Peanut Butter Protein Brownie Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a brownie you can feel great about eating any time of day, meet your new obsession: the Peanut Butter Protein Brownie. This irresistibly fudgy treat is packed with rich chocolate-y flavor, a creamy swirl of peanut butter, just the right hit of sweetness, and a hidden punch of protein to keep you satisfied. It’s everything you love about a classic brownie but lighter, gluten-free, and ready in a snap. Whether you’re after a healthier dessert or crave a post-workout snack that tastes like pure indulgence, this Peanut Butter Protein Brownie delivers big on both taste and nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Peanut Butter Protein Brownie pulls double-duty—bringing major flavor, gorgeous texture, and a boost of nutrition. No fancy supermarket runs required! Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus a quick tip on why each is essential.
- Peanut Butter (1/2 cup, natural): Use the creamy, natural kind for the smoothest base and deep, nutty notes in every bite.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (1/4 cup): These natural sweeteners add a subtle caramel flavor and keep things refined sugar-free.
- Eggs (2 large): The secret to a perfectly moist, rich crumb and structure in your brownies.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/4 cup): Bold chocolate flavor with zero added sugar or fillers—just pure brownie bliss.
- Protein Powder (1/4 cup, chocolate or vanilla): Adds body and boosts the protein; use your favorite for a custom touch.
- Baking Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Lends just enough lift so your brownies have that magical, soft chew.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes the peanut butter and chocolate flavors pop.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall aroma and rounds out the flavors so every bite satisfies.
- Milk (2 tablespoons, dairy or non-dairy): Keeps the batter silky and perfectly moist once baked.
- Dark Chocolate Chips (2 tablespoons, optional): For gooey, melty pools of chocolate that make these brownies absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Peanut Butter Protein Brownie
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grabbing a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a small square baking dish. Line it with parchment paper—the easiest hack for mess-free brownies that lift out perfectly every single time. This little prep step makes a world of difference!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the natural peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. You want this mixture to be super smooth and glossy, so don’t rush it—this is the foundation of our moist and tender Peanut Butter Protein Brownie. If your peanut butter is a bit thick, a quick zap in the microwave helps it blend seamlessly.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now, add in the cocoa powder, your chosen protein powder, baking powder, salt, and milk. Stir everything together until fully combined. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want for perfectly fudgy brownies. If you’re using chocolate chips (and who could blame you?), fold them in gently at the end for little pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
Step 4: Pour and Smooth
Scoop the brownie batter into your lined pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Take a moment to smooth the top—this helps the Peanut Butter Protein Brownie bake up with a gorgeous, even surface and helps those chocolate chips nestle in just right.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, but keep a close eye after the 18-minute mark. The center should be just set, and a toothpick inserted will come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). If you love extra fudgy brownies, pull them a minute early and let them cool in the fridge for an even denser, more decadent texture.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This sets the texture and makes them a breeze to slice into tidy squares or classic rectangles. Trust me, the wait is totally worth it for clean, picture-worthy Peanut Butter Protein Brownie slices!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Protein Brownie
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cocoa powder or a scatter of extra chocolate chips on top amps up the visual appeal in seconds. For a sweet crunch, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even some chopped roasted peanuts. If you want to make these even more special for a party, a drizzle of warm peanut butter or melted chocolate takes them over the top.
Side Dishes
While these brownies shine on their own, they’re heavenly with a scoop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream on the side. Add a handful of fresh berries for a burst of color and a little tang, or pair with a tall glass of milk (dairy or non-dairy) for a wholesome snack that feels completely indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Peanut Butter Protein Brownie into fun shapes with cookie cutters—hearts or stars are especially crowd-pleasing for celebrations. Stack squares in a parfait glass with layers of yogurt and berries for a high-protein dessert, or wrap individual portions in parchment paper for grab-and-go lunchbox treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any brownie leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They stay moist and soft, making them easy to tuck into a lunch bag or enjoy as a quick snack anytime the craving hits.
Freezing
For longer storage, these brownies freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap them tightly in parchment or plastic wrap, pop into a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a healthy treat in a hurry.
Reheating
If you prefer your Peanut Butter Protein Brownie warm and gooey, just microwave a square for 10–15 seconds on high. This brings back the melty chocolate chips and makes every bite taste freshly baked—perfect for a cozy evening snack.
FAQs
Can I use almond butter or another nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Almond butter or cashew butter both work beautifully (just stick with unsweetened varieties), although the flavor will change slightly. The texture and protein punch will stay the same, so don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite.
What type Dessert
You can use either chocolate or vanilla-flavored protein powder for this recipe. Whey and plant-based protein powders both work well—just be mindful of added sweeteners and flavors, which can affect the final taste.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Look for the center to be just set and the edges to pull away slightly from the pan. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs (but not runny batter) for that ideal fudgy texture.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely—simply double the ingredient amounts and bake in an 8×8-inch pan. You may need to add an extra few minutes to the bake time, so be sure to check for doneness as described above.
Is this recipe gluten-free and can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! As written, the Peanut Butter Protein Brownie is naturally gluten-free, as long as your protein powder is gluten-free as well. For a dairy-free option, choose a dairy-free milk and a plant-based protein powder.
Final Thoughts
The Peanut Butter Protein Brownie isn’t just a treat—it’s a little celebration of chocolate, peanut butter, and satisfying protein all in one. If you’ve been looking for a brownie that fits a balanced lifestyle without sacrificing dessert joy, give this recipe a try and taste just how delicious “healthy” can be. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your batch with someone you love!
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Peanut Butter Protein Brownie Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a guilt-free treat with these Peanut Butter Protein Brownies. Packed with protein and rich peanut butter flavor, these brownies are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan or small square baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the cocoa powder, protein powder, baking powder, salt, and milk, stirring until fully combined.
- Optional: Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the center is just set.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan before slicing.
Notes
- For a fudgier texture, underbake slightly and refrigerate before serving.
- Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
