A festive treat with a healthy twist – these Christmas tree protein brownies are the perfect healthier treat if you’re looking for something tasty, but not overly indulgent. They’re no-bake, easy to make and taste so good!
There’s no doubt that Christmas is a time of indulgence. There are so many treats around everywhere you go. It’s always a challenge to eat healthy with so many temptations around.
Of course there’s absolutely nothing wrong in indulging, I would never encourage abstaining from yummy food, especially during a period when many of us socialise with family, friends and work colleagues. However, some of us (myself included) find that the indulging often starts early December and doesn’t end until early January. That’s a whole month!
Every Christmas I try to come up with healthier recipes, especially desserts, since they’re the ones we tend to overdo around this time of year. I try to make better-for-you desserts (usually chocolate based, because what’s Christmas without chocolate, right?) that also taste good. So I feel like I’m indulging without going overboard.
The cold weather doesn’t help either when it comes to making healthier choices. I seem to want to eat a lot more around this time – it’s almost as if my body is trying to get me to eat more as a way to help create more energy to keep me warm and cosy. Plus the shorter, gloomier days have me wanting to reach out for chocolate and biscuits (my two weaknesses!).
Why I love making these Christmas tree protein brownies:
I’ve been using protein powder for years in my healthy treats, desserts and snacks to help bump up my protein intake. I make it a point to consciously ensure I’m getting enough protein in my daily diet, especially now I’m in my 30s. When you’re younger, you can pretty much eat anything and your body will be able to bounce back and not be affected much. Eventually it catches up to you. I’ve reached that point now where my body needs extra TLC and nourishment to feel at its best.
Not only are these Christmas tree protein brownies nourishing and tasty, they’re also so cute! All you need is a Christmas shaped cookie cutter to cute out the brownies. I also coated them in dark chocolate for extra decadence, but of course you don’t have to if you want an even healthier/low sugar version. I decorated them with a few sprinkles to make them look more like a Christmas tree. As well as a snack, they would also make a really fun treat for any fitness enthusiasts in your family/friend circle.
You only need 7 ingredients to make them and they also happen to be no-bake, so they’re really easy to put together. All you need to do is mix everything in a bowl, shape into tree, then coat in chocolate. That’s it!
They also happen to be vegan and gluten-free, so a great option if you’re making them for someone with allergies/intolerances to dairy and/or gluten. I used my favourite protein powder from Bulk. Their gourmet vegan protein powder is the best vegan protein powder I’ve tasted so far, and I’ve tasted a fair few over the years.
What you need to make these Christmas tree protein brownies:
Protein powder – my favourite is Bulk gourmet vegan protein. I used the chocolate flavour, but vanilla protein powder will also work.
Cocoa powder – to add a more rich chocolate taste as well as more antioxidants – use a 100% cocoa or cacao powder, not drinking cocoa.
Peanut butter – this is what makes these brownies fudgy and delicious! Peanuts, and by extension peanut butter, are a great source of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Nut butters are also a great source of energy, making it the perfect addition to protein bars.
Milk – I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk will work.
Maple syrup – I only used 3 tbsp to add a little more sweetness and to help the bars hold together. You can use a sugar-free syrup alternative if you prefer a lower sugar option.
Dark chocolate – I always use 70% or above, not only because it’s better for you, but I LOVE the taste of dark chocolate so much more than milk chocolate. It’s so much richer, luxurious and satisfying in my opinion.
How to make these Christmas tree protein brownies:
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Mix the peanut butter, maple syrup and milk in a large bowl.
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Add the protein powder and cocoa and mix to form a smooth dough.
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Roll out into a dough between two pieces of baking paper to your preferred thickness. Use Christmas tree cookie cutters to cut out Christmas tree shaped brownies.
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Freeze for 30-60 minutes, then top with the melted chocolate. Freeze again for around 10 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
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Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
These Christmas tree protein brownies:
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- No-bake
- Easy to make
- Call for only a handful of ingredients
- Made with wholesome ingredients
- Great for meal prepping
- Great as a snack
- Great as a healthier dessert
- A great way to satisfy your sweet/chocolate cravings
- Packed with healthy fats
- A great source of protein (10g per brownie)
- Super delicious!
Christmas Tree Protein Brownies
Ingredients
- 70g protein powder I use Bulk chocolate gourmet vegan protein
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 170g peanut butter I use Bulk smooth peanut butter
- 5 tbsp milk of choice
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
For the chocolate topping
- 100g dark chocolate I use 70% chocolate
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Mix the peanut butter, maple syrup and milk in a large bowl.
- Add the protein powder and cocoa and mix to form a smooth dough.
- Roll out between two pieces of baking paper to your preferred thickness. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out Christmas tree shapes. Freeze for 30-60 minutes
- Break up the dark chocolate into a heat-proof bowl and add the coconut oil. Melt in the microwave, then drizzle on top of the chilled brownies ensuring the sides are covered.
- Freeze again for around 10 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
Notes
Nutrition
Can i make it without protein powder?
Hi! You can use ground oats instead of protein powder. You may need to adjust the quantities a bit as I’m not sure exactly how much to use to get the same texture unless I test it myself.
Such a lovely treat and cute idea. Wish I could upload a picture here of the way they’ve turned out! Love them
Love your protein recipes. Thank you for sharing yet another great one!!!! 😀