Craving a sweet treat that aligns with your healthy baking recipes journey? These Chickpea Chocolate Chip Blondies offer a delicious, guilt-free indulgence, proving that healthy can be incredibly tasty. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how satisfying they are to eat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Canned Chickpeas: Rinsed and drained well. You can also use a homemade chickpea puree.
- Nut Butter: Almond butter or cashew butter work best. Peanut butter can be used but will alter the flavor slightly.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or agave nectar. Granulated sugar can be used, but adjust liquid slightly.
- Chocolate Chips: Use your favorite dark, semi-sweet, or dairy-free chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (about 1 ½ cups)
- ½ cup creamy nut butter
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 9
- Tools: Food processor, 8×8 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
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 blondie batter to a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the ½ cup of chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Avoid overmixing to keep the chips intact.
4. Bake Your Blondies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the extra chocolate chips on top if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool Before Slicing
Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven. Let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice them. This ensures they set properly and don’t crumble.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a handful of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) for extra crunch.
- Stir in orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for double chocolate blondies.
- Top with a sprinkle of sea salt before baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Chickpea Chocolate Chip Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze individual blondies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I taste the chickpeas in these blondies?
No, you won’t taste the chickpeas! When blended properly, they create a wonderfully creamy base and are completely masked by the other flavors, making these ideal healthy baking recipes.
Are these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free chocolate chips and ensure your nut butter doesn’t contain hidden gluten, these blondies are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a different sweetener?
You can use brown sugar or coconut sugar, but you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly for the right consistency. Start with a little less and add more if needed.
Why did my blondies come out crumbly?
This often happens if they are underbaked or not cooled completely before slicing. Make sure to bake until a toothpick comes out clean and allow them to cool fully.
Can I make these nut-free?
You can try using a seed butter, such as sunflower seed butter (SunButter), as a substitute for nut butter to make these blondies nut-free.
