Craving a guilt-free treat that actually tastes good? You’ve found it with these Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies. These surprisingly delicious blondies are packed with protein and fiber, making them a perfect healthy chickpea recipe for any time you need a sweet fix.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Canned Chickpeas: Essential for the texture and nutritional boost. No substitutes here!
- Nut Butter: Creamy peanut butter or almond butter works best.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Chocolate Chips: Use your favorite dark or semi-sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup creamy nut butter (peanut or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, plus more for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 9
- Tools needed: Food processor, 8×8 inch baking pan, parchment paper.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Blend the Base Ingredients
Combine the rinsed chickpeas, nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
3. Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Transfer the smooth batter to a medium bowl. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips with a spatula. You want them distributed throughout the batter without overmixing.
4. Bake Your Blondies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if you like. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
5. Cool and Serve
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. This allows them to firm up and makes them easier to cut. Slice into squares and enjoy your healthy chickpea recipe treat!
Variation Ideas:
- Add a handful of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) for extra crunch.
- Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm spice flavor.
- Top with a sprinkle of sea salt before baking to enhance the chocolate.
- Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to a month; just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you taste the chickpeas? No, the chickpeas are completely masked by the other flavors and blend into a smooth texture.
- Are these blondies gluten-free? Yes, if you use gluten-free nut butter and chocolate chips, these blondies are naturally gluten-free.
- Can you make these blondies refined sugar-free? Absolutely. Maple syrup is a natural, unrefined sweetener.
- Do you need a food processor? A powerful blender might work, but a food processor is highly recommended for achieving the smoothest batter.
- Can you use homemade nut butter? Yes, homemade nut butter works wonderfully, just ensure it’s smooth and creamy.
- What if the blondies are too soft? They will firm up considerably as they cool. Make sure they are fully cooled before cutting.