Protein Brownies

Truth is, I really was making these up as I went along so I was expecting the worst when they came out of the oven but if i am 100% honest they came out A LOT better than I thought and I actually enjoyed them. The thing I would change next time I make them is to use a smaller baking tray and they came out very thin, but other than that I hope you try my recipe and enjoy them as much as possible.

-I wanted to make brownies but there is so much choice with different routes you can go down for example salted caramel brownies, oreo brownies, slutty brownies so I chose to go the other route and make a healthier option that has a lot of protein in because I’m always struggling to consume enough protein. (As a contact sport athlete I aim to consume roughly 20-30% of protein a day.)

-They have bananas in too, bananas are rich in fibre, antioxidants and several nutrients including vitamin C and potassium. This means that they help maintain blood sugar levels and the fibre and starch in them slows the stomach emptying which leaves you feeling full for a longer time.

-I chose dark chocolate but they will work just as well with milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is one of the best sources of antioxidants, therefore protecting you from diseases. It is also rich in iron which is important for the health and function of the blood.

*******Please don't let these 'health benefits' put you off barbecue the brownies themselves are still just a chewy and yummy******

Cost of the brownies: £1.45, assuming you already have protein powder and baking powder

20 mins prep, 20 mins baking time, plus cooling time, in total about 1 hour.

Makes 15 squares

INGREDIENTS:

¾ butter

¼ cup of peanut butter

200g dark chocolate

4 very ripe bananas, mashed

¼ cup cranberry juice

¼ tsb vanilla extract

¼ baking powder

2 scoops of protein powder (doesn’t have to be chocolate flavoured but mine is)

STEP BY STEP-

1) Pre-heat the oven to 190 degrees fan oven and line a baking tray with parchment paper

2) Melt the butter, peanut butter and 150g of the dark chocolate in a frying pan. (set the other 50g of chocolate aside.)

3) Pour the chocolate and butter mixture into a mixing bowl and add the mashed bananas, cranberry juice, vanilla extract, baking powder and protein powder. Mix together.

4) Cut the remaining 50g of dark chocolate into smaller chunks and fold into the mixture.

5) Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tin and bake in the oven for 20 minutes

6) When cooked, cool in the fridge until completely cooled. (I know it’s hard, but don’t be tempted to eat them straight away because you will ruin the gooey texture.)

7) Once completely cooled, cut into squares and enjoy for breakfast, dessert or a snack 😊

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

When it makes 15 squares

Calories carbohydrates protein fats

236 19g 5g 15g

If you would like to reduce the fat, don’t add the extra chocolate in or use almond butter.