Name: Protein Brownie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder (about 2 scoops); ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 very ripe bananas; ½ cup smooth peanut butter or almond butter; Sprinkle of mini chocolate chips (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious treat that combines indulgence with a healthy boost, these Protein Brownie Bites are about to become your new best friend. These little gems are moist, fudgy, and packed with protein, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without any guilt. Made from simple, wholesome ingredients, Protein Brownie Bites offer the perfect balance of natural sweetness from bananas, rich chocolate flavor, and a hearty dose of protein to keep you energized throughout the day. Whether as a snack, post-workout fix, or a guilt-free dessert, these bites prove you can have your brownie and eat it too!

Protein Brownie Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of essential ingredients is the secret to these Protein Brownie Bites’ charm. Each one plays a crucial role, blending to create a texture that’s chewy yet soft, with flavors that are rich and naturally sweet without any extra sugar.

Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, making the brownies tender and fudgy.
Peanut Butter or Almond Butter: This adds creaminess, a delightful nutty flavor, and binds everything together perfectly.
Protein Powder: Choose vanilla or chocolate flavor to boost protein content and add a subtle sweetness without flour.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers that deep, luscious chocolate flavor essential to any brownie.
Mini Chocolate Chips (optional): Adds bursts of melty chocolate and an enjoyable texture contrast.

How to Make Protein Brownie Bites

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Cups

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with silicone baking cups—these are ideal because they make removing the bites a breeze and keep the edges nice and soft.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a medium-sized bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will add a pleasant texture. This step is key, as the bananas create the natural sweetness and moisture base for your brownies.

Step 3: Mix in Your Nut Butter

Next, stir in the peanut or almond butter until fully incorporated. This creamy ingredient acts like a glue, bringing the batter together while lending a comforting nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.

Step 4: Add Protein and Cocoa Powders

Blend in the protein powder and unsweetened cocoa powder. This step transforms the batter into a luscious, chocolatey mixture that’s much healthier than traditional brownie batter, with a wonderful protein punch to keep you feeling full longer.

Step 5: Fill and Sprinkle

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared baking cups. If you’re using mini chocolate chips, now’s the time to sprinkle them on top for added richness and texture that will melt gloriously during baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Set

Bake for about 20 minutes or until the tops have set and look firm to the touch. Once out of the oven, let the bites cool completely in their cups. They’ll firm up nicely as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Protein Brownie Bites

Garnishes

Enhance your Protein Brownie Bites with a dusting of powdered cocoa or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. For a refreshing twist, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a pinch of sea salt to bring an exciting flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of your favorite frozen yogurt or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an indulgent yet healthy treat. Fresh berries or a banana slice on the side also add a burst of color and complement the chocolate perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve your Protein Brownie Bites in mini dessert cups layered with whipped coconut cream and fresh fruit. They also make an adorable addition to lunchboxes or as part of a protein-packed party platter alongside nuts and dried fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Protein Brownie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or keep them refrigerated to extend freshness for about a week. This way, they stay moist and chewy just like when they came out of the oven.

Freezing

Want a stash for busy days? Freeze the brownie bites in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready to satisfy chocolate cravings whenever they strike.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, simply let frozen bites thaw at room temperature or microwave individually for about 15 seconds. This quick heat intensifies the fudgy texture and enhances the chocolate aroma, making every bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use other nut butters in Protein Brownie Bites?

Absolutely! Almond butter works beautifully, and sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative. Just use your favorite creamy nut or seed butter to keep that rich texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make these vegan?

Yes, as long as you choose a plant-based protein powder and nut butters without animal-derived ingredients. The bananas also help bind the mixture, replacing the need for eggs or dairy.

What protein powder works best for these brownies?

A vanilla or chocolate whey or plant-based protein powder works wonderfully. Just avoid flavored powders with added sweeteners or fillers to keep the texture perfect and the taste balanced.

Can I add extra ingredients like nuts or dried fruit?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cherries can add extra texture and flavor boosts. Just fold them gently into the batter before baking for some delightful surprises in every bite.

Are these Protein Brownie Bites suitable for meal prep?

Yes, they’re an excellent option for meal prep snacks or quick breakfasts, especially since they freeze well and can be grabbed on the go or paired with other healthy dishes for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Protein Brownie Bites enough if you want a wonderful balance of health and indulgence. They’re easy to whip up, packed with nourishment, and so darn tasty that you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful bites—you’ll be so glad you did!

Protein Brownie Bites Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

These Flourless Chocolate Protein Brownie Bites are a healthy, delicious alternative to traditional brownies. Made with ripe bananas, nut butter, protein powder, and cocoa, they offer a rich, fudgy texture and plenty of protein without any refined sugar or flour. Perfect for a guilt-free snack or dessert that satisfies chocolate cravings while supporting a nutritious lifestyle.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

½ cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder (about 2 scoops)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients

3 very ripe bananas
½ cup smooth peanut butter or almond butter

Optional Add-ins

Sprinkle of mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownie bites.
Mash Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir the peanut butter into the mashed bananas until fully combined and creamy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Add the protein powder and cocoa powder to the banana mixture. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and even in color.
Prepare Muffin Tin: Place 8 silicone baking cups into a muffin tin to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
Fill Baking Cups: Evenly divide the batter among the silicone cups, filling each one.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of each brownie bite for added texture and chocolate bursts (optional).
Bake: Bake the brownie bites in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the tops are set and look firm.
Cool and Serve: Allow the brownie bites to cool completely in the baking cups before removing. They will firm up as they cool, making them easier to handle.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
Silicone baking cups make removal easier and reduce the need for greasing.
You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or other nut butters as preferred.
Mini chocolate chips are optional but add a pleasing texture and extra chocolate flavor.
Store cooled brownie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
These brownies are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as written.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American