VIRAL CHICKPEA BLONDIES

I’m still shocked that you can’t taste the chickpeas!! These are next-level delicious—soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolatey goodness. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and loaded with protein. Perfect for a healthy treat or dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas – drained, rinsed, and thoroughly dried
1/3 cup nut butter of choice – almond, cashew, or peanut butter all work great!
1/2 cup pure maple syrup – for natural sweetness and moisture
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances the flavor beautifully
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – helps the blondies rise slightly
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – works alongside the baking powder for texture
Pinch of sea salt – balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors
1/3 cup almond flour – gives a soft, tender crumb
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips – plus extra for topping!

‍ Directions:

1️⃣ Prepare the Chickpeas
Start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas really well to remove any excess liquid and that canned flavor. Next, pat them completely dry using a paper towel or clean kitchen towel—this step is crucial to achieving the right texture!

2️⃣ Blend the Base
In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the chickpeas, nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. The batter should be thick and well combined.

3️⃣ Incorporate the Almond Flour
Add the almond flour to the blended mixture and blend again until fully incorporated. This helps to create the right consistency for baking!

4️⃣ Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, gently stir in the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5️⃣ Prepare for Baking
Line an 8”x8” baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal. Pour the batter into the dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

6️⃣ Add Extra Chocolate!
Sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top for an extra chocolatey finish.

7️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The blondies are done when the edges turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). I personally like baking mine for a full 30 minutes for the best texture!

8️⃣ Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, allow the blondies to cool for at least 20 minutes in the pan. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart when slicing.

9️⃣ Chill for the Best Texture
For an extra fudgy and chewy texture, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight. This step is optional but highly recommended!

Slice & Enjoy!
Once fully cooled, slice into squares and dig in! These blondies are best served chilled, but you can also enjoy them at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.