If you have a sweet tooth but want to keep things wholesome and plant-based, this Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine dense, chewy blondies with a warm cinnamon aroma and a subtle nuttiness that comes from chickpeas and almond butter, all sweetened naturally with maple syrup. These blondies are not only incredibly tasty but also packed with protein and fiber, so you can indulge without the guilt. Whether you’re making an afternoon treat or a dessert to impress friends, this recipe brings together simplicity and deliciousness in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. From creamy almond butter to the hearty chickpeas and the aromatic cinnamon, everything plays a crucial role in making these blondies truly special.
- Chickpeas (1 can, 15 oz): The star ingredient that adds protein and a smooth base for the batter, keeping the blondies moist and hearty.
- Almond butter (½ cup): Provides creaminess and healthy fats, which contribute to the rich, chewy texture you crave.
- Maple syrup (â…“ cup): A natural sweetener that not only adds sweetness but a subtle, complex depth of flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and adds warmth without overpowering the cinnamon.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Gives the blondies a comforting, spicy kick that complements the chickpeas beautifully.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and strengthens the overall flavor profile.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon) & Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Work together to give a light rise and the perfect texture.
- Oat flour (â…“ cup): Adds structure and a subtle nuttiness, making the blondies gluten-free if you choose certified oats.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips (¼ cup, optional): A touch of melty sweetness that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and almond butter.
How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven warms up, line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures your blondies will bake evenly and peel away easily when they’re done.
Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients
Grab your food processor and add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend these together until you have a smooth and luscious batter that is slightly thick. The chickpeas should completely break down to keep the texture silky without any lumps.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Blend Again
Add your baking soda, baking powder, and oat flour to the food processor bowl. Pulse just enough to combine everything into a consistent dough. This step is important to evenly distribute the leavening agents, so your blondies rise beautifully while baking.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you’re a chocolate lover, this is the moment to add dairy-free chocolate chips. Gently fold them into the batter with a spatula—this keeps the chips whole and ensures they melt in perfect pockets of sweetness throughout the blondies.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Bake in the oven for 22-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. The timing helps get the perfect balance of chewy and soft.
Step 6: Cool Before Slicing
Once baked, let your blondies cool completely in the pan. This step allows them to set and makes slicing much easier. When cooled, cut into squares and get ready to enjoy deliciousness!
How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top instantly elevates the presentation and adds a pretty touch. For a little extra indulgence, drizzle warm dairy-free caramel sauce or melted almond butter on each blondie.
Side Dishes
These blondies pair wonderfully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. A fresh fruit salad with berries or apple slices accented by cinnamon can create a well-rounded, fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these blondies as the base for mini dessert parfaits by layering chunks with dairy-free yogurt and granola. Alternatively, cut into small bite-size pieces and arrange them on a dessert platter alongside nuts and dried fruits for an inviting snacking board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your vegan cinnamon chickpea blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay moist and delicious but can also be refrigerated to extend freshness for up to 5 days.
Freezing
These blondies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months, making them great to have on hand for a quick treat.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, simply microwave the blondies for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil until heated through. This revives their soft texture and brings out the lovely aroma of cinnamon.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond butter with another nut butter?
Absolutely! Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter works great in this recipe and will slightly change the flavor, offering you room to personalize the blondies.
Are these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oat flour, these blondies are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your baking powder and other ingredients don’t contain gluten.
Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Definitely! The blondies still taste amazing without chocolate chips, but if you want a bit of added indulgence, they are a great addition.
What if I don’t have oat flour?
You can make your own by grinding rolled oats in a blender until fine, or substitute with another mild flour like whole wheat or spelt, keeping in mind the texture might be slightly different.
How do I make sure the blondies don’t turn out dry?
Don’t overbake them! Check at the 22-minute mark, and remove as soon as a toothpick comes out mostly clean but still moist. Cooling them completely helps retain their softness as well.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a sweet treat that’s nourishing, delicious, and easy to make. It’s one of those recipes that keeps calling you back for just one more square. Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite dessert to share with family and friends!
Print
Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious and wholesome Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies made with almond butter, maple syrup, and warm cinnamon. These gluten-free, dairy-free blondies are soft, chewy, and packed with plant-based protein, perfect for a healthy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- â…“ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- â…“ cup oat flour
- ¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to remove the blondies.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no chickpea chunks remaining.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the baking soda, baking powder, and oat flour to the food processor. Blend again until all the ingredients are well combined and form a thick batter.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips: Remove the batter from the food processor and fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips gently if using, to evenly distribute them without overmixing.
- Bake: Spread the batter in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into squares. Cooling helps them set and makes them easier to cut.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Ensure chickpeas are well rinsed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Oat flour can be made at home by finely grinding rolled oats in a blender or food processor.
- Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Optional: Add chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra texture.
