The great thing about a part of a vegan community is all the wonderful tips, tricks, and recipes we share with one another. When I converted to a vegan lifestyle many years ago, I struggled, wondering how I would get my protein in. Years later I laugh as we have more information readily available thanks to the internet. Aside from the protein we can get from beans, seeds, and nuts, there are now vegan protein powders we can enjoy! Yes, the market has vegan proteins for us made from peas, rice, moringa, etc.!

Some of my guilty pleasures in life include binge watching my shows on Netflix, listening to music I tell my kids not to listen to, and having a sweet treat after dinner. What's nice about being a vegan is that sweets usually have easy substitutes. This is why I'd like to share my famous (locally famous at least) Protein-Packed Vegan Brownies! Regular brownies are heavy with sugars and unnecessary carbs. Meanwhile, these brownies are vegan-friendly and are packed with protein so you don't feel guilty eating something sweet after dinner. You can also have these brownies as a snack in between meals and they'll keep you full! These brownies are as versatile as you are!

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Add or subtract to/from it. Try different vegan-friendly ingredients. Without further ado:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed bananas
• 2/3 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 41 grams moringa protein

Fruit is optional. Great compliments include: strawberries, blueberries, pomegranates, peaches, and raspberries.

Instructions: 

1. Combine all ingredients and mix until completely smooth.

2. Pour batter evenly into a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper. Smooth proportionately.

3. Bake at 325°F 20-25 minutes.

4. Let cool.

5. Top brownies with fruit if desired.

6. Most importantly: Enjoy!