Name: Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter; 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/8 tsp salt; 1/3 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

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Soft, gooey, and secretly healthy, these Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies are a game-changer for anyone who craves something sweet but wants to keep things nutritious. Made without flour, butter, or refined sugar, they rely on wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, nut butter, and maple syrup to create a rich, satisfying treat that I can feel good about eating any day of the week.

Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

½ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter

⅓ cup pure maple syrup or agave

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

⅛ teaspoon salt

⅓ cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

I line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a food processor, I blend the chickpeas, nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.

Then, I add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt, blending again until everything is well combined.

I stir in the chocolate chips by hand.

I pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

I like to sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for good measure.

I bake it for 22–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

I let it cool completely before slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 9 squares

Calories per serving: 120 kcal (approximate)

Variations

I sometimes switch up the nut butter—almond butter gives a more subtle flavor, while peanut butter adds richness. For extra texture, I like adding chopped walnuts or pecans. If I’m out of chocolate chips, chunks of a dark chocolate bar melt beautifully into the batter. To make them extra indulgent, I’ll swirl in a spoonful of dairy-free caramel or peanut butter before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Once cooled, I store these blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I keep them in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well—just wrap each square individually and place in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. I let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to bring back the gooey texture.

FAQs

What do chickpeas do in this recipe?

Chickpeas replace the flour and give these blondies a soft, fudgy texture. They’re packed with protein and fiber, which makes this dessert a little more satisfying and nourishing.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

If I’m not strictly vegan, honey works just fine as a substitute for maple syrup or agave. It adds a slightly different flavor but still keeps the bars moist and sweet.

Do these taste like chickpeas?

Surprisingly, no! Once everything’s blended and baked, I can’t taste the chickpeas at all. The vanilla, nut butter, and chocolate chips completely mask any bean flavor.

Can I make this recipe without a food processor?

Yes, but it takes more effort. I’d recommend using a blender or mashing everything very well by hand, though the texture might not be as smooth. A food processor definitely makes it easier.

Are these good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I like making a batch on Sunday and keeping them in the fridge or freezer for the week. They hold up well and make for a perfect snack or dessert anytime.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies are proof that dessert can be both delicious and nourishing. I love how easy they are to make and how they satisfy my sweet cravings without leaving me feeling weighed down. Whether I’m baking for friends, family, or just myself, this is one of those recipes I come back to again and again.

📖 Recipe:

Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 squares
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Soft, gooey, and secretly healthy chocolate chip chickpea blondies made with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, nut butter, and maple syrup. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened, they're a perfect nutritious treat.

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

½ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter

⅓ cup pure maple syrup or agave

2 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

⅛ tsp salt

⅓ cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a food processor, blend the chickpeas, nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
Add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then blend again until fully combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips by hand.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
Let cool completely before slicing into squares.