Zucchini & Chocolate Chip Flourless Protein Brownies
These flourless protein brownies are fudgy, decadent and healthy. They're naturally gluten-free as well as vegan, no refined sugar and packed with zucchini!
One of my guilty pleasures used to be under baked boxed brownies. I loved how gooey they were, how sugary they were and how decadent they tasted.
I've since learned what's inside those mixes and honestly, not something I'd want to eat. Preservatives, refined flour, tons of sugar. Basically nothing healthy.
But that doesn't mean we still can't enjoy a decadently fudgy brownie from time to time. That's exactly why you need these Flourless Protein Brownies – they're everything you love about boxed brownies just without the crap!
Ingredients for these Flourless Protein Brownies
Making flourless brownies at home is actually pretty simple. We're using a base of banana, cashew butter and a flax egg which gives us fat, moisture, binding powder, and some sweetness. Then we added in some coconut sugar which is lower on the glycemic index than cane sugar, as well as raw cacao powder. That's our base.
When I first made this recipe, I left it at that. But the first batch came out a little too gooey for me. So I went back to the drawing board and the next time I added some protein powder.
That was just what it needed! The protein powder helped absorb a little bit more moisture and the texture was just what I wanted. Plus we get a little extra protein in there which is never a bad thing in my opinion!
Why Add Zucchini to Brownies?
Okay so we have our basic flourless protein brownie, but I figured why not kick it up a notch!?
Instead of just keeping them plain, we're also adding in some shredded zucchini and chocolate chips. The chocolate chips are self-explanatory (more chocolate is always better!), but the zucchini? That might seem a little strange…
But let me tell you, zucchini is awesome in brownies! And here's why:
- it adds a ton of moisture making them fudgier
- you get more fiber
- you can't taste them at all
- you're getting extra veggies
It's a no brainer in my eyes!
The Best Zucchini Brownies EVER!
So truly, these are the best zucchini brownies (aka flourless protein brownies) EVER! They're vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, made in just one bowl and use just 10 ingredients.
They're a cinch to make, they're totally decadent and yet still healthy!
One of those brownies that you never have to feel guilty about eating. Not that you should ever feel guilty about eating brownies, but still…these are just awesome every way you look at them!
More Vegan Gluten Free Brownie Recipes:
- Vegan Almond Butter Brownies
- Fudgy Salted Quinoa Brownies
- Vegan Quinoa Flour Brownies
- Healthy Raspberry Quinoa Brownies
- Peppermint Frosted Chickpea Brownies
- Healthy Vegan Nutella Brownies
Flourless Zucchini Protein Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cashew butter
- 1/2 cup mashed banana
- 1 flax egg
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 cup protein powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded zucchini , measured unpressed (3/4 cup pressed)
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºLine an 8x8 baking pan with parchment and grease the uncovered sides with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Add the cashew butter, banana, flax egg, and coconut sugar into a bowl. Beat until smooth. Stir in the cacao powder, protein powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Place the shredded zucchini in a clean dish towel and press out as much liquid as possible (do this over the link). Add the zucchini and chocolate chips into the bowl and fold them into the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared tin and bake for 30 - 35 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into squares and enjoying!*
Video
Notes
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Hi there, loving your recipes thank you. Just wondering what you think if I grind rolled oats into flour & use this instead of protein powder , if that would work????
You can try it! We have only tested this recipe as written so let us know how it turns out 🙂
I just made these with baking soda as per the written recipe, but the video says baking powder. Which one is correct? Thanks!
Oops! Baking powder. Just updated 🙂
Soooooooo good. Take it from someone who has a serious adiction to chocolate. These are delicious and they satisfy my chocolate cravings!
Woohoo!
OK, I just made my second batch of these in a little over a week and man they are seriously the most amazing fudgy and chocolatey brownies ever. I’m obsessed with this recipe. Thank you so much for all the amazing recipes! I’m learning so much with you Alyssa 🙂
Woohoo!! They’re honestly my favorite brownies EVER!
I made these last night and they’re honestly the most delicious brownies ever. They taste better than regular brownies!!! I used a regular egg, almond butter, and sugar since it’s what I had on hand and it worked just fine! Super rich and moist!
YUMMMM!! So glad you liked them, Lis!
SUCH a good idea! I’ve been using black beans to make brownies and though I LOVE the way they turn out, I find that it’s kinda a pain to work with the batter cuz it’s so thick and sticky. I’m gonna swap for zucchini next time 😍 thanks, Alyssa!
Keep me posted on how it works!!
These were delicious! We made a double batch (and ate half) and got rave reviews all around. We followed the recipe exactly – the only thing we added was a tsp of vanilla extract, which elevated the flavor to another level. Next time, we’ll try adding some chopped walnuts. Thanks for the recipe!
So glad you enjoyed!!!
The video on Instagram said almond butter, but the ingredient list says cashew butter. Can I use almond butter?
Sure can! You can use either 🙂
These are some of the best brownies I have ever had. Out of all of the brownies. Not just the “healthier” ones. Somehow we only have one left, so guess what I’m doing tonight? Baking a new batch. I have a problem ????????
P.S. Found you on Instagram ????
YAYYYY! So so happy you like them 🙂 xox
Just made the brownies and they are amazing! I replaced 1/4 of the coconut sugar with 1/4 more protein powder, since my bananas were quite ripe. Amazing! Also, I would suggest squeezing the zucchini over a wide cup, to drink it afterwards instead of spilling it. Vitamin A! 🙂
Yay! And love that idea for the zucchini “juice” 😉
Made these today … 🙁 don’t look as yummy or taste as yours . Replaced the nut butter for tahini. Quite strong in flavour and a little sponge in texture .
I think the tahini probably is why since it’s a strong flavor. If it’s a sweetness thing, it could also be the protein powder you use. Like I said in the post, these are VERY fudgy 🙂
The zucchini brownies recipe looks so delicious! Thank you for sharing! I live nut chunks in brownies. I wonder if throwing in some pecans or walnuts would hold up ok in this recipe.??
TOTALLY! That would be so so good 🙂
Can i use something other than protein powder? Perhaps almond flour? Or chickpea flour? Love the blogg. / sofia
Totally! I’d say chickpea flour would be best 🙂
How about oat flour? or is Protein powder and chickpea flour the way to go?
I haven’t tested it with oat flour, sorry! I think you’d have to make some adjustments though to the measurements, and since I haven’t tested it, I can’t be sure what they would be.
Could I use a chicken egg in place of the flax egg? And what do you think of strawberry pieces in place of chocolate chips?