Servings: 9 brownies (approx.)

Dry ingredients

• 1 cup (120 g) Drink Nature Cherry Chocolate protein powder
• 1 cup (95 g) almond flour (also called “ground almonds” or “almond meal” – available in most grocery stores near the flours)
• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (such as Fry's or Hershey's 100% cocoa)
• 1 tsp baking powder¼ tsp salt

Wet ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup (60 g) plain Greek yogurt, 2% or 5% M.F.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) avocado oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Topping

• ½ cup (75 g) fresh or frozen pitted cherries, well drained
• ¼ cup (45 g) 70% dark chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line an 8 x 8 in (20 x 20 cm) square pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the Drink Nature Cherry Chocolate protein powder, almond flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
3. Prepare the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the maple syrup, applesauce, Greek yogurt, oil (or melted butter) and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Make the batter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula, just enough to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
5. Add the toppings. Gently fold in the cherries and dark chocolate chips.
6. Pour into the pan. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centre should stay slightly fudgy. A toothpick inserted in the centre should come out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes before removing and cutting into 9 squares.

🍒 Drink Nature tip

For an even more indulgent treat, add a few extra cherries and chocolate chips on top before baking. Your brownies will look bakery-worthy!