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Protein Brownies: Fudgy, Chocolatey and Healthy

By Holly Darnell, RD

November 13, 2024

Brownies are always popular because of their chocolatey taste, chewy texture and sweetness. But did you know that you can make a protein brownie that delivers on all three scores?

These protein brownies use nine ingredients that get the brownie texture and flavor pitch perfect, and they’re a cinch to make. Each brownie provides 5 grams of protein along with 12 grams of fat and 16 grams of carbohydrates, a balanced macronutrient snack or dessert any time of day. It’ll help sooth your sweet tooth while also keep you full with healthy fats and protein.

Ingredients needed

• Dark chocolate: High in antioxidants, 73% or 85% cacao dark chocolate delivers that rich chocolate flavor.

• Coconut oil: The original performance fat, coconut oil helps provide energy and helps make this brownie batter very workable.

• Eggs: One of the best high-protein foods, eggs are the heart of many brownie recipes because of their richness as well as helping the brownies rise when being baked.

• Vanilla extract: Adds essential flavor.

• Coconut sugar: With a lower glycemic index than regular sugar and with a taste similar to brown sugar, with a hint of caramel, this is the best sugar to use in protein brownies.

• Almond flour: This high-protein, gluten-free, Paleo-approved “flour” gives these brownies some density and provides many minerals, such as copper, manganese and phosphorus.

• Ancient Nutrition’s Chocolate Whey Protein: Made with regenerative A2/A2 nonfat milk protein and collagen as well, this unique whey protein is easy to digest and will help build lean muscle mass.

• Unsweetened cocoa powder: High in antioxidants, try to use dark cocoa powder for that rich flavor.

• Sea salt: Helps complete the protein brownie flavor profile, as it helps enhance the sweet profile.

How to make protein brownies

First preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Get out a 8x8 baking pan and spray with coconut oil or pour a little in and use a brush to full coat the bottom and sides.

In a medium-sized heat-proof bowl, add in the dark chocolate and coconut oil. Put in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds at a time. Mix with a spatula until the combination is melted and smooth.

In a separate medium-sized or larger bowl, add eggs and coconut sugar. Using a hand mixer or standing mixer, mix on high for 5 to 7 minutes … until the mixture is pale, fluffy and tripled in volume.

Next, add in the melted chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth and combined. Then add in almond flour, Chocolate Whey Protein, cocoa powder and sea salt. Fold the ingredients using a spatula until no clumps remain.

If the batter is too dry, add in one tablespoon of unsweetened almond milk at a time until batter is silky and smooth.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick is inserted in the middle and it comes out clean.

Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely. Flip onto a plate and cut into 16 squares.

Recipe tips and variations

• Consider other protein powders: Ancient Nutrition’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Whey Protein, Bone Broth Protein Chocolate or Multi Collagen Protein Chocolate can also be used for these protein brownies.

• Want to forgo sugar: Consider used mashed bananas or Medjool dates.

• Consider certain additions: Dark chocolate chips, walnuts and pumpkin seeds can all work in these protein brownies.

Frequently asked questions

How do you store these brownies?

The brownies will keep in a closed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can place in the freezer and they will keep for up to six months.

Are these protein brownies healthy?

Yes, for they contain much less sugar and white flour than standard brownies, while featuring more protein and better quality fat than others. They also contain some minerals and even vitamin E.

Can I make these brownies higher protein?

Yes, you can double the whey protein in the recipe.

More high protein recipes with whey

• Chocolate peanut butter bars

• Skillet high protein brownie

• High-protein smoothie

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.