Remember those Cosmic Brownies from your childhood? The fudgy, chocolatey squares studded with colorful candy “chips” that transported you straight to outer space with every bite?
Well, I recently recreated those nostalgic treats in mini-batch skillet form (check out that recipe if you haven’t already!). But this time, I wanted to take things in a slightly different direction. Enter: the no-bake, protein-packed, mini-batch Cosmic Brownie Protein Bars!
Now, let’s be real. These aren’t going to be an exact replica of those iconic brownies. And no, I didn’t use those mini candy sprinkles this time around (I was fresh out and not about to make another grocery store run!). But these little bars still hit the spot, and they’re packed with protein and wholesome ingredients to keep you feeling satisfied and energized.
Here’s the lowdown on these cosmic creations:
- No-bake bliss: No oven required! These bars come together in minutes, making them perfect for a quick and easy snack or dessert.
- Protein power: Thanks to the addition of protein powder, these bars offer a boost of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Mini-batch magic: This recipe makes just three bars, so you can enjoy a treat without the temptation of leftovers.
These mini-batch Cosmic Brownie Protein Bars are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your health goals. They’re quick, easy, and delicious, and they’re sure to become a new favorite in your snack rotation.
So go ahead, give them a try! You might just find yourself reaching for these cosmic creations instead of those processed, sugar-laden snacks. And hey, if you do happen to have those iconic sprinkles on hand, feel free to add them in for an extra touch of nostalgia!
Let me know what you think!
Mini-batch Cosmic Brownie Protein Bars
Equipment
- Mini loaf pan or muffin pan
Ingredients
Brownie Protein Bar Dough
- 2 tbsp nut/seed butter (32 g)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (21 g)
- 1/4 cup plant-based protein powder (30 g) try whey/casein protein at own risk, or oat flour if you don't have protein
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (6 g) adjust to desired level of darkness
- 1-2 tbsp (nut) milk (30 g) I used unsweetened almond milk
Chocolate ganache and sprinkles
- 1 tbsp chocolate chips (15 g) vegan if desired
- 1 tbsp nut/seed butter (16 g)
- 1 tbsp sprinkles (12 g) I used mini M&Ms because why not
Instructions
- In a large bowl add nut butter, maple syrup, cocoa powder and stir until no cocoa clumps remain (microwaving for 10 seconds can help loosen up your nut butter).
- Add protein powder and milk 1 tsp at a time, stirring to combine into a homogenous non-sticky bar dough. How much milk you need will depend on your nut butter and protein powder. Press the bar dough into your pan.
- In a small bowl add chocolate and nut butter. Microwave 30 sec at a time and stir until all chocolate has melted. Spread the chocolate coating on the bars evenly. Sprinkle with sprinkles. Freeze or refrigerate 20-30 min to set.
- If frozen, thaw a few minutes before enjoying. Keep them refrigerated or frozen!
Notes
- I have not tried this recipe with whey protein so try it at your own risk. I used Orgain, Aloha and other plant-based protein powders of all kinds, and they all work beautifully! Use my ALOHA referral link to save on their products: https://aloha.com/MINIBATCH
- If keeping them frozen thaw them for a few minutes before taking a bite!
- If you don’t have protein powder on hand, use oat flour instead and maybe some additional sweetener, vanilla, salt.
- Here are the 3.75 x 5 inch pans I like to use for my mini-batch bar recipes. You can use any small pan and slice differently, or use muffin tins and make 4 single-serving cups.