Fudgy Cacao and Hemp Seed Protein Brownie
A rich, fudgy gluten-free brownie boosted with ground hemp seeds, raw cