Amazing Chickpea Blondies

I have been using chickpeas a lot lately.  They are such a mild flavoured, nutrition-packed, versatile bean – I love how they hold their shape in savory meals and how easy they are to bake with. This vegan Amazing Chickpea Blondie recipe is no exception. You would never guess that the main ingredient in these moist and delicious blondies are chickpeas! These are a fabulous, delicious and nutritious healthy treat!   

Chickpeas are a rich source of plant-based protein and fiber, they contain folate, iron, manganese, and heart healthy magnesium and potassium. Chickpeas are low on the glycemic index to support blood sugar control.  

All-natural peanut butter is a good source of Vit E, B3 and B6, manganese, magnesium and copper which to support immune health. The oleic acid fat in peanut butter supports and maintains healthy cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Peanut butter is high in calories so eat it in moderation.

Oats are a nutrient dense, gluten free whole grain, high in fiber and higher amounts of protein than other grains. Oats are a rich source of manganese, phosphorous and thiamin (VitB1).

Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. It can reduce bad cholesterol (LCL) and triglycerides, balances blood sugar and research is being done to show that cinnamon supports brain health and reduces cognition decline.

As always, when you make this recipe, I would love to see your creation so please post a photo of your Amazing Chickpea Blondies goodness and tag my IG account #RenataCollective or leave a comment with your thoughts!

Prep Time: 10 minutes / Cook Time: 35 minutes / Makes: 16 Squares

Ingredients

  • 1 540ml Can Chickpeas – drained and rinsed – save the liquid to make Mousse au Chocolat!

  • ¼ Cup All-Natural Peanut Butter – smooth or crunchy, your choice, make sure it is runny. Alternate: almond butter or another nut butter as long as it’s runny. 

  • ½ Cup Brown Sugar – Alternate: Coconut Sugar

  • ¼ Cup Maple Syrup

  • 1½ teaspoons Vanilla

  • 1/3 Cup Oat Flour – grind oats in your food processor until a flour consistency (Alternate: regular flour or gluten free flour)

  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder

  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

  • ½ Cup Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (with a few to sprinkle on top) (Alternate: butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips or some of each!)

How It’s Made

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.

  • Line an 8” square pan with parchment paper.

  • Add the chickpeas, peanut butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, oat flour, baking powder and cinnamon to your food processor and whirl until smooth.

  • Carefully remove the food processor blade and with a spatula scrape off any batter sticking to the blades.

  • Stir in the chocolate chips.

  • Spread the batter into the parchment paper lined pan. Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top and pat them down gently with the spatula to have them stick to the batter.

  • Bake for 35 minutes.

  • Remove from the oven and let cool completely.  

  • Cut into 16 squares.

Enjoy!

Variations

  • Swap chopped dates or chopped dried apricots for the chocolate chips.

  • Reduce the amount of chocolate chips to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup caramel or peanut butter chips.

  • Add 1/4 cup chopped slivered almonds to the batter and a few sprinkled on top as garnish.

Baked Goods, Cookies, Dessert, Gift giving, Gluten Free, Healthy eating, Snacks, VeganRenata RichardsonAmazing Chickpea Blondies, FIber, Digestion Support, gut health, immune support, plant based protein, Blood sugar management, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterialComment