These fudgy, gooey Protein Brownies with M&Ms are everything you want in a brownie, plus a little boost your body will love. They're made with coconut sugar, avocado oil, and a scoop of protein powder, so you can enjoy them without the guilt. I first made these on a random Tuesday when I was craving something chocolatey but didn't want to feel sluggish afterward, and they hit the spot perfectly.
The mini M&Ms on top add pops of color and sweetness that remind me of the Strawberry Shortcake Cookies I make when I want something fun and fruity, or the rich texture of Lemon Gooey Butter Cake when I'm in the mood for something indulgent but not too heavy.
Why You'll Love This Protein Brownies with M&Ms
These Protein Brownies with M&Ms come together in about 30 minutes, and you don't need any fancy equipment. Just a couple of bowls, a whisk, and an 8x8 pan. The batter is simple to mix, and the hardest part is waiting for them to cool before you slice into them (though I won't judge if you sneak a warm piece). They're soft, deeply chocolatey, and just sweet enough. The espresso powder adds a subtle depth without making them taste like coffee, and the mini M&Ms give each bite a fun little crunch. If you're looking for other easy treats that come together quickly, you might also love these Peanut Butter Granola Bars or the delicate sweetness of Apricot Tarts.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Protein Brownies with M&Ms
- Protein Brownies with M&Ms Ingredients
- How to Make Protein Brownies with M&Ms
- Equipment For Protein Brownies with M&Ms
- How to Store These Protein Brownies with M&Ms
- Substitutions and Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- What Makes These Protein Brownies with M&Ms So Good
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Protein Brownies with M&Ms
Protein Brownies with M&Ms Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these healthy Protein Brownies with M&Ms.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure and keeps the brownies tender. You can swap in King Arthur Measure for Measure GF flour if you need a gluten-free version.
- Chocolate whey protein: Adds a protein boost without drying out the batter. The chocolate flavor blends right in with the cocoa.
- Cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor and gives the brownies that rich, dark color.
- Espresso powder: Enhances the chocolate without adding a coffee taste. It just makes everything taste more chocolatey.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted into the batter for extra fudginess and richness. Let them cool to room temperature before mixing.
- Avocado oil: Keeps the brownies moist and adds healthy fats. It's neutral in flavor, so it won't compete with the chocolate.
- Coconut sugar: An unrefined sweetener that adds a subtle caramel note. It keeps the brownies a little healthier without sacrificing sweetness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture. Make sure they're at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds warmth.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavor pop.
- Mini M&Ms: Sprinkled on top for color, crunch, and a little extra fun in every bite.
- Cooking spray: Keeps the brownies from sticking to the pan. Avocado oil spray works great.
How to Make Protein Brownies with M&Ms
Follow these steps to make the best fudgy Protein Brownies with M&Ms.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready when your batter is mixed.
Prepare the pan: Line the bottom of an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper, then spray the whole pan lightly with cooking spray. This makes it easy to lift the brownies out later.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, protein powder, cocoa powder, and espresso powder until everything is evenly combined and there are no lumps.
Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir, then continue heating in 30-second bursts, stirring between each one, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Let it cool to room temperature so it doesn't cook the eggs later.
Combine the wet base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate, avocado oil, and coconut sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Add the eggs and vanilla: Stir in the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well until everything is fully incorporated and the batter looks silky.
Fold in the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a silicone spatula or sturdy wooden spoon. Mix until just combined and you don't see any streaks of flour.
Pour and top: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the mini M&Ms over the top, pressing them in just slightly so they stay put.
Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should look set, and the center might still seem a little soft.
Cool completely: Let the brownies cool in the pan before slicing. This helps them set up and makes cutting cleaner squares much easier.
Equipment For Protein Brownies with M&Ms
- 8x8 baking dish: The right size for thick, fudgy brownies.
- Parchment paper: Makes removing the brownies from the pan super easy.
How to Store These Protein Brownies with M&Ms
Keep leftover Protein Brownies with M&Ms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They'll stay soft and fudgy. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend like King Arthur Measure for Measure if you need gluten-free brownies.
- Protein powder: You can use vanilla whey protein or even plant-based protein powder. The flavor might be slightly different, but it'll still work.
- Coconut sugar: Swap in brown sugar or regular granulated sugar if that's what you have on hand.
- Avocado oil: Try melted coconut oil or vegetable oil instead.
- M&Ms: Use chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Protein Brownies with M&Ms are great on their own, but they're even better with a few simple additions. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a cozy dessert. A drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter adds extra richness and protein. You can also enjoy them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. They're perfect for an afternoon snack or a post-workout treat when you need something sweet and satisfying.
Expert Tips
- Let the chocolate cool: If you add hot melted chocolate to the eggs, they'll scramble. Give it a few minutes to cool down first.
- Don't overmix: Fold the dry ingredients in gently. Overmixing can make the brownies tough instead of fudgy.
- Use room temperature eggs: They blend more easily and create a smoother batter.
- Check early: Ovens vary, so start checking around the 23-minute mark. You want the center to be just set, not overbaked.
- Press the M&Ms in lightly: This keeps them from rolling off or sinking too deep into the batter.
What Makes These Protein Brownies with M&Ms So Good
I'll be honest, Protein Brownies with M&Ms can sometimes taste like cardboard. But these? They're genuinely fudgy. The whey protein blends right into the batter without making things dry or chalky, and the melted chocolate keeps everything soft and rich. You'd never guess they're packed with better-for-you ingredients.
FAQ
Can M&M's be added to brownies?
Yes, absolutely. Mini M&Ms work best because they don't sink too much and they add little bursts of color and crunch. Sprinkle them on top before baking, and they'll stay pretty and colorful.
Can I put protein powder in my brownies?
You can. Whey protein works really well in brownies because it blends smoothly and doesn't dry them out too much. Just make sure not to use too much, or the texture can get a little dense.
Do you put M&M's on brownies before or after baking?
Put them on before baking. That way, they stick to the top and get just slightly melted, which makes them look bakery-perfect. If you add them after, they'll just sit on top and might roll off.
Are brownie M&M's discontinued in the UK?
Protein Brownies with M&Ms were a limited edition flavor in some places and may not always be available. If you can't find them, regular mini M&Ms work just as well in this recipe and give you the same fun pops of color and chocolate.
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Pairing
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Protein Brownies with M&Ms
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray the pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, protein powder, cocoa powder, and espresso powder until fully combined.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute. Stir and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate, avocado oil, and coconut sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the dry ingredients using a silicone spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with mini M&Ms.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
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