Healthy and blondies in the same sentence?!
We know, it’s a little crazy.
But before you hit that back button, give us a second. Here at BootCampSF we believe a little indulgence is part of a healthy lifestyle. We also believe that not all sweets and treats can (or should!) be healthified. But this recipe for blondies is so good, you’ll never miss the sugar and flour laden version.
No one will ever guess that chickpeas are the secret ingredient that give these a chewy, fudge-like texture that is higher in fiber and protein than any traditional recipe.
Sweets are eaten after dinner, closer to bedtime. But eating high sugar (a.k.a high glycemic) foods right before we hit the hay can spike our blood sugar, leaving us tossing and turning throughout the night. Swapping high glycemic foods for higher protein and fiber snacks and treats is a great way to maintain blood sugars during the night for a better nights sleep and improved energy the next day.
This recipe is the perfect treat to whip up during your bootcamp sessions when you want something sweet but are trying to keep your diet on track.
Flourless Chickpea Blondies
(recipe via The Ambitious Kitchen)
Makes 16 blondies
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup (no sugar added) almond butter or peanut butter
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup chocolate chips
sea salt, for sprinkling
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray 8×8 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray (we suggest Trader Joes coconut oil in the spray bottle)
- In a food processor, add all ingredients except chocolate chips and process until batter is smooth. Fold in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips.
- Pour batter in pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and edges are a tiny bit brown.
- Cool pan for 20 minutes on wire rack. Sprinkle with sea salt then cut and serve.