Protein Brownie Bites

Protein Brownie Bites are healthy, filling, have no refined sugar, and the perfect way to solve your 3 o'clock snack time dilemma. And using your favorite protein powder adds the extra boost to get you and the kids through the afternoon until dinner time.

What makes these brownies so healthy?

So, these bites have just a few simple ingredients, no preservatives, no refined sugar, and still pretty dang good. Banana, nut butter, and protein powder are all filling with a myriad of health benefits. Say goodbye to those prepackaged "healthy" snacks at $10 a pop.

Simple Ingredients for Protein Brownie Bites

• Bananas - Not only are these always on hand and very affordable, this is a perfect way to use up those last few that are overly ripe and my kids won't touch.

• Nut Butter - Use whatever you have on hand, but any kind will work- peanut, almond, sunflower etc.

• Cocoa Powder - Once again, a staple in most households and add the chocolate brownie flavor without all the sugar.
  
• Protein Powder - I'm going to be honest, I always have a half opened container of protein powder in the recesses of my cabinet that needs to be used. Any flavor can be used but chocolate is a sure fire way to make your bites chocolatey.
  
• Coconut Sugar - This is optional, but since I am usually making these as my kids afternoon snack I like to add it in for a slightly sweeter flavor. You can substitute maple syrup, agave, white sugar, monk fruit, or omit completely depending in dietary restrictions.

How to make Protein Brownie Bites

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a food processor blend all 5 ingredients until completely smooth. Quite possibly the easiest way to make a healthy snack, right?

Grease or line a cupcake pan and divide batter evenly into each cavity. It will be about ⅓ full.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set and center is not wiggly.

Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 3 minutes. Remove gently with a butter knife or fork and continue cooling on a cooling rack.

Enjoy hot or cooled.

These usually get eaten as soon as they are out of the oven, but if you happen to have a few leftovers, store in a airtight container on the counter for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Parent Hack— I sometimes add mini chocolate chips on top in order to be sure the kids will consume them. We all know they'll eat anything that looks or smells like chocolate. Of course I don't blame them. I'm the same.

Recipe variations

This recipe is a great starter and can be adjusted to your taste and for optimum health benefits. Here are a few ideas!

Add Chia Seeds — add one tablespoon of chia seeds to this recipe for added protein, nutrients and omega-3.

Add Oats — oats are delicious and easy way to add bulk and fiber, plus kids usually like oats. Add half a cup of oats right to the recipe and let them get chopped up in the food processor.