Are protein brownies actually healthy?

Yes—especially when they’re flourless and made with clean ingredients like banana, nut butter, and cocoa. They’re lower in sugar and carbs than traditional brownies and pack a solid protein boost, making them a smarter sweet snack.

What happens if you add protein powder to brownie mix?

Protein powder adds density and nutrition but can dry out the texture. Mix it with moisture-rich ingredients like banana or applesauce to keep the brownies soft and fudgy.

Can I replace flour with protein powder in brownies?

Yes, in brownies you can skip flour completely and use protein powder instead—just like in this recipe. But in other baked goods, use a blend to avoid dry, crumbly results.

Can I use protein powder instead of cocoa powder in brownies?

Not directly. Cocoa adds depth and richness that protein powder can’t replicate. For a chocolate-flavored protein boost, use a mix of chocolate protein powder and a small amount of cocoa.

Protein Brownies Recipe – 4-Ingredient Fudgy Favorite

Name: Protein Brownies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 9 brownies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mashed ripe banana (or applesauce or pumpkin puree); 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut/cashew butter); 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder; Optional: 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener if needed; Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Description

Protein brownies are fudgy, flourless, and packed with chocolate flavor—made with just 4 clean ingredients. Great as a post-workout snack or guilt-free dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup mashed ripe banana (or unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree)

1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut/cashew butter)

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder

Optional: 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener if using unsweetened protein powder

Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl or blender, combine banana, almond butter, cocoa powder, and protein powder. Mix until smooth.

3. Stir in chocolate chips or nuts if using.

4. Pour batter into the lined pan and smooth the top.

5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until set but still fudgy.

6. Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

7. Store in fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Use pumpkin purée instead of banana for a less sweet version.

Swap almond butter with peanut butter for a more classic brownie flavor.

Add 1 tsp vanilla or espresso powder to enhance chocolate taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 97
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 8mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: protein brownies, high protein dessert, flourless brownies, healthy chocolate