If you’re craving chocolate but want to stay on track with your fitness goals, these high-protein brownies are your perfect treat. Soft, fudgy, and deeply chocolatey, they’re made with wholesome ingredients and extra protein to keep you energized and satisfied. Perfect for post-workout snacks, meal prep, or guilt-free desserts!

🧂 Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    Gives deep chocolate flavor; use high-quality cocoa for the best taste.
  • ½ cup chocolate or vanilla protein powder
    Whey, casein, or a plant-based blend all work—each affects texture slightly.
  • ½ cup oat flour or almond flour
    Oat flour gives a chewier brownie, while almond flour makes it richer and more tender.
  • 3 large eggs
    Adds protein and binds the ingredients.
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or full-fat)
    Adds moisture, protein, and creaminess without extra oil.
  • ¼ cup sweetener (granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or zero-calorie substitute)
    Adjust sweetness to taste; protein powders vary in sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil)
    Improves texture and flavor; adds richness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • Pinch of salt
    Balances sweetness and brings out depth of flavor.

🍫 Optional Add-Ins

  • 2–3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts (for texture)
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder (for richer chocolate flavor)
  • A handful of fresh raspberries or peanut butter swirl for a fun twist

🍳 Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
  • Whisk or spatula
  • 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan
  • Parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray
  • Cooling rack

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan lightly with butter or spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
    • Cocoa powder
    • Protein powder
    • Oat or almond flour
    • Salt
  2. Stir until evenly mixed and no lumps remain.
    Tip: Sifting the cocoa powder first helps prevent dry clumps in the batter.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
    • Eggs
    • Greek yogurt
    • Sweetener
    • Melted butter
    • Vanilla extract
  2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

  1. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula or whisk.
  2. Stir gently until fully combined—don’t overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.
    The batter will be thick but spreadable.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay—this means they’re fudgy!).
  3. Avoid overbaking, as protein-based brownies can dry out quickly.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

  1. Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  2. Once fully cooled, slice into 9–12 squares.
  3. For a cleaner cut, chill the brownies in the fridge for 15 minutes before slicing.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

  • Serve warm with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or protein ice cream on top.
  • Add a drizzle of natural peanut butter or melted dark chocolate for an extra treat.
  • Crumble one into a smoothie bowl or yogurt parfait for a decadent, high-protein crunch.

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep

  • Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate: Keeps well for up to 1 week—perfect for weekly meal prep.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual brownies and freeze up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature or microwave for 20 seconds.

⚡ Nutrition Benefits (Approx. per brownie)

(For 9 brownies; may vary by protein powder)

  • Calories: ~130–160
  • Protein: 10–14g
  • Carbs: 10–12g
  • Fat: 5–7g

💡 Tips for Success

  • Texture control: For fudgier brownies, bake slightly less time; for cakier brownies, bake an extra 2–3 minutes.
  • Protein powder type matters: Whey gives a lighter texture; casein or plant-based protein creates a denser, chewier brownie.
  • Moisture boost: If batter seems too thick, add 2 tablespoons of milk or water before baking.

🍫 Bonus Variation Ideas

  • Mocha Brownies: Add 1 tablespoon espresso powder and ¼ cup mini chocolate chips.
  • Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop small spoonfuls of peanut butter on top before baking, then swirl gently with a knife.
  • Mint-Chocolate Protein Brownies: Use chocolate-mint protein powder and add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract.