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Delicious protein boosted brownies that are the perfect combo of a cakey outside and a rich fudgy center. And, it’s your lucky day — this chocolatey goodness comes together minutes!
Almost 6 years ago, I tweaked a delicious brownie recipe to test out a digital cooking scale I was reviewing. The brownies were the perfect texture. Not too chewy. Not too cakey. Just perfect!
My ideal brownie has almost a fudge-like center but kind of cake-like on the outside and these fit the bill. Dense brownies aren’t my thing.
I want melt in your mouth goodness!
Since these days I’m trying to add more protein and fewer carbs to the foods I eat, a change to this recipe was in order. To boost the protein in these homemade brownies I added TB12 Plant-Based Protein.
Just one scoop of this protein powder has 24g of protein so just by using this instead of all cocoa powder each brownie has an extra 3 grams of protein. Not too shabby!
Plus we also lessened the carbs by using zero calories and zero net carbs sweeteners. Next time, I am considering almost using an almond flour mixture to lessen the carbs even more!
My favorite thing about these brownies is that they still taste great even if you don’t gobble them all up the first day (which is hard not to do). Everyone loved them!
A Little About TB12 Plant-Based Protein
TB12 is Trom Brady’s organization whose goal is to help people perform their very best (physically and mentally) through top nutrition and training. They believe you should fuel your body the right way and so they developed a clean plant-based protein powder.
TB12 Plant-Based Protein is great for post-workout recovery or just as a daily protein supplement. It’s made right here in the USA from sustainably grown pea crops.
To me, mixed with water TB12 Plant-Based Protein has a very creamy texture and a taste that I thought would blend well with baked goods. Or, even a milkshake!
I love that a serving only has 1 net carb making it easily low carb and keto friendly.
That’s right it has no sugar in it which in my opinion made it a great candidate for these homemade brownies.
To me, it was the perfect choice for this recipe because the chocolate TB12 Plant-Based Protein just has pea protein, cocoa, and some other natural ingredients. You get the great chocolate taste with great nutrition. That’s a win in my book!
Homemade Brownies with Pea Protein
Homemade Brownies with Plant-Based Protein
Delicious protein boosted brownies that are cakey on the outside with a rich fudgy center. This chocolatey goodness comes together minutes!
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup butter melted
- 1 cup zero calorie white sugar
- 1 cup zero calorie brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Chocolate TB12 Plant-Based Protein
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- chocolate chips optional
Chocolate Frosting
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup zero calorie confectioners sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Brownies
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 13 baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a large saucepan, melt 1 cup butter. Remove from heat and let cool. Stir in white sugar and 2 tsp vanilla extract. Lightly beat eggs in a separate bowl and stir into mixture until just combined.
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Fold in the remaining dry ingredients for the brownie batter. Scoop batter into the pan and level. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Frosting
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Combine all ingredients and stir until smooth with a fork. Glaze the brownies as soon as they come out of the oven. If using, sprinkle with chocolate chips. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Be careful not to overbake or overmix!
Why Plant-Based Protein?
Peas are rich in lysine, arginine and many other vitamins and minerals with very little carbs, fats, or calories.
A study has shown that pea protein actually promoted muscle growth as effectively as whey protein when both protein powders were paired with a resistance training plan.
Plus plant-based protein is environmentally friendly! They require fewer resources to produce and create less waste than animal-based proteins.
Have you tried a plant-based protein yet?
Well, if you havent now is the time! Click HERE and enter in discount code PBP10 to get 10% off your order. Have a healthy day!
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
4 Hidden Home Improvement Costs You Aren’t Aware Of
“Every day is another chance to get stronger, to eat better, to live healthier, and to be the best version of you.”
You had me at chocolate so I am interested. Do they really taste like brownies though?
Yes, they taste just like a brownie! It doesn’t give it a weird protein powder taste at all and I’m picky when it comes to that taste. Everyone in my house loved these!
I consume protein powder 1 – 2 times a day, as I am a fitness instructor and runner. This plant based protein powder looks amazing, and the recipe for brownies looks so yummy. I will be pinning this recipe.
The recipe is delicious! I bet you probably could use all protein powder if you wanted 😉
I don’t eat much sweets but do love brownies. Would never had thought to use plant based protein.
These brownies are great for a treat and the extra protein gives you a little boost too.
This is a great idea, good if you are wanting something different from a protein shake, I add protein in my oatmeal too.
I’ve never added extra protein to oatmeal before. What a great idea!
I love the idea of making my own protein brownie bites! The prepackaged ones are pricey.
That’s very true! These taste great and are more economical.
sounds good!
I would totally try this protein powder in a milkshake! I would eat the brownies too though! haha
Both sound like great ways to use this protein powder!
I love brownies, but I am not a fan of protein powder or any powder for that matter. I feel like they change the taste of foods and beverages. I prefer box mix brownies and cakes, not even homemade.
Seriously, you can’t taste the protein powder in these. I wouldn’t like them if I could. My whole house is super picky and they loved these.
I think it’s about time brownies started working for us too!! I love plant based protein.
This is a tasty way to add more protein to brownies!
I think this recipe sounds and looks good. Very healthy way to serve good protien brownies to kids who like sugar.
Extra protein is great IMO. My son doesn’t eat that much meat since he’s super picky. He’s more of a pasta guy lol.
These brownies sound amazing. Is there an aftertaste with artificial sweeteners? I wish there was an alternative to make things taste great without raising my blood sugars.
Sometimes no-calorie sweeteners leave a cooling sensation but I didn’t notice that with these. It might be best to do part real sugar and part fake if you are worried about blood sugar and taste.
I love fudgy brownies. I think cakey brownies are pointless; just eat chocolate cake! 🙂
Haha, that’s so true!! Fudgey is the best kind of brownie!!
My daughter and I mostly use Plant-Based Proteins. She is vegan so that is all she will use. But I do want to try these brownies!
You will love TB12 then and they taste amazing in these brownies!
These brownies look amazing. I’d love to give this recipe a try.
Please try it! I love these brownies 🙂
Ok, so this sounds great. I have added protein powders to smoothies but have never thought about baking with it. I will definitely try the brownies!
I can’t do shakes too well because of the taste but by baking them it’s awesome!
I like the idea of brownies made with plant-based protein. I’ve never heard of them. Thanks for posting!
Adding plant-based protein to the mix is a great way to get extra protein in your brownies
I love brownies! These would be awesome. im trying to add lots of protein because I am not a meat lover.
These brownies would be perfect for you then!
These brownies look very delicious. I think they look a lot like fudge and I love fudge also. Might not taste that bad with chocolate protein powder. I would have to give it a try.
Seriously, you won’t notice the protein powder at all!
I really don’t use protein powder mostly because of the price it seems pretty expensive plus no one is bulking up and do all the stuff you are supposed to do for the protein powder.
I think of protein powder as a way to get an extra boost of protein, not its primary source.
I’m a little skeptical. Zero calorie sugar? Protein powde? I’m willing to give them a try!
I know what you mean but seriously these are awesome.
Sounds like a good idea to add to brownies.
Yep, extra protein never hurts!
Brownies are so simple but undeniably delicious. I tend to stick to classic recipes with real sugar, but I would consider adding some protein powder in.
You can totally use real sugar in this recipe too!
Those brownies look really good. I need to incorporate more protein in my diet. Thanks for posting!
Thanks, they are SO yummy!
This recipe sounds good. I love dark chocolate with chips brownies.
You can totally adjust these brownies to use dark chocolate.
Healthy brownies, what’s not to love! I definitely would try this!
You should try these brownies – they are amazing!
I think these look really delicious. I do think I need more protein as I am noticing some muscle loss as I age and everything is starting to go downhill..lol
Awe, just try to exercise and eat right. Aging sucks, though, I know 🙁
I am under the care of a dietician. I’ve been told to up my protein so I am really excited about this.
Ohh, well, you should def try this!! They are amazing brownies 🙂
Yum! I love the idea of a healthy brownie, I will definitely be making these very soon! I have never tried protein powder in baking before, what a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing!
It worked out very well!!
I had not heard of putting a protein powder into a brownie but it’s a great idea. I only like plant-based protein powders personally.
Well, this protein powder would be perfect for you then 🙂
I love gooey brownies. These look great. Plus a great way to add protein to my diet is always an extra plus.
These brownies were the perfect texture!
This recipe looks very tasty. I hadn’t heard of brownies with protein powder before.
It’s a tasty way to get extra protein!
Love this idea! Great way to get in some added protein & feed my chocolate cravings.
These brownies are perfect for that!! Really, they are SO good!!
Brownies are one of my favorite desserts. I think adding protein to them is a great idea.
You won’t be disappointed in these brownies then. They are awesome!
I have not tried to bake anything with plant based protein. After reading your review, I am considering it. I pinned this so I have the recipe for later. It makes sense that if I cook with protein and eat it, not only would I get filled faster, but I would stay filled longer. I also would get my chocolate fix and try to eat healthier, because I am a Diabetic.
Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe!!
I hope you like the recipe, Sue. It’s one of my favorites!
I’ve tried protein powder in shortcake but could never got them to rise properly. I would absolutely try these brownies.
I’ve never had protein powder in a cake. I’ll to try that sometime!
These look so moist and delicious. Whenever I make brownies, my husband eats them all. So, I don’t make them often since I would like to at least taste what I fix.
Sounds like you need to set yourself aside a little stash just for yourself!
These sound so good. I could really use some more plant based protein in my diet. I can’t wait to give these a try. Thank you so much for sharing
You will love these brownies! They are my new favorites 🙂
I make a brownie recipe made with black beans. They have a healthy serving of protein, so no protein power needed.
I’ve always been scared to try beans in desserts. Do you have a recipe for it?
I love brownies and am always looking for ways to add protein to my diet. I could def see myself eating these 🙂
Trust me, you’ll want to eat these brownies. They are so good!
I can’t wait to try these. Since I have basically cut out sugar from my diet I have lost 50 lbs. And I am always looking for desserts that taste great with no sugar. Thanks.
Congrats! It sounds like you are doing an awesome job losing weight.
I really like this idea. It makes brownies more of a pleasure and less of a guilty pleasure.
Haha, so true! We all could use extra protein I’m sure and this is a great way to do it 🙂
I have never used protien powder but it would be great for my grandson . He is a picky eater and i worry that he gets enough protien
Well, this is a great way to sneak in more protein into something I’m sure he loves!
If it’s chocolate it’s all good! The plant based protein powder looks awesome. The only brownies I’ve ever made came from a box
You can totally make this – it’s easy!
if these brownies taste half as good as they look then I am all for plant based. I like my chocolate and these look so good
They truly taste amazing!
I would love to make this at home and I would like my mother and my sister to make this at home for me.
Your whole family will love these brownies!
I’ve used protein powder in brownies before as well. I should try that with my zucchini brownies. We grew tons of it, so now we’re putting zucchini in everything.
I haven’t tried zucchini brownies before. Can you taste the zucchini?
No you can’t taste the zucchini. I did make the mistake of adding zucchini to a box kind. It was not great. Too much moisture. There are lots of recipes online. I’ve tried quite a few that are good! This is one: https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/chocolate-chip-zucchini-brownies/
Thanks for the recipe! I’ll have to try it sometime and see if my boys notice.
These look awesome. I never use protein. I need to buy some everywhere is talking about it. It has great benefits
It def can’t hurt to add more protein to your diet!
Interesting.. I’ve never been one to pay attention to my diet or what I consume. Never had any interest in adding protein or anything else to my food/drinks. Now that I’m older, I’ve wanted to learn more about it. I’ve always had a wicked sweet tooth, so this is actually right up my alley. A brownie that’s actually good for you? Excellent!
I hear ya about the sweet tooth. This brownie will def help with that!
i like it but i can not eat it i m a enimic and diabetic and other medical issues
I’m sorry to hear about your medical issues!
I don’t eat breakfast or lunch usually. Protein shakes are my go to.
Do you have a favorite protein brand?
I have never tried anything with plant protein before. But these looked so good made me hungry. Most people have a mind hangup on using some products that they are not used ot.
It never hurts to try something new!
This sounds like a great idea to me. I need more protein in my diet and this would help me. These brownies look great
Thanks, you’ll love these brownies!
I love brownies and trying different recipes. I have never had protein powder but I want to try it.
What is currently your favorite brownie recipe?
I do like brownies of all descriptions, and my thoughts on protein powder are positive, although I like to eat more natural whenever possible. Thanks for sharing!
Natural is always a good way to go!
I’ve never tried protein powder, but I love brownies. But after finding my blood sugars have gotten too high, I’m always now looking for healthier ways to make things I like!
Using a sugar substitute can make these brownies diabetic-friendly!
my thoughts on pwer and brownies are that they are great sweet to eat snack. and have a delicious taste to them.
Brownies are a great sweet snack!
I love brownies and when I have time I make them from scratch but my children seem to like them just as well from a box.
Yeah, kids will eat anything sweet I think LOL
These brownies look so good. I wish I could get just 1 though so I do not eat them all.
Haha, I know what you mean. It can be hard to stop once you start cause they are THAT GOOD!
I like that you put protein powder into your brownies. I’m vegan, so in addition to meat alternatives, I use protein powder. I make oatmeal with rolled oats, unsweetened almond milk, nuts, fruit, and protein powder. It’s delicious and a simple way to get more protein. I’m definitely going to make these brownies now!
Adding protein powder to oatmeal is a great idea. I need to do that for my grandpa.
My body needs more protein. I can’t think of a better way to get it. I find that as I age I do not get enough. Thank you so much for sharing this product.
This is an excellent way to get more protein!
There is nothing like a gooey brownie. And just looking at this picture if somebody offered me one of these brownies I would take it and enjoy it. I have never used protein powder but I am more then willing to try it
Gooey brownies are the best!
When my sister was going thru cancer treatment we would put protein powder in many of the item that were made for her to eat. It helped. It helped my mother as she was recovering from serious heart health issues.
I’m sorry to hear about your family’s health issues!
I do use plant based protein powder each day. I would love to try TB12 Plant-Based Protein and I would be happy to make these brownies also.
So glad to hear you are a plant-based protein powder fan!
We love plant based protein at our house! I’ve never tried this brand and I’ve definitely never thought to make brownies with it! Such a great idea!! I’ll bet I could get my kids to eat them and add some extra protein in their diet.
Your kids would totally love these brownies!
These brownies look delicious, but it would depend on the taste. I’m a chocolate lover, and my favourite chocolate thing is a brownie.
These taste very chocolatey with none of that bad protein powder taste!
brownies are my favorite snack. i love protein powders too for todays fast paced lifestyle
What’s your favorite protein powder?
I’ve never thought about adding protein powder to baked goods. I do like brownies.
It’s the only way I really like protein powder – in baked goods lol.
Those brownies look yummy! I’ve never tried protein powder
You should try it – it’s great in these brownies!
These brownies sound great! I have never taken protein powder but my husband has when he was a member at the gym. I myself like protein bars and have one daily.
Which brand of protein bar do you like?
This recipe looks very tasty. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you very much! We adore these brownies!
I am always looking for recipes that incorporate protein power, and this looks amazing. I just ordered a huge tub of vegan protein powder the ther day, so I am excited to try this.
Protein powder goes great in these brownies