Save to Pinterest Discover a delicious twist on classic brownies with these Pumpkin Workout Brownies, rich and fudgy with the natural sweetness and moisture of pumpkin puree. Enhanced with protein powder, they make the perfect gluten-free, dairy-free snack or post-workout treat that satisfies your chocolate cravings while fueling your body.
Save to Pinterest These brownies blend wholesome ingredients without compromising on indulgence. The pumpkin puree keeps them moist and adds a fall-inspired touch, while almond butter (or a seed butter alternative) provides richness and healthy fats. Baking them just right ensures a dense, fudgy bite that's enhanced after chilling overnight.
Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree
- 2/3 cup almond butter (or allergy-friendly substitute such as sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Dry Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (regular or a mix of regular and Dutch process)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or keto-friendly substitute for low carb)
- 3 tbsp chocolate protein powder (or additional cocoa powder if preferred)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven and prepare pan.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- 2. Warm the nut or seed butter.
- If using almond butter or another nut/seed butter, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until easily stirrable.
- 3. Combine wet ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, warmed nut or seed butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- 4. Add dry ingredients.
- Add the cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate protein powder (or additional cocoa), salt, and pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Stir thoroughly until the batter is completely smooth and uniform.
- 5. Spread batter into pan.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- 6. Bake brownies.
- Bake on the center rack for 20–25 minutes. For extra fudgy brownies, bake closer to 20 minutes. The brownies will appear underbaked when removed from the oven.
- 7. Cool and chill.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Loosely cover with a paper towel and refrigerate overnight to firm up and enhance flavor and sweetness.
- 8. Slice and serve.
- Cut into 9–12 squares. Frost as desired, or enjoy plain.
- 9. Store leftovers.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2–3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Brownies can be enjoyed straight from the freezer.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Warm the nut or seed butter gently to ensure smooth mixing without overheating. Baking time is key to texture: remove brownies when still slightly underbaked for a more fudgy bite. Refrigerating overnight improves texture and flavor, making these brownies even more irresistible.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make these brownies nut-free, replace almond butter with sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter. Add dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture. For a low-carb option, use a sugar substitute and omit or substitute the protein powder. Customize the spice by adjusting pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to taste.
Serviervorschläge
Enjoy these brownies plain or topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter for extra creaminess. They also pair well with fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt to highlight their rich chocolate flavor.
Save to Pinterest With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, these Pumpkin Workout Brownies offer a healthful way to indulge your chocolate cravings. Whether as a post-workout snack or a cozy dessert, their rich flavor and moist texture make them a go-to treat all year round.
Common Questions
- → How do I make the brownies fudgy?
Baking for closer to 20 minutes and chilling overnight helps achieve a fudgy and moist texture.
- → Can I substitute almond butter for a nut-free alternative?
Yes, sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter are excellent nut-free alternatives that retain creaminess.
- → What are the best protein powder options to use?
Chocolate protein powder complements cocoa well, but additional cocoa powder works if preferred or if avoiding protein powders.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store in the refrigerator for 2–3 days or freeze up to one month to maintain freshness and flavor.
- → Can I adjust sweetness or spice levels?
Use sugar substitutes for lower carb versions and experiment with pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to suit your taste.