Oat Flour Protein Brownies

I will always be a firm advocate that all foods can fit into a #prettybalanced lifestyle and that sweets and treats are one of life’s true pleasures...especially when they involve brownies ;-). 

These brownies are made with oat flour, which you can easily make at home in a food processor or blender. Just take rolled oats and toss them into your food processor or blender until they form a flour-like consistency.

All you need is one bowl, some staple pantry ingredients, and patience to dig into a protein-rich sweet. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour (use gluten-free if desired)

• ½ cup chocolate protein powder

• ½ cup sugar (can sub coconut sugar, if desired)

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ cup coconut or canola oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs (can sub 2 flax or chia eggs)

• ½ cup chocolate chips plus more for on top (I used semi-sweet, but you can sub dark for a richer flavor or dairy-free if needed)

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

• Line an 8x8 baking ban with parchment paper.

• In a medium-large mixing bowl, add the flour, protein powder, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until evening mixed.

• Add the oil, vanilla extract, and eggs and mix until everything is evenly coated.

• Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

• Pour the contents into the lined 8x8 baking dish and spread out evenly (please note this will be thicker than your typical brownie batter).

• Top with a sprinkle of chocolate chips. 

• Place in the oven for 13-17 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean (mine was finished at 15).

• Let cool and cut into desired sizes.

• Savor and enjoy!