Searching for a sweet treat that’s secretly healthy and totally plant-based? Vegan chickpea blondies are a game-changer. These blondies are soft, gooey, and studded with chocolate chips—yet they’re made with protein-packed chickpeas, nut butter, and simple pantry staples. If you want a dessert that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and kid-approved, this recipe is for you. Here’s how vegan chickpea blondies became a staple in our NYC kitchen, and how you can whip up a batch in just 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
The Story & Intro: Vegan Chickpea Blondies
Baking Outside the Box
I’ll be honest—I was skeptical the first time I baked with chickpeas. But after seeing the results (and watching Marek and Emily devour half a pan before dinner), I was sold. These vegan chickpea blondies are everything you want in a treat: fudgy, a little chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate, all while being secretly wholesome. Even my mom, who’s a classic butter-and-eggs baker, keeps asking for the recipe!
Blondie night is now a regular thing in our home. Emily loves measuring and dumping chickpeas into the blender, and Marek appreciates a dessert that actually keeps him full. The fact that these bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and rich in plant protein makes them a feel-good option for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a late-night bite on the couch.
Why Chickpeas in Blondies?
Chickpeas add a creamy texture, mild flavor, and serious nutrition—without any bean taste. With nut butter for richness, pure maple syrup for natural sweetness, and just a handful of chocolate chips, vegan chickpea blondies taste like the real deal. These bars are perfect for sharing with friends who have food allergies or anyone looking for a treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor or fun.
Key Ingredients and Preparation for Vegan Chickpea Blondies
Choosing the Best Plant-Based Ingredients
The magic of vegan chickpea blondies starts with simple pantry staples. Use a can of low-sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained well. These form the creamy, neutral base—no bean flavor, just a soft, satisfying bite. Nut butter adds richness and helps bind the blondies; both almond and peanut butter work, but cashew butter creates the mildest flavor.
Maple syrup or agave is the sweetener of choice, offering a gentle sweetness and keeping the bars moist. Vanilla extract adds warmth and classic bakery notes, while a pinch of baking powder gives the blondies lift without eggs. A little salt balances everything out, and chocolate chips (dairy-free for vegan) provide melty, gooey pockets in every bite. For a fun twist, fold in walnuts or chopped pecans.
Easy Prep: Blend, Stir, and Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Add rinsed chickpeas, nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, baking powder, and salt to a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy—scrape the sides as needed for an even texture.
Transfer the batter to a bowl and fold in chocolate chips (and nuts if using). Spread the thick batter evenly in your prepared pan and sprinkle with extra chips on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center looks just slightly underdone—don’t overbake! Cool completely in the pan for clean slices and gooey texture. With this easy method, vegan chickpea blondies are ready in no time.
Print
Vegan Chickpea Blondies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Soft, gooey, and protein-packed—these vegan chickpea blondies are sweet, wholesome, and allergy-friendly. With nut butter, maple syrup, and melty chocolate chips, they’re a plant-based treat that tastes like classic blondies with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup (130g) nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
- 1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup (60g) dairy-free chocolate chips, plus more for topping
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Add chickpeas, nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, baking powder, and salt to a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Transfer batter to a bowl and fold in chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until edges are set and center looks just slightly underbaked for gooey bars.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing for the best texture. Enjoy as a snack or dessert!
Notes
For nut-free bars, use sunflower seed butter or tahini. Add a dash of cinnamon, orange zest, or swirl in raspberry jam for a flavor twist. Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Blondies freeze beautifully for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan chickpea blondies, gluten-free blondies, plant-based dessert, protein blondies, easy vegan dessert, healthy blondies
Baking Method and Pro Tips for Vegan Chickpea Blondies
Baking for the Best Texture and Flavor
Vegan chickpea blondies bake quickly and need just a bit of attention for perfect results. Once your batter is spread in the pan, use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. If you like extra gooey blondies, bake on the lower end of the suggested time (around 20 minutes). For firmer, more “bar-like” blondies, let them go closer to 25 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should look soft and just barely cooked—this keeps the blondies moist and chewy after cooling.
