If you’re a fan of baking but want to mix things up a bit, these Vanilla Chickpea Blondies are going to become your new favorite treat! I know what you’re thinking chickpeas in dessert? But trust me, they add the perfect texture and flavor that will leave everyone guessing what the secret ingredient is! Plus, they’re flourless, easily adaptable for vegan and gluten-free diets, and packed with protein. You won’t believe how delicious they are!
Method
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is essential because you want the oven to be at the right temperature when you place the blondies inside, ensuring they bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, you can prepare everything else for the batter.
Prepare the Batter
Next, take a food processor or a high-powered blender and add all the ingredients, except the chocolate chips. This includes the chickpeas, vanilla protein powder, nut butter, liquid sweetener, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Blitz the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This step is important because the chickpeas will blend into a batter-like consistency, creating a light and fluffy base for your blondies. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor if necessary, to ensure everything gets blended together evenly.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Once your batter is smooth, it’s time to fold in half of the chocolate chips. This adds the perfect gooey, melty texture and little pockets of chocolate throughout the blondies. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold the chips into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed, but don’t overmix. This ensures that you maintain that perfect, soft texture in the batter.
Transfer to Tray
Now that your batter is ready, take your lined baking tray and pour the mixture into it. Use the back of your spoon or spatula to spread the batter out evenly across the tray, ensuring it’s level and fills the corners. Once the batter is evenly spread, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top. This will give the blondies a delightful chocolatey finish once baked.
Bake It
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You can check if the blondies are done by inserting a toothpick into the center if it comes out clean, they’re ready! The top should be golden brown, and the edges might pull slightly away from the sides of the tray. If you notice the edges getting too brown too quickly, feel free to cover the tray loosely with some foil to prevent burning.
Cool and Slice
Once the blondies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tray for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling period allows them to set and firm up a little. If you slice them too soon, they might crumble, so be patient! After they’ve cooled, carefully remove the blondies from the tray and cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size.
Necessary Tools
- Food processor or blender
- Baking tray (lined with parchment paper)
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven
VANILLA CHICKPEA BLONDIES
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
1 tin of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (or any flavor you prefer)
65g nut butter (I used almond, but peanut works too!)
5 tbsp liquid sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or agave)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
60g chocolate chips (or more if you love that chocolatey goodness!)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare the batter. Place all the ingredients, except the chocolate chips, into a food processor and blitz until smooth. You want it to be creamy and combined no lumps!
- Fold in the chocolate chips. Once your mixture is smooth, mix in half of the chocolate chips for extra gooeyness.
- Transfer to tray. Pour the mixture into your lined baking tray and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top to add that extra touch of sweetness.
- Bake it. Pop the tray in the oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is slightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool down before slicing them into squares.
Notes
- Do not overmix. Once you’ve blended the ingredients, be careful not to overmix or the blondies can become too dense. Blitz until smooth, and that’s it!
- Oven Variability. All ovens are different, so check on your blondies a few minutes before the suggested time. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning while they finish baking.
- Cool before slicing. It’s tempting to slice them right out of the oven, but these blondies firm up a bit as they cool, making them easier to cut into perfect squares.
Serving Suggestions
These blondies are great for a snack, dessert, or even a pre-workout bite! Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat, or serve with a warm cup of tea for a cozy evening. They also make the perfect on-the-go snack for busy mornings.
Fun Fact
Did you know that chickpeas have been used for thousands of years in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines? They’re not only delicious but also super nutritious, making them a fantastic ingredient for baking. Who knew chickpeas could be turned into something so sweet?
Conclusion
These Vanilla Chickpea Blondies are the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent! They’re easy to make, packed with protein, and will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds). Whether you’re craving a sweet snack, prepping for the week ahead, or just looking for a fun new recipe to try, these blondies won’t disappoint. Happy baking!
