Who knew that a blondies recipe could be easy, delicious, and secretly healthy? These chickpea blondies are made using chickpeas, which add protein and fiber to create a healthy and sweet dessert. Plus, each bite of this healthy chickpea dessert is filled with chocolate chips! Need I say more?
Even better, this recipe can be easily adapted to make vegan chickpea blondies and gluten-free chickpea blondies. Keep reading to learn more.
Why should you try chickpea desserts?
I love sneaking nutrient-dense foods into my dessert recipes, and these chickpea blondies are no exception.
Chickpeas provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. According to the USDA, a half-cup (125 g) serving of chickpeas provides the following:
- Energy: 120 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Iron: 8% of DV
- Potassium: 4% of DV
Chickpeas are a rich source of fiber, with approximately 4 grams of dietary fiber in a half-cup serving. They are also an excellent source of plant-based protein.
The combination of protein and fiber found in chickpeas may keep you feeling full and satisfied. This is because protein and fiber work together in the GI tract to slow digestion, thereby helping you feel fuller for longer.
In fact, the filling effects of the protein and fiber in chickpeas may help you lower your daily calorie intake without even trying.
A study from 2017 examined the impact of chickpeas on appetite and calorie intake among 12 healthy women at two separate meals. The participants ate a cup of chickpeas before one meal and two slices of white bread before the second meal. Based on the results, the women had a significant reduction in appetite and calorie intake after the chickpea meal in comparison to the white bread meal.
Another study found that individuals who ate an average of 104 grams (or about half a cup) of chickpeas daily for 12 weeks reported feeling fuller and eating less junk food compared to when they did not consume chickpeas.
More research is needed to better explore the role that chickpeas may have on appetite. However, they are certainly a great addition to any diet. So why not sneak some chickpeas into your desserts?
What do you need to make healthy chickpea blondies?
All that you need to make healthy chickpea blondies are:
- One can of chickpeas: Be sure to drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to help remove some of the “bean” flavors
- Whole wheat flour: Try oat flour for a gluten-free chickpea blondie*
- Peanut butter: Need a nut-free option? Replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter
- Eggs: See below for how to make a vegan chickpea blondies
- Vanilla extract
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
*I made these chickpea blondies using whole wheat flour to help maintain the structure of the blondie. Did you know that gluten is a protein found in certain grains that helps to lend shape and texture to baked goods?
I have also made these blondies using gluten-free oat flour as an alternative. The taste is the same, but the oat flour blondies tend to crumble more easily. However, the oat flour blondies make an excellent alternative for those interested in a gluten-free dessert.
Are you looking for vegan chickpea blondies?
This recipe can be easily adapted to fit with a vegan lifestyle. To turn this recipe into vegan chickpea blondies, replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce and use your favorite brand of vegan chocolate chips.
There you have it! A yummy, healthy chickpea dessert recipe.
I would love to hear from you. What are some other chickpea dessert recipes that you love? Comment below and be sure to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest @biteoutoflife_nutrition
Chickpea Blondies
Ingredients
- 1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F
- Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper
- Transfer chickpeas, peanut butter, honey, egg, and vanilla extract to a food processor and puree until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Using a spoon, make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into prepared baking pan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool on a wire rack before cutting chickpea blondies into squares.
Notes:
Calories
134.99Fat (grams)
5.91Sat. Fat (grams)
2.11Carbs (grams)
19.13Fiber (grams)
2.46Net carbs
16.67Sugar (grams)
11.45Protein (grams)
3.83Sodium (milligrams)
169.81Cholesterol (grams)
11.63