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Flavorful Spicy Protein Brownies Recipe with Tangy Pickled Onions

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These brownies combine a rich, fudgy chocolate base with a spicy kick and tangy pickled onions for a unique and delicious treat. Perfect for potlucks or a sweet yet savory snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (90g) almond flour
  • 1/2 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup (50g) vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, black peppercorns, and optional red chili flakes. Add thinly sliced red onions and toss well. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to a week.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, sift together almond flour, cocoa powder, protein powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and baking powder.
  4. In another bowl, beat eggs with maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy (about 2-3 minutes).
  5. Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer batter to prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  8. Let brownies cool completely in the pan (about 30 minutes) before cutting.
  9. Slice brownies into squares and top each piece with a spoonful of tangy pickled onions before serving.

Notes

If batter is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons almond milk to loosen. Use parchment paper for easy removal. Let pickled onions sit at least 30 minutes for best flavor. For vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based protein powder. Adjust spice level by reducing or omitting cayenne and chili flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy brownies, protein brownies, pickled onions, gluten-free dessert, healthy brownies, unique brownie recipe, tangy pickled onions, fudgy brownies