These low sugar protein brownies are a delicious and low-fat way to enjoy a chocolat-y treat! Gluten-free and nut-free without any added protein powder!
No protein powder needed!
How abouts another chocolate recipe??
When this pregnancy began, I had zero cravings for chocolate. Now, it seems I can't get enough of the stuff, so I'm creating recipes left and right with it!
These high protein brownies are my latest Frankenstein, yielding around four grams of protein per bar and just under five grams of sugar.
I love having a higher amount of protein in my treats, as it seems to help balance my blood sugar a bit better. It also creates a more filling and satisfying treat, as opposed to a high carb sugar bomb!
As I've written before, I love to eat my treats mid-afternoon. I find it fuels my afternoon workout and helps me avoid any bloating, pre-bedtime.
Also, if I eat chocolate at night, it seems to keep me wired, thus interfering with good sleep.
Generally, good sleep eludes me, so I need all the help I can get (hellllllloooooo chamomile tea and copious amounts of magnesium...).
Why no protein powder?
Initially, I had three egg whites in this recipe, as opposed to the below egg plus one egg white. I dislike wasting the yolks, so I've found the written combination to work better for me (I save the one yolk for these cookie bars).
If you prefer the three egg whites, that works as well, though it only adds 0.1 grams of extra protein. Oats and plain yogurt are also significant sources of natural protein.
I avoid protein powders like the plague because 1) I find them heavily processed, 2) they give me digestive trouble, and 3) they mess with my head.
In short, protein powders are high in glutamine, and anything high in glutamine/glutamate can cause various issues in those prone to depression and anxiety, such as myself. (See this article or this one also Dr. Blaylock's book Excitotoxins is a good resource!)
I have no beef with those who use powders (my hubby is all about them!), but for those of you looking for a more natural alternative, I hope you try (and like!) these yummy brownies!
Protein Brownies
Ingredients
DRY INGREDIENTS:
- ½ cup quick oats
- ⅓ cup oat flour
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp sea salt
WET INGREDIENTS:
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg white
- ¾ cup applesauce
- ½ cup plain yogurt (I use full-fat)
- ½ cup milk of your choice
- 1 (heaping) Tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla
- stevia to taste (I use about 20 drops)
- chopped chocolate or chocolate chips as desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix the wet ingredients in a separate medium bowl.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir until well combined.
- Add stevia to your taste.
- Pour the batter into a well-oiled 8 x 8 inch baking dish.
- Top with chocolate, as desired.
- Bake 22-26 minutes or until top is springy to the touch.
- Cool completely for best cutting!
Notes
Nutrition
Notes:
I like to use my Homemade Coconut Milk in this recipe, as it adds a natural sweetness.
This is the stevia I like to use.
Some of the items I use in this recipe include:
Shared with: Busy Monday
Aarah
I used Greek yogurt. Do you think this was a mistake? Lol. I haven’t tried them yet.
Lauren
The biggest issue is that Greek yogurt is thicker than regular and may dry up the brownie a bit. I'm not sure if you already made them, but you could add a bit of water to compensate.
Jeannette
These look great! Instead of Stevia would Monk Fruit work?
Lauren
I'm not sure, as I haven't tried. I would imagine it would though, I just can't guess on the amount.
Jeannette
Hi There, Would it work to sub Monk Fruit Granulated Sweetener for the Stevia?
Laura
These protein brownies look great. I love adding protein to a sweet recipe to help balance the impact it has. I'm not a fan of protein powders either but I do have eggs because I raise chickens!
Lauren
Thanks Laura! We all love eggs here too (except for Jade, whom I'm hoping will GROW to love them, lol). 🙂