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step is crucial: the bars will continue to firm up as they rest, making them easy to cut and ensuring a gooey texture without falling apart. If you’re in a hurry, pop the pan in the fridge for faster cooling.
Serving Suggestions and Flavor Boosts
Serve vegan chickpea blondies as-is for a satisfying snack, or dress them up for dessert. Top warm bars with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or drizzle with a little melted nut butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt for an upscale finish. For a fun twist, try swirling in raspberry jam before baking, or add a dash of cinnamon and orange zest to the batter for extra brightness.
Blondies also travel well for lunchboxes, potlucks, or picnics—just pack them in an airtight container to keep them soft. However you serve them, these bars deliver classic blondie flavor with a wholesome, plant-powered spin.
Variations, Storage Tips, and Make-Ahead Ideas for Vegan Chickpea Blondies
Creative Variations and Allergy-Friendly Swaps
Vegan chickpea blondies are endlessly adaptable. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of nut butter—both provide creaminess and keep the bars school-safe. Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor. Swap the chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks or add a handful of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
To make these blondies gluten-free, simply ensure all your mix-ins are certified gluten-free (chickpeas are naturally GF). If you love spice, try adding a dash of cinnamon, ginger, or even pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist. For a festive flair, top the batter with sprinkles before baking.
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Chickpea Blondies
Once completely cool, store vegan chickpea blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week; they’ll stay soft and gooey. These bars freeze beautifully—layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds for a quick, satisfying treat.
You can also make the blondie batter ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking—great for prepping dessert in advance. Whether fresh or frozen, vegan chickpea blondies are always ready when a sweet craving hits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Chickpea Blondies
Do vegan chickpea blondies taste like beans?
Not at all! When blended well with nut butter and sweetener, chickpeas provide a creamy base without any bean flavor. The result is a soft, classic blondie texture that surprises everyone.
Can I make vegan chickpea blondies without a food processor?
A high-speed blender works well, or you can mash the chickpeas by hand for a more rustic texture, but a processor guarantees the smoothest results.
Are vegan chickpea blondies gluten-free?
Yes! Chickpeas are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your mix-ins (like chocolate chips) are certified gluten-free for sensitive eaters.
How do I keep chickpea blondies from being dry or crumbly?
Don’t overbake! Pull the blondies when the center is just barely set, and let them cool fully in the pan. Use creamy nut butter and don’t skip the maple syrup for the perfect gooey texture.
Conclusion
Vegan chickpea blondies prove that dessert can be both decadent and nourishing. Packed with protein, naturally gluten-free, and easy to make in one bowl, these blondies are a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, lunchbox treat, or a plant-based dessert everyone will love, this recipe delivers. Whip up a batch, share with friends, and watch them disappear—no one will guess the secret ingredient!
ChatGPT said:
👉 I hope you enjoyed baking up these Vegan Chickpea Blondies—they’re gooey, rich, and naturally sweetened, with the magic of chickpeas adding protein-packed creaminess without any hint of bean flavor. These are a total win for dessert lovers looking for something a little healthier, but still totally indulgent.
If you’re into creative spins on classic sweets, you’ll love our Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle—a layered dream that’s as satisfying as it is stunning. Or, keep it cozy and casual with our Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge for a melt-in-your-mouth treat with vintage charm.
Looking for another better-for-you bake? Try our Oatmeal Cookies with Carrots, Nuts & Seeds—they’re packed with wholesome ingredients and just sweet enough to satisfy.
For even more plant-forward sweetness, SANTMD’s Moist Chocolate Banana Oat Cake is an ultra-rich vegan-friendly delight that pairs perfectly with coffee or a scoop of non-dairy ice cream.
And don’t skip the classic indulgence from Cozy Family Recipes: their No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars are the perfect treat when you need something quick and delicious—no oven required.
Feel free to join us on our Facebook Page and Facebook Group for updates and community engagement. Don’t forget to check out our Pinterest.