Chocolate Protein Brownie Cups Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Protein Brownie Cups are a delicious and nutritious treat perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Made with wholesome ingredients like almond butter and bananas, they offer a rich chocolate flavor with an added protein boost. Easy to prepare and satisfyingly fudgy, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup almond butter (or any natural nut butter)
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (plant-based or whey)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a muffin tin.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine almond butter, mashed bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add cocoa powder, protein powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until the batter is fully combined.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly into 8 muffin cups.
6. Step 6: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
7. Step 7: Let the brownie cups cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Step 8: Serve warm or store for later.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Use your favorite protein powder to suit dietary preferences.
• Mix in nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.

Storage

Store the brownie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy warm brownies later, microwave briefly for 10–15 seconds. They also freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of protein powder?

Yes, you can substitute protein powder with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but this will reduce the protein content and slightly change the texture.

Are these brownie cups gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free protein powder and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, these brownie cups remain safe for a gluten-free diet.

Chocolate Protein Brownie Cups Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 121 reviews

These Chocolate Protein Brownie Cups are a deliciously healthy treat combining the rich flavors of cacao and dark chocolate with the nutritional benefits of protein powder and natural nut butter. Perfect as a guilt-free snack or dessert, they are naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, making them ideal for a nutritious boost anytime.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 8 brownie cups 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup almond butter (or any natural nut butter)
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (plant-based or whey)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add unsweetened cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir carefully until all ingredients are fully combined into a thick batter.
4. Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without overmixing.
5. Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the brownie batter evenly among 8 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
7. Cool: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the brownie cups cool for 10 minutes inside the tin. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.

Notes

• You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or cashew butter for different flavor profiles.
• Choose plant-based or whey protein powder depending on your dietary preference.
• For a sweeter treat, increase the amount of maple syrup slightly, but keep in mind it affects baking texture.
• Store leftover brownie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• These brownie cups can be frozen for up to a month; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Keywords: chocolate protein brownies, healthy brownies, protein snack, almond butter brownies, baked protein cups