If we’re starting the new year with fresh energy, I’ve put a resolution on my list that should hopefully keep both my waistline and my taste buds happy: more protein on my plate.
You already know that I can’t give up those little sweet moments throughout the day (yes, plural, because there are quite a few of them 😅), so my challenge was to turn dessert into something that could work a little better with my gym routine.
And when I say “protein dessert”, the star ingredient is, inevitably, protein powder. I have to admit, our relationship has been a complicated one; we simply don’t get along in shakes or smoothies 🫣. So lately, I’ve been finding better ways to sneak it into desserts instead.
And since I’m a self-confessed chocolate addict, it was only a matter of time before my experiment led me to protein banana brownies made with fresh farmer cheese, cocoa, and chocolate.
After quite a few attempts, I finally arrived at the version I liked best, and you’ll find the recipe below. These brownies are flourless and made without added sugar, with a good amount of protein and simple ingredients.
But before you get started, there’s one thing I want to mention about the texture, because it’s important to know what to expect.
These are not classic fudgy brownies that are very moist and almost creamy in the center. This version has a dense, compact texture, with a fairly pronounced fresh farmer cheese and chocolate flavor. Personally, that’s exactly what I like about them, but I don’t want you to expect the texture of a classic brownie. 😊
Why You Should Try This Recipe
First of all, because it’s a simple protein dessert for those moments when you’re craving something sweet and chocolatey.
Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and flavor, cocoa and chocolate bring that intense chocolate taste, while the fresh farmer cheese and protein powder contribute to the dense texture and protein content.
I also love that you don’t need any fancy ingredients or have to spend too much time in the kitchen.
In short, these protein banana brownies are:
- flourless;
- made without added sugar;
- high in protein;
- rich in chocolate and fresh farmer cheese flavor;
- easy to make;
- perfect for keeping in the fridge for a few days.
A Few Helpful Tips for Perfect Protein Banana Brownies
Use ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful they’ll be. This is especially important in a recipe made without added sugar.
So, if you have a few bananas that have started to develop brown spots, don’t throw them away. They’re perfect for this recipe. 😁
Choose your protein powder according to your preference. I used vanilla-flavored protein powder, but you can also use chocolate-flavored protein powder. Just keep in mind that protein powders can vary quite a bit in taste and sweetness, which can affect the final result.
Don’t overbake the brownies. Even if they still look slightly soft when you take them out of the oven, they will firm up as they cool. If you leave them in the oven for too long, the texture can become dry.
Let the brownies cool before slicing. I know it’s hard to be patient when the whole kitchen smells like chocolate 😅, but allowing them to cool helps the texture set and makes them much easier to slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these protein banana brownies sugar-free?
They contain no added sugar. Most of the sweetness comes from the ripe bananas, while the chocolate also contributes to the total amount of sugar in the recipe.
Can I use a different protein powder?
Yes. You can use either vanilla or chocolate protein powder. Since protein powders can vary in taste and sweetness, the final result may be slightly different.
Why are these protein brownies so dense?
That’s simply the texture of this particular recipe. The fresh farmer cheese, bananas, and protein powder all contribute to the dense, compact consistency. These brownies are not meant to have the fudgy texture of a classic brownie.
How should I store the protein banana brownies?
Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. I actually like them even more after they’ve been chilled for a few hours, when the texture becomes even denser.
How much protein is in one serving?
One serving contains approximately 9.6 g of protein and 115 calories, depending on the ingredients used. The nutritional values may vary, especially depending on the protein powder and chocolate.
More No-Added-Sugar Recipes
If you want to try more healthy recipes made without added sugar, take a look at:
Healthy Sugar-Free Wafer Cake Recipe
Easy No-Bake Healthy Brownie Bites with Sea Salt
Apple Pie Without Refined Sugar
Apple Oat Bread, No Added Sugar
High-Protein Banana Brownies – Flourless & No Added Sugar Recipe
9
servings10
minutes25
minutes115
kcal9.6
g8.7
g4.2
gProtein banana brownies made without flour or added sugar, with an intense chocolate flavor and a dense texture. A simple and delicious option for a high-protein dessert.
Ingredients
- For a small baking pan (18 cm×18 cm / 7×7 inches)
2 ripe bananas (mashed)
2 whole eggs
160 g low-fat fresh farmer cheese (0.5% fat, like Hochland)
40 g unsweetened cocoa powder
60 g vanilla protein powder (like Go On Nutrition)
1 vial of vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon of high-quality vanilla extract)
1 pinch of salt
50 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa, chopped or chips for the topping)
Directions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend for a few minutes, until smooth and well combined.
- Add 40 g of chopped chocolate or chocolate chips and gently mix until incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining 10 g of chocolate on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25–28 minutes. Be careful not to overbake, as the center should remain slightly moist.