These chocolate chip Protein Blondies have chewy edges and a gooey, melted, chocolatey center. They’re vegan, dairy free and taste like a classic blondie but they have extra protein added in to keep you fuller longer!
Disclaimer: This recipe is sponsored by No Cow. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I only recommend products or ingredients I personally love and use on a regular basis!
Why You’ll Love These Protein Blondies
These Vegan Protein Blondies are not just a treat, they’re a celebration of all things sweet and satisfying. Often called blonde brownies, they taste like a chocolate chip cookie with a brownie texture. They’re made with some extra protein without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here’s why we love this recipe and you will too:
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to No Cow’s Vanilla Protein Powder, these aren’t your average blondies. They’re high protein blondies, making them a snack or dessert that keeps you satiated.
- Chewy and Gooey: These protein blonde brownies boast irresistible chewy edges with a gooey, melted, chocolatey center for a combination of the best textures.
- Simple to Make: With only 9 ingredients and a total time of under an hour, these blondies are as straightforward as they are scrumptious.
- Customizable: Want to switch it up? Feel free to add your favorite vegan-friendly add-ins like nuts or dried fruit! Or use a sugar free alternative instead of regular light brown sugar.
Ingredients
Whipping up these protein powder blondies requires only a handful of ingredients (9 to be exact), many of which you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground flaxseed meal: This will serve as our vegan “egg” to bind the ingredients together.
- Almond milk or water: This is used to help thicken the ground flaxseed meal.
- Vegan butter: Our source of fat for a tender crumb. Make sure it’s melted and cooled before using (we don’t want to melt the sugar).
- Light brown sugar: This gives our blondies their signature caramel flavor and sweetness plus it helps with that gooey center.
- All-purpose flour: This provides the structure for our blondies. For best results, use a digital scale or the spoon and level method to measure it out.
- No Cow Vanilla Protein Powder: This vegan protein powder is our secret weapon! It’s made from a blend of pea protein which adds a boost of protein and a creamy vanilla flavor to our blondies. Because the protein powder is vanilla flavored, no vanilla extract is needed in this recipe!
- Baking powder and salt: Our leavening agent and flavor enhancer, respectively.
- Vegan dark chocolate chips or chocolate chunks: These are folded into the batter for those deliciously chocolatey pockets in every bite.
- Additional almond milk: Optional, but handy if the dough looks a bit thick. Flour absorbs moisture differently depending on temperature, weather, and/or your kitchen’s elevation.
No Cow has kindly offered a discount code for their protein powder to Thank You Berry Much’s readers!
⭐️ Use the code BLONDIES to get 15% off their protein powder through this link. ⭐️
Substitutions
Dietary restrictions, allergies, or a lack of certain ingredients shouldn’t stop you from enjoying these dairy free protein blondies. Here are some simple substitutions:
- Almond milk: Any plant-based milk like soy, oat, or rice milk can be used in place of almond milk.
- Vegan butter: Melted coconut oil can be used as a substitute for vegan butter, but it may slightly alter the flavor or texture. Make sure it’s cool (so it doesn’t melted the sugar) and be sure to add ¼ tsp extra salt if using coconut oil.
- Light brown sugar: Looking to cut down on sugar? A granulated sugar-free alternative like Swerve brand can be used in place of light brown sugar. This recipe has been tested with Swerve’s Granulated Brown Sugar in addition to regular light brown sugar- the end result with Swerve’s sugar was absolutely delicious, with a slightly cakier overall texture.
- All-purpose flour: While I haven’t tested this exact substitution, if you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour or a very finely ground oat flour. The texture will be different, and the blondies may have a looser crumb.
- No Cow Vanilla Protein Powder: You can use any vegan-friendly protein powder, but it may change the flavor and sweetness. Choose one you enjoy the taste of! Not a fan of protein powder? You can sub the powder with a 1:1 ratio with more all-purpose flour to make good ol’ fashioned vegan blondies. Be sure to add 2 tsp of vanilla extract if substituting the vanilla vegan protein powder for an unflavored version or flour.
- Vegan dark chocolate chips: Feel free to use vegan milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a different flavor.
Helpful Equipment
To create these dairy free protein blondie bars, you’ll need:
- 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) metal baking pan– I used this one by USA Pans.
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl for mixing
- Large bowl for combining your ingredients
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make these vegan blondies:
STEP 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and line your baking pan with parchment paper. Be sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later.
STEP 2: In your small bowl, mix together the ground flaxseed meal and almond milk (or water). Give it a stir, then set it aside to thicken for about 5-10 minutes. This concoction will serve as your flax eggs.
Make the Blondie Batter
STEP 3: While your flax eggs set up, take your large bowl and whisk together your melted (and cooled) vegan butter and light brown sugar. This mixture should be well combined before you move on to the next step.
STEP 4: Now that the flax eggs have thickened, stir it into the butter and sugar mixture.
STEP 5: Time to add your dry ingredients. This includes your all-purpose flour, No Cow’s Vanilla Protein Powder, baking powder, and salt. Give them a quick sift with a fork, then mix them into the wet ingredients.
