I love a healthy dessert, and these fudgy Mocha Protein Brownies check all the boxes. This recipe is full of all the good stuff including coconut flour, my Paleo Protein Powder, and chocolate. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and autoimmune protocol compliant so you can boost your protein intake and enjoy dessert at the same time!

Why Protein Intake is Important

Protein is essential for multiple processes in the body. This is due to the presence of amino acids in many sources of protein. Because our bodies can’t make the amino acids we need, it’s critical that our diet contains a healthy quantity of these compounds. They are used by your body for everything from proper brain function to muscle, tissue, and bone growth and repair. Protein as a macronutrient is also important for satiety and healthy weight maintenance.

I love sneaking protein into my diet where I can. Especially if my meals don’t contain optimal amounts of protein (I can tell you that I really enjoy a simple salad with leafy greens and avocado sans meat!)

I always make sure that any snacks or desserts I indulge in during the day — such as these delicious brownies — include protein.

How to Make & Store Mocha Protein Brownies

These brownies come together in about half an hour and are so easy to make. First, you’ll add the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them together until combined. Then, simply add in the rest of your ingredients and use a mixer to beat until all ingredients are combined. If you’re adding cacao nibs or chocolate chips, gently fold them in at this time. Bake for 25-30 minutes in a greased 8×8 in pan, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Are these Mocha Protein Brownies Healthy?

These brownies are healthy as an occasional treat or an after-dinner dessert. The recipe includes a ton of superstar ingredients that make them nutrient-dense.

Cassava Flour and Coconut Flour

These aren’t your typical, nutrition-stripped, processed flours. They’re both gluten-free flours worth having on hand. Cassava flour is similar in texture and flavor to traditional wheat flour. Made from a root vegetable, it also contains some fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Coconut flour, made from the dehydrated pulp of coconuts, is high in fiber and healthy medium-chain fatty acids, a form of fat that’s absorbed easily in your body for maximum fuel. These two flours work well together because cassava flour contains more carbohydrates, while coconut flour contains more fat and protein. They’re both safe for elimination diet protocols, and create an amazing texture in baked goods.

Cocoa Powder or Carob Powder

Yes, pure chocolate is good for you. When you consume minimally processed dark cocoa or a product made from it, such as the cocoa powder used in these brownies, you can provide your body with essential nutrients including magnesium, iron, copper, and phosphorus.

Carob powder is an alternative to cocoa powder for those on the autoimmune protocol or those who are sensitive to cocoa powder. Carob lends a similar taste and provides your body with calcium, magnesium, and fiber, although it is naturally a little higher in sugars. It’s a fantastic chocolate alternative to have on hand for other autoimmune protocol recipes.

Gelatin

When you consume gelatin made from the bones and joints of pasture-raised animals, you get some great gut-healing benefits and essential amino acids. Gelatin is an ideal thickening agent for baked goods and adds texture and protein to your recipe. Many avid AIP bakers use gelatin in their recipes to replace eggs. It’s also keto-friendly and paleo approved!