Chocolate Protein Brownie Cups Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without overmixing.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the brownie batter evenly among 8 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- 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.
- 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