Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies — A Soft, Buttery, Health-Enhanced Classic

Desserts are often comforting because of the fat and sugar in them. Those two things have a tendency to light up our brains like fireworks on the 4th of July.

One of the great things about combining the art and the science of cooking is the ability to make your food healthier and keep fabulous flavors. This doesn’t mean cutting out all of the butter and sugar — you can still use them. It’s simply about being more conscious and dipping into the science side to add some nourishment while keeping the flavor.

Here is a health-enhanced version of a classic favorite: the blondie. We’ve added chickpeas for extra fiber and nutrients and done the scientific shuffle with the other ingredients to keep the qualities of the classic blondie that you love so much.

Ingredients

♥ 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and lightly patted dry

♥ 4 tbsp melted butter

♥ 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

♥ 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp maple syrup

♥ 2 tsp vanilla extract

♥ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

♥ 1/2 tsp baking powder

♥ 1/4 tsp baking soda

♥ 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

♥ 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (plus a few extra for topping)

Instructions

• Prep the chickpeas. Rinse well, drain thoroughly, and pat lightly dry to remove excess moisture.

• Puree the chickpeas. Add chickpeas to a food processor and pulse until they begin to break down.

• Add the wet ingredients. Add melted butter, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla to the chickpeas. Blend until completely smooth and silky.

• Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

• Combine wet and dry. Pour the chickpea mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

• Fold in chocolate chips.

• Spread into pan. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment. Spread batter evenly and smooth the top. Add extra chocolate chips if desired.

• Bake at 350°F for 20–24 minutes, depending on desired texture.

• Cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Macronutrients (Per Blondie — 12 blondies)

• Calories: ~155 kcal

• Protein: ~3.4 g

• Carbohydrates: ~19.7 g

• Total Sugars: ~10.2 g

• Natural: ~4.0 g

• Added: ~6.2 g)

• Fat: ~7.1 g

• Saturated: ~4.0 g

• Monounsaturated: ~1.7 g

• Polyunsaturated: ~0.8 g

• Fiber: ~2.0 g

Enjoy The Vibe

Enjoy your first Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondie and let your taste buds delight in a new experience that feels just as familiar and joyful as the original. There’s something magical about brownies and blondies — little squares of happiness that remind you to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the simple pleasure of good food made with intention.

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