Muscle-Building Chocolate Protein Brownie Bites

Serves 6 · 10 min prep · 14 min cook

Ingredients

• 2 scoops (about 60 g) chocolate protein powder
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 3/4 cup cottage cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 pinch pinch of salt

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly coat with nonstick spray so the bites release cleanly.
2. 2Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend on high until completely smooth and creamy with no curds remaining, about 30–45 seconds.
3. 3Crack the eggs into the blended cottage cheese, then add the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Blend again just until the wet mixture is uniform.
4. 4In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt until no streaks of powder remain.
5. 5Pour the wet cottage-cheese mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until a thick, glossy batter forms; avoid overmixing so the bites stay tender.
6. 6Fold in most of the dark chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping, distributing them evenly through the batter.
7. 7Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each three-quarters full. Press the reserved chocolate chips lightly onto the tops.
8. 8Bake for 12–14 minutes until the tops look set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs; do not overbake or they will dry.
9. 9Remove the tin from the oven and let the bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes so they firm up, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. 10Cool completely before storing. Enjoy warm for fudgy texture or chill for meal-prep protein snacks that support muscle goals.