These protein brownie bites make it easy to satisfy your chocolate cravings without the added sugar! Each one is made with just 5 healthy ingredients and has 9 whopping grams of protein! You’ll want to stash them in the freezer for a sweet treat any time!
Table of Contents
Peanut Butter Protein Brownies
As a Registered Dietitian, I’m all about balance and believe in an 80/20 approach to healthy eating. If we eat well 80% of the time, we can enjoy life’s little pleasures the other 20%!
The good news is, these flourless protein brownie bites are so nutritious that they fit squarely into the 80% side of things. You’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth while sticking to your healthy lifestyle!
If you like this protein-packed treat, you’ll also love these Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites!
Why This Recipe is Dietitian-Approved
- There’s no added sugar because the brownie bites are naturally sweetened with bananas.
- Are super rich and fudgey, so they taste incredibly decadent (even though they’re not).
- Contain fiber, protein, and healthy fats, so they make a healthy snack or dessert option that will actually fill you up!
- Only contain 5 simple ingredients so they can be prepared in a pinch.
- Since they’re portion-controlled, they’re easy to freeze for a quick and easy grab and go snack. Perfect for busy families!
Ingredient Notes
- Very ripe bananas: This adds sweetness and a super moist texture, so make sure the bananas are fully brown.
- Smooth peanut butter: Choose your favorite nut butter. I prefer smooth peanut butter or almond butter.
- Protein powder: This is the “flour” of this recipe. I recommend using a vanilla or chocolate protein powder to add extra flavor and sweetness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For a rich, chocolaty flavor without extra sugar.
- Mini chocolate chips: These are entirely optional, but I like a little crunch and extra sweetness. You can use ones with less sugar or a stevia-sweetened version, if preferred.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium sized bowl, mash the bananas until smooth (it’s okay if there are still some lumps of banana). Mix the almond butter into the mashed bananas.
- Next, mix in the protein powder and cocoa powder until all ingredients are well combined.
- Arrange 8 silicone baking cups in a muffin tin. Using a spoon and spatula, divide mixture evenly between baking cups. Sprinkle the top of each one with a few chocolate chips.
- Bake the brownie cups for about 20 minutes or until cooked through. They will seem soft when they first come out of the oven but will firm up once fully cooled. Serve them at room temperature, cold or slightly warm.
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips:
- Use overripe bananas for this recipe since they’ll lend a sweeter flavor to the brownie bites.
- I love to make up a big batch of these flourless brownie bites using silicone baking cups which are awesome to bake with because they not only create the perfect portion-controlled brownie cup, BUT also, the brownies don’t stick! Nothing is worse than making up a batch of brownies and half of the brownie sticks to the pan.
- You can also blend all of the ingredients together in a food processor for a smoother brownie batter consistency.
- When these brownies first come out of the oven, they will seem quite soft and gooey. Once you allow them to fully cool, they will firm up.
Recipe FAQs
The last thing you want is to bite into your mini brownie bites and taste a dry, chalky flavor from the wrong protein powder! For these cups, I love using Good Protein powder. I’ve tried it with the vanilla and salted caramel flavors and it was equally delicious each time. This is a vegan protein powder brand, so it’s also great for those with dietary restrictions.
When it comes to baking with protein powder, I don’t typically recommend using whey protein powder as it can have a funny texture and flavor after baking. If you have another kind of protein powder on hand, give it a try and see how it tastes!
It can be kind of confusing to understand the different types of cocoa powder these days, but it’s really quite simple. You can use any type of cocoa powder, but make sure it is unsweetened. This is usually easy to find in the baking section of any grocery store. You can even try adding a little cacao powder for an extra boost of antioxidants!
Although this recipe does not contain any ingredients that need to be baked, you’ll get the best texture by baking the brownie batter in the oven for about 20 minutes. If you are looking for protein balls or something you can make without turning on the oven, try these Peanut Butter Energy Bites or my Peanut Butter Protein Bars.
Storage Guidelines
Once baked, these healthy protein brownie bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Optional Toppings
I normally top my mini protein brownies with dark chocolate chips, but that’s just the start!
