Fudgy Cacao and Hemp Seed Peanut Butter Brownies
Rich, dense brownies naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and loaded with crunchy peanut butter and hemp seeds. A quick, gluten-free treat packed with healthy fats and plant-based protein.
Prep
10 min
Cook
18 min
Total
48 min
Makes
6 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Victoria + Lila
Victoria created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Protein consistency
Make a nourishing habit easier
This is another practical opportunity to include protein and varied whole foods—small habits that are easier to repeat than a perfect diet.
Notice: protein across the day
Everyday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
18 min
Total
48 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven · Whisk · Mixing bowl
Time saver
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Do these three things first
- 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan w…
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and…
- 01
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and…
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add the crunchy peanut butter and pure…
In a medium mixing bowl, add the crunchy peanut butter and pure maple syrup, stirring briskly until smooth and well combined.
Look for: smooth and well combined
Tap card to mark done - 03
Crack in the egg and whisk thoroughly…
Crack in the egg and whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
Look for: the mixture becomes glossy and slightly thickened
Tap card to mark done - 04
Add the raw cacao powder
Add the raw cacao powder, hemp seed, and a small pinch of fine sea salt into the wet mixture.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet…
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until a thick, uniform batter forms with no dry streaks remaining.
Look for: a thick, uniform batter forms with no dry streaks remaining
Tap card to mark done - 06
Transfer the batter into the lined baking…
Transfer the batter into the lined baking pan and smooth the top evenly with your spatula.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done - 07
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until…
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Look for: the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs
Tap card to mark done - 08
Remove from the oven and let the…
Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing into 6 equal squares.
Allow: 20 minutes
Tap card to mark done
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