Recipe: Peppermint Swirl Protein Brownies

Makes 9 brownies, one square 7" pan

Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural applesauce (222g)
• 1/3 cup almond butter (80g)
• 1 cup natural chocolate whey protein powder (104g)
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder (11g) (or cocoa powder)
• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar (36g)
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt (0.6ml)
• 1/4 cup vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder (23g)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (28g)
• 1/4 teaspoon alcohol-free peppermint extract (1.2ml)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325F (163C).
2. Line a 7" square (or similarly sized) pan with parchment paper (if not using silicone).
3. Mix applesauce and almond butter well.
4. Add chocolate whey, cacao powder, coconut sugar, and sea salt. Mix well.
5. Pour batter into pan, and set aside.
6. In a small bowl, mix remaining ingredients until smooth.
7. Spoon peppermint batter onto brownie batter, and swirl with the back side of a knife.
8. Bake for 16-18 minutes (just until firm).
9. Let cool slightly.
10. Cut into 9 brownies, and enjoy!
11. Store in the refrigerator.

Notes:  A note about substitutions: Because each type of protein powder has a distinct flavor and texture when baked, I would not try substituting different types of protein powders in this recipe. If you'd like to use stevia in place of the coconut sugar, you'd save yourself a couple of grams of carbs per brownie.  And remember not to over-bake these brownies!

Stats Per Brownie

Protein: 12g
Carbs: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g
Fat: 6g
Calories: 147

Recipe created by Andréa's Protein Cakery: www.proteincakery.com