There's no denying the universal joy that dessert brings to the table. It's the grand finale to any meal, a sweet symphony that dances on our taste buds, reminding us of the simple pleasures in life. But what if I told you that indulging in your dessert cravings could also be healthy? That's what these Vegan Chickpea Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars are: healthy and crave worthy.
Chickpeas in Dessert
At first thought, the idea of chickpeas in a dessert might raise a few eyebrows. But these humble legumes are a revelation in disguise. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, chickpeas are a nutritional powerhouse that boosts energy and supports digestion. And the best part? When blended into these blondies, their taste is completely undetectable, masked by the rich, indulgent flavors we all crave. They are the perfect secret main ingredient that is incorporated into these blondies by the creamy tahini and nut butter.
Why Refined Sugar-Free
It’s no secret that refined sugar, while delicious, isn’t the best for our health, especially when consumed frequently. It can spike blood sugar levels, lead to weight gain, and even affect your mood. That’s why these chickpea blondies (and most of my desserts) are crafted without it. I think you can still get the sugar flavor with using refined-sugar free alternatives like maple syrup.
Refined sugar is essentially sugar that has been processed to remove the molasses, resulting in a finer grain. It’s everywhere in our diets, from sodas to store-bought desserts. But fear not, my sweet-toothed friends, there are alternatives like maple syrup and coconut sugar that are refined sugar free. These natural sweeteners not only provide a rich depth of flavor but also retain some nutritional benefits.
Flavors and Textures in these Blondie Bars
The magic of these vegan chickpea blondie bars lies in its harmony of flavors and textures. The chickpeas provide a creamy base, while tahini and nut butter add a velvety richness that elevates the blondie to new heights of deliciousness. Generous handfuls of chocolate chips bring the classic chocolatey depth we love, creating a blondie that's not just healthy but irresistibly decadent. A final touch of flaky sea salt on top draws out the sweetness, offering a sublime sweet-savory experience that's sure to delight.
If you enjoy other sweet and savory combos, be sure to check out these simple yet tasty date bites.
Chickpea Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 15- ounce can of chickpeas
- ¼ cup of nut butter of choice
- ¼ cup tahini
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips or eyeball as many as you want, it’s chocolate go crazy!
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling at the end
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper (or non stick cooking spray)
- In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients besides chocolate chips and coarse sea salt. Blend until smooth!
- Pour the mixture into your lined pan and spread evenly. Top with chocolate chips. Since there are no eggs or flour, this batter is SAFE TO EAT! Best “cookie dough” ever!!
- If you haven’t had all of your raw batter, put the pan in the oven for 20-25 minutes (ensuring the edges are a bit brown and that a fork/toothpick comes out clean).
- Let them cool for 20 minutes then sprinkle with sea salt, cut into squares and ENJOY!
As we bring this sweet journey to a close, I'm excited for you to try these Vegan Chickpea Chocolate Chip Blondies! It's a recipe that proves desserts can be both delicious and nourishing, a true testament to the power of plant-based cooking. I hope you adore these blondies as much as I do and that they bring a sprinkle of joy to your day. Please share your thoughts, rate, and review the recipe—I can't wait to hear all about your baking adventures.
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