Can I use vanilla protein powder in brownies?

Yes, you can. Vanilla protein powder works well if you’re going for a more cake-like brownie or pairing it with nut-based ingredients. Just keep in mind: vanilla can sometimes overpower chocolate, especially if it's sweetened with stevia or monk fruit. To balance that, reduce other sweeteners slightly and boost the cocoa powder by a tablespoon or two. It’s all about restoring that deep, fudgy flavor profile.

What if my protein brownies turn out too dry?

This is the most common issue, and thankfully, easy to fix. If your brownies come out dry, the protein powder likely soaked up too much moisture during baking. Try cutting the bake time by 3–5 minutes, lowering the oven temperature slightly, or adding an extra egg or ¼ cup of Greek yogurt next time. Moisture-rich mix-ins like nut butter, mashed banana, or cottage cheese (just like in this 3-ingredient bread ) make a huge difference.

Can I mix plant-based and dairy protein powders when baking?

You can, and it’s a smart strategy. Combining plant and dairy proteins balances out moisture and improves texture. For example, mixing whey isolate with a smooth pea protein like Nuzest results in a more even, cake-like brownie that still holds together well. Just be sure to mix thoroughly, and expect a slightly longer bake time as the blend absorbs differently than single-source powders.

Do protein brownies need to be stored differently?

Yes. Because they contain dairy or plant proteins that continue to firm up after baking, protein brownies are best once cooled completely and stored in the fridge. This helps set their texture and keeps them fresh for 3–5 days. You can also freeze them individually and microwave when needed, just like meal-prepping with cowboy beans or other batch-friendly meals.

Best Protein Powder for Brownies: 3 Reliable Picks That Work

Name: Best Protein Powder for Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 9 brownies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (Orgain, Nuzest, or Dymatize Casein); 1/4 cup almond flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey; 1/4 cup mashed banana or Greek yogurt; 1 egg (or flax egg); 2 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2–3 tbsp almond milk (as needed)

Description

These fudgy protein brownies are rich, chewy, and made without the chalky texture you often get from protein powder baking. They’re packed with clean ingredients, high in protein, and perfect for anyone who wants a dessert that fuels and satisfies.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (Orgain, Nuzest, or Dymatize Casein)

1/4 cup almond flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tbsp maple syrup or honey

1/4 cup mashed banana or Greek yogurt

1 egg (or flax egg)

2 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

2–3 tbsp almond milk (as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a small 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together protein powder, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, mix mashed banana or Greek yogurt, almond butter, egg, maple syrup, vanilla, and 2 tbsp almond milk.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir until smooth and thick. If too dry, add 1 more tbsp almond milk.

5. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.

6. Bake for 16–18 minutes. Edges should be set, center slightly soft.

7. Remove and let cool completely in the pan.

8. Optional: refrigerate for 2 hours for a denser, fudgy texture.

9. Slice and serve chilled or at room temp.

Notes

Use Dymatize Casein for the fudgiest texture.

For a plant-based version, use Nuzest or Orgain with a flax egg.

Store in the fridge for 3–5 days or freeze individually wrapped portions.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 145
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 95mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: best protein powder for brownies, protein dessert, high-protein brownies, fudgy brownies, casein brownies