If you’re searching for a delicious treat that combines decadence with a boost of nutrition, the Protein Blondies with Gooey Chocolate Chips Recipe will quickly become your new best friend in the kitchen. These blondies are perfectly thick and chewy, packed full of rich chocolate chips that melt into every bite, and boast over 13 grams of protein each. Whether you’re fueling up after a workout or simply craving a sweet snack without feeling guilty, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between indulgence and wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients work harmoniously to create the perfect texture, flavor, and nutritional profile for your protein blondies. Each item has a role, whether it’s providing moisture, binding the batter, lending sweetness, or enhancing the chewiness and flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binding agent, helping hold everything together and adding richness.
- 1 ripe banana: Naturally sweet with a creamy texture that moistens the batter and adds subtle fruity notes.
- ¼ cup (65 g) maple syrup or honey: Provides natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- ⅓ cup (85 g) peanut butter: Brings healthy fats and a luscious, nutty taste that complements the banana perfectly.
- 2 scoops (60 g) protein powder: The protein powerhouse that boosts the nutritional value without compromising taste.
- ¼ cup (20 g) almond flour: Adds a tender crumb and slight nuttiness.
- ¼ cup (20 g) oat flour: Contributes to the chewiness and gives a gentle wholesome background flavor.
- ¾ tsp baking powder: Helps the blondies rise just enough for a soft and fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a warm, sweet aroma that makes every bite irresistible.
- ⅙ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ cup (40 g) chocolate chips: Ensures gooey pockets of chocolate in each delicious bite.
How to Make Protein Blondies with Gooey Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 7×7 inch (15 cm x 15 cm) brownie pan with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes sure your blondies come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Then add the egg, maple syrup (or honey if you prefer), peanut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, even batter. This mix is where the magic begins as the banana and peanut butter bring creamy moisture and richness, creating the base for your blondies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, add the protein powder, almond flour, oat flour, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until no lumps remain and the flour is well incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender and chewy rather than tough.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
For the star of the show, carefully fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. If you want that extra chocolate gooeyness, sprinkling a few more chips on top of the batter before baking is a wonderful touch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure they’re cooked through but still moist and chewy in the center. Overbaking will dry out these beauties, so it’s best to test with a toothpick—it should come out with a few crumbs, not completely clean.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow your protein blondies to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. Cooling helps them firm up, making slicing easier and keeping those gooey chocolate chips intact in every square.
How to Serve Protein Blondies with Gooey Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted peanut butter over your blondies adds a gorgeous finishing touch and amplifies their nutty and sweet flavors. You could also sprinkle some crushed nuts on top for added crunch and a lovely contrast to the chewy texture.
Side Dishes
These protein blondies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy pairing. Fresh berries or sliced banana on the side can add a fresh, juicy burst of flavor that complements the rich blondies perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing dessert board, cut your Protein Blondies with Gooey Chocolate Chips Recipe into bite-sized squares and arrange them alongside nuts, dried fruit, and kefir or milk shots for an energizing snack platter. You could even serve warm blondies topped with a scoop of protein ice cream to create a fun, macro-friendly twist on a classic sundae.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your protein blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Making sure they are well sealed keeps them soft and chewy, so you can enjoy them as if they were freshly baked.
Freezing
These blondies freeze really well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When you want a quick treat, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop your blondie square in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. The chocolate chips will melt slightly again, ramping up that gooey deliciousness we all love.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond or cashew butter are great alternatives that will alter the flavor slightly but still keep the moist, chewy consistency. Just pick an unsweetened variety to keep the sweetness balanced.
What kind of protein powder works best for this recipe?
Whey or plant-based protein powders both work wonderfully. Choose your favorite flavor—vanilla tends to blend best without overpowering the other ingredients. Just avoid flavored options like chocolate to keep the blondie taste true.
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Look for a firm but not dry top and edges that start pulling away from the pan slightly. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out mostly clean but still a bit moist with crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Using almond and oat flour as listed is naturally gluten-free, but be sure your oat flour is certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Are these blondies suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Their protein content and balanced ingredients make them a fantastic grab-and-go snack or post-workout refuel option. Keep them stored properly for best freshness throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, chewy square of these Protein Blondies with Gooey Chocolate Chips Recipe to brighten your day. They strike the perfect harmony between indulgence and nutrition, making them a staple for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat with added benefits. Don’t wait to whip up a batch—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these disappear and how often you find yourself craving them again!
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Protein Blondies with Gooey Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Protein Blondies are thick, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate chips. Each blondie boasts over 13 grams of protein, making them the perfect macro-friendly treat to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a nutritious boost.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 ripe banana
- ¼ cup (65 g) maple syrup or honey
- ⅓ cup (85 g) peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅙ tsp salt
Dry Ingredients
- 2 scoops (60 g) protein powder (see notes)
- ¼ cup (20 g) almond flour or preferred flour
- ¼ cup (20 g) oat flour or preferred flour
- ¾ tsp baking powder
Add-ins
- ¼ cup (40 g) chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 7×7 inch (15 cm x 15 cm) brownie pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana thoroughly. Add the large egg, maple syrup (or honey), peanut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk or stir with a fork until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the protein powder, almond flour, oat flour, and baking powder. Stir gently until all dry ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is lump-free. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the ¼ cup chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the blondies are cooked through but still soft inside. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
- Cool and serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into 9 squares. Cooling helps them set and enhances the chewy texture.
Notes
- Use a protein powder that you enjoy the taste of; whey protein isolate or plant-based protein powders both work well.
- Substitutions for almond and oat flour can be made with gluten-free all-purpose flour or other nut flours to suit dietary preferences.
- Ensure the banana is ripe for sweetness and moisture to keep the blondies tender.
- Do not overbake; checking with a toothpick inserted to see if it comes out with moist crumbs will help prevent dryness.
- For variation, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American