These options taste great, too:
- Drizzle of peanut butter
- Sprinkle of sea salt
- Chopped nuts
- Freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries
- Fresh berries
Recipe Variations
- Make them nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Add extra nutrients: These little brownie bites can be a great way to add some extra fiber and fatty acids to your diet, too! Try adding up a tablespoon of chia seeds, ground flax seed, or hemp hearts.
- Change the shape: Instead of baking the batter in muffin cups, scoop it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. They’ll still have a fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor, but they’ll look more like muffin tops or protein cookies.
More Chocolate Treats
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Protein Brownie Bites
Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder (about 2 scoops)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
For topping
- Sprinkle of chocolate chips (we used mini) – optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium sized bowl, mash the bananas until smooth (it’s okay if there are still some lumps of banana). Mix the almond butter into the mashed bananas.
- Next, mix in the protein powder and cocoa powder until all ingredients are well combined.
- Arrange 8 silicone baking cups in a muffin tin. Using a spoon and spatula, divide mixture evenly between baking cups. Sprinkle the top of each one with a few chocolate chips.
- Bake the brownie cups for about 20 minutes or until cooked through. They will seem soft when they first come out of the oven but will firm up once fully cooled. Serve them at room temperature, cold or slightly warm.
Notes
-
- Use overripe bananas for this recipe since they’ll lend a sweeter flavor to the brownie bites.
-
- I love to use silicone baking cups which are awesome to bake with because they not only create the perfect portion-controlled brownie bite, but also, the brownies don’t stick!
-
- You can also blend all of the ingredients together in a food processor for a smoother brownie batter consistency.
-
- When these brownies first come out of the oven, they will seem quite soft and gooey. Once you allow them to fully cool, they will firm up.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in April 2018 and was updated in May 2024 to include more helpful tips and photos.
Farrah says
Yessss! You’re the best! 4 ingredient recipes are my jam and I’ve been meaning to try to use up my protein powder!! Can’t wait to try these out! They look so good!
Elysia Cartlidge says
Haha thanks Farrah! Glad I could provide some inspiration to use up your protein powder! Hope you enjoy!!!
Christina says
I love Arman’s recipes, and like that you baked these in individual-sized cups! Makes it easier to not eat half the batch in one sitting :D
Elysia Cartlidge says
Thanks Christina! Yes, he has some great recipes! I’m all about the silicone baking cups for portion control, portability and easier clean up! ;)
Jessica Levinson says
Love how easy it is to make these brownies! Even better that they’re a healthier option!
Elysia Cartlidge says
Thanks Jessica! It’s crazy how easy, healthy and delicious these brownies are!
Rachel says
Yummmm. These have my name all over them!
Elysia Cartlidge says
Thanks Rachel — you should seriously try them out!
Mikki says
MMM. Love simple and yummy recipes like this!! And it’s chocolate, so who doesn’t love that!! YUM!
Elysia Cartlidge says
Me too Mikki! And I’m with you on the chocolate…with chocolate, you really can’t go wrong ;)
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner says
Oh wow all over these! If I had any almond butter I would be making them right now
Elysia Cartlidge says
Thanks Deborah! You could always try subbing in another nut/seed butter if you don’t have almond butter on hand!
GiGi Eats says
The ingredients of this recipe make me think these brownies are gunna be SUPER MOIST, JUST the way I like em!! Sound delicious! I am starving right now, so this was not smart to read/look at right now LOL!
Elysia Cartlidge says
Oooh I LOVE my brownies moist too Gigi! Haha! I apologize if these brownies made you even more hungry ;)
Abbey Sharp says
only four ingredients?! I’m so intrigued. Awesome recipe :)
Elysia Cartlidge says
Yes Abbey…FOUR simple ingredients! So simple! Thanks for the feedback :)
rebecca says
I’m for anything chocolaty, these look delicious annnnnd I’m loving the strawberry hearts on top
Elysia Cartlidge says
Thanks Rebecca! The strawberries are totally optional, but super cute :)
Katie Uhran says
These would be amazing with the organic crunchy Power Fuel NuttZo!!! YUMMY!
Elysia Cartlidge says
Oooh that sounds interesting! Let me know if you try it out with the NuttZo!