These soft and gooey protein blondies are a tasty treat that’s good for you! Made with simple ingredients like protein powder and nut butter, they’ll satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt.
Honestly, I can’t resist stealing a piece while they’re still warm! They’re perfect for a quick snack, and I love how they are a great way to stay fueled during my busy days.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Butter: Natural almond butter gives these blondies a rich flavor and creamy texture. If you’re allergic to nuts or don’t have it, peanut butter works great too! Sunflower seed butter is another nut-free option.
Sweeteners: Honey adds a lovely sweetness and moisture, but if you’re vegan, maple syrup is a fantastic alternative. Coconut sugar is a healthier option for brown sugar that will keep the recipe soft.
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder is key for flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use unflavored powder or even blend some oats to make oat flour for a lower protein version. Adjust the sweetness if needed.
Oats: Rolled oats offer chewy texture in the blondies. Quick oats can be used if that’s what you have, but they will make the blondies a bit softer.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are delicious, but feel free to swap them with dark chocolate for a richer taste or use white chocolate chips for a sweeter treat!
How Can I Get the Perfect Texture for My Blondies?
The key to achieving a soft and gooey texture is to be mindful of the baking process. First, don’t over mix the batter; you just want it combined. Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips gently.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Start checking at 20 minutes! They should have slightly golden edges but still feel a bit soft in the middle when you poke them with a toothpick.
- Letting them cool in the pan for around 10 minutes is crucial; this helps them set without drying out.
- Using parchment paper to lift them out helps maintain their shape while cooling, so they come out perfectly!
How to Make Soft & Gooey Protein Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blondie Batter:
- 1 cup natural almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep, plus 20-25 minutes for baking. You’ll need to let the blondies cool for about 10 minutes before enjoying. In total, plan for about 40-45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some extra paper hanging over the sides. This will help you lift the blondies out later!
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium bowl, take your almond butter (or peanut butter) and honey (or maple syrup). Stir them together until they are perfectly mixed and smooth. This should only take a minute!
3. Add Sugar and Other Ingredients:
Next, add the brown sugar to the mix and stir well, ensuring there are no lumps. Once it’s smooth, mix in the vanilla protein powder, rolled oats, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep stirring until everything is fully combined and you have a nice batter.
4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time to get gooey! Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly mixed into the batter. Yum!
5. Pour and Bake:
Pour the delicious mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the edges to be a light golden color. Do the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the center, and it should come out slightly moist but not wet.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to carefully lift them out and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. When they’re ready, slice them into squares and enjoy your soft and gooey protein blondies! Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I Substitute Almond Butter for Peanut Butter?
Absolutely! You can use peanut butter in place of almond butter without any issues. Just keep in mind that peanut butter may add a slightly different flavor and texture, but it will still make delicious blondies!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these blondies vegan, simply replace the honey with maple syrup and ensure your protein powder is plant-based. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan treat that packs a protein punch!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Blondies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Use Different Sweeteners in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar or use a sugar alternative like Stevia if you’re looking to reduce sugar. However, make sure to check the conversion ratios on the package, as they can vary depending on the sweetener!