STEP 6: Once your batter is well combined, fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
Baking the Protein Blondies
STEP 7: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If you’re feeling a little extra, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for an added touch of indulgence.
STEP 8: Bake your blondies for 28-35 minutes. To ensure they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
📌 Remember: the blondies will continue to cook as they cool, so don’t over-bake them.
STEP 9: Allow your blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once they’ve cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan. Then, cut your blondies into 16 equal squares, and voilà – the most delicious vegan protein blondies are ready to be devoured!
Serving
These protein-packed blondies are an excellent standalone treat or can be dressed up for a more decadent dessert. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Classic: Enjoy a blondie as is, perhaps with a glass of almond milk on the side.
- Ice Cream Delight: Pair a warm blondie with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream. The contrast between the hot, gooey blondie and the cold, creamy ice cream is heavenly.
- Coconut Bliss: Top a blondie with a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream for a tropical twist.
- Drizzled Decadence: Drizzle your favorite nut butter (peanut butter or cashew butter would be great) or vegan caramel sauce over a blondie for a truly indulgent experience.
Storage
Any leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Reheat the blondies in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to re-melt the chocolate and make them gooey again.
⭐️ TIP: To keep them extra fresh, wait to slice the bars until you’re ready to serve them. This ensures they stay moist and tender inside.
You can also freeze these blondie bars- wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
helpful Tips
Follow these tips for the best vegan protein blondies!
Baking Time: The baking time will influence the texture of your blondies. If you prefer a gooier, fudgier texture, bake them for a shorter time.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your blondies during the baking process. The edges should be golden brown and should pull away slightly from the edges of the pan. Remember, they will continue to cook as they cool.
Sugar Substitute: If you want to experiment with a sugar-free alternative, you can substitute the regular light brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative using a 1:1 ratio. Note that this will result in a slightly cakier and less fudgy texture.
FAQ
While the No Cow Vanilla Protein Powder (use the code BLONDIES for 15% off) gives these blondies a delicious creamy vanilla flavor, you can use any vegan-friendly protein powder. Just be aware it may alter the flavor, so choose one you enjoy!
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the regular light brown sugar with a sugar-free granulated brown sugar (like Swerve brand) using a 1:1 ratio. Note that using a sugar-free brown sugar substitute will result in a slightly cakier and less fudgy texture in comparison to using regular light brown sugar.
Definitely! Adding nuts or dried fruit can add an extra layer of texture and flavor to these blondies. Just be sure to fold them in with the chocolate chips to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
I don’t recommend swapping the brown sugar for maple syrup in this recipe.
More Vegan Baking & High Protein Recipes:
- Easy Protein Coffee
- Vegan Protein Waffles
- Gooey Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- The BEST Vegan Brownies
Did you make this Chocolate Chip Protein Blondie Recipe?
I’d love to know! Leave a star rating and comment below!
Chocolate Chip Protein Blondies
These chocolate chip Protein Blondies have chewy edges and a gooey, melted, chocolatey center. They’re vegan, dairy free and taste like a classic blondie but they have extra protein added in to keep you fuller longer!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (18g) ground flaxseed meal
- ⅓ cup (90g) almond milk or water
- ½ cup (110g) vegan butter, melted and cooled (like Earth Balance Buttery Sticks)
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar or use a sugar free alternative- see notes*
- 1 ¼ cup (150g) all purpose flour, spooned into the cup and leveled off
- ½ cup (60g) No Cow Vanilla Protein Powder
- ¾ tsp (4g) baking powder
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
- ½ cup (60g) vegan dark chocolate chocolate chips, or chocolate chunks
- 1-2 tbsp almond milk, optional- if dough looks very thick or dry
Instructions
*For the best results, I recommend using a digital scale to weigh the ingredients.*
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ground flaxseed meal and almond milk (or water). Set aside to thicken for 5-10 minutes. This will create a flax "egg."
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled vegan butter and light brown sugar (or sugar-free granulated brown sugar) until well combined.
- Stir the flax "egg" mixture into the butter and sugar mixture.
- Add the all-purpose flour, No Cow's Vanilla Protein Powder, baking powder, and salt on top. Sift the dry ingredients together with a fork, then mix with the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips or chocolate chunks.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle additional chocolate chips or chopped chocolate on top.
- Bake for 28-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as the blondies will continue to cook as they cool. The edges should be golden brown and should be pulling away slightly from the edges of the pan.
- Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan.
- Cut the blondies into 16 equal squares and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Sugar substitute: This recipe has been tested with a sugar-free granulated brown sugar (Swerve brand). If you prefer, you can substitute the regular light brown sugar with a sugar free alternative using a 1:1 ratio. Please note that using a sugar-free brown sugar substitute will result in a slightly cakier and less fudgy texture in comparison to using regular light brown sugar.
- Baking time: Baking the blondies for a shorter time will result in a gooier, fudgier texture. Keep an eye on them during the baking process and adjust the time to achieve your desired consistency.
Use the code BLONDIES to get 15% off the No Cow Protein Powder through the link in the ingredients above!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 168Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 1.5gProtein: 4.5g
Nutritional info is an estimate.
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