high-protein recipes
Watch the step-by-step video below
Four Ingredient Flourless Protein Brownies
Ingredients
- 6 bananas can substitute for pumpkin (2 cups)
- 1 cup almond butter can substitute for peanut butter or alternative
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder more = richer taste
- 2 scoops protein powder See post for protein powder recommendations
- 1 cup chocolate chips of choice Optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven the 180C/350 degrees, grease a square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a blender, food processor or large mixing bowl, combine the bananas, cocoa powder, protein powder, and almond butter and blend/mix until smooth. Fold through chocolate chips if using them.
- Pour the mixture into the greased pan and bake for around 18-20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from the oven gently press down with your hands to create crinkly tops. Allow to cool before drizzling with chocolate and slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
3 Ingredient No-Bake Rice Crispy Treats
Healthy No Bake Giant Cookie for ONE
3 Ingredient No-Bake Oatmeal Bars
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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!