If you're looking for a sweet treat that's both tasty and simple, you've come to the right place! Chickpea Chocolate Chip Blondies are a fun way to enjoy dessert without guilt. These blondies use chickpeas for a healthy twist, making them surprisingly delicious and packed with protein. I’ll show you how to whip up this easy recipe, perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the yummy details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy Indulgence: These blondies are a delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat while sneaking in some nutritious chickpeas!
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out the nut butter or add different mix-ins like dried fruit or seeds for a unique twist!
- Plant-Based Goodness: This recipe is not only vegan-friendly but packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a guilt-free treat.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you need for chickpea chocolate chip blondies:
- 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas, thoroughly rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or your choice of nut/seed butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (vegan option included)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if required)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
These ingredients blend to create a rich and delicious treat. Chickpeas add fiber and protein, making these blondies a bit healthier than regular ones. Almond butter gives a nice nutty flavor, while honey or maple syrup keeps them sweet and moist.
When choosing chocolate chips, pick the kind you love! You can even go for dairy-free options if you prefer. The rolled oats add a chewy texture. If you want some crunch, add chopped nuts.
Make sure you gather everything before you start. This way, you won’t miss a single item when you dive into the fun of baking. Enjoy the process, and get ready for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or using parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Rinse and drain the chickpeas from the can. Place them in a food processor. Add the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Blend these ingredients on high until the mix is smooth and creamy.
- Add the rolled oats into the food processor. Pulse briefly just until they mix in. Don't overmix; keeping some texture is important.
Final Mixing Steps
- Use a spatula to gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and any optional chopped nuts. Make sure they are spread evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly.
Baking and Cooling
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The blondies are done when the edges turn golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- After baking, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. This cooling time helps firm them up for easy slicing.
Tips & Tricks
Baking with Chickpeas
Rinsing and draining chickpeas is key. This step removes excess salt and liquid. It also helps the blondies taste better. If you skip this, the texture will be off. You want a smooth batter, not chunky.
To achieve the right batter consistency, blend well. Mix until the chickpeas are creamy. You want to avoid any lumps. A smooth base helps the blondies rise perfectly.
Enhancing Flavor and Texture
You can swap almond butter for other nut or seed butters. Peanut butter works well too. Sunflower seed butter is great for nut-free options. Each choice changes the flavor slightly, so pick your favorite.
For chocolate chips, consider dietary needs. Use dark chocolate for a rich taste. If you’re vegan, look for dairy-free chocolate chips. You can also use mini chips for more chocolate in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, cut the blondies into squares. For a great touch, top them with nut butter. A sprinkle of sea salt adds flair and balance.
Pair these blondies with a glass of milk or a warm drink. Hot cocoa or tea makes a perfect match. Enjoy your tasty treat with friends or family!
Pro Tips
- Chickpea Quality: Make sure to use high-quality chickpeas; if using canned, drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess salt and preservatives for a cleaner flavor.
- Nut Butter Choice: Experiment with different nut or seed butters to find your favorite flavor profile; each will impart a unique taste to the blondies.
- Texture Control: For a more textured blondie, pulse the oats less in the food processor; keeping some whole oats can add a delightful chew.
- Storing Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can add fun spices to change the taste of your blondies. Try a pinch of cinnamon for a warm flavor. Nutmeg also works well for a sweet touch. If you want more chocolate, use different chips. White chocolate or peanut butter chips can make it extra special. They blend so nicely with the chickpea base.
Dietary Variations
If you need a gluten-free option, swap rolled oats with gluten-free oats. This small change keeps the texture without gluten. To make it vegan, replace honey with maple syrup. This switch will give you a sweet flavor without any animal products.
Mix-ins and Add-ins
Get creative with mix-ins! You can add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a chewy bite. They also add a burst of flavor. If you like crunch, try adding seeds. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds work great. They give your blondies a nice texture and extra nutrition.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your chickpea chocolate chip blondies fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. They can last up to a week this way.
If you want longer storage, freezing is a great option. Cut the blondies into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Shelf-life Overview
Typically, chickpea chocolate chip blondies stay fresh for about a week in the fridge. To check if they have gone bad, look for mold or an off smell. If they feel dry or hard, it is best not to eat them. Enjoy your treats while they are still soft and tasty!
FAQs
Common Questions about Chickpea Chocolate Chip Blondies
Can I use another type of bean instead of chickpeas? Yes, you can use other beans. Black beans or white beans work well. They will change the taste a bit, but they will still be good.
How can I make these blondies nut-free? To make them nut-free, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. This swap keeps the flavor tasty and safe for those with nut allergies.
What is the nutritional information for one blondie? One blondie has about 120 calories. It also has 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. This makes them a healthy choice for a sweet treat.
Are these blondies suitable for kids? Yes, these blondies are great for kids. They are sweet, tasty, and packed with good stuff like chickpeas. Kids usually love chocolate, and these are no different!
How do I know when the blondies are fully baked? You can tell they are done when the edges turn golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
You can make delicious chickpea chocolate chip blondies with simple ingredients. We discussed the required items, preparation steps, and baking tips. Remember to rinse the chickpeas and choose the right nut butter for flavor. You can also try fun variations, like adding spices or different mix-ins. Store your blondies well to keep them fresh. Overall, these treats are great for everyone, even kids. Enjoy creating a tasty dessert that is also healthy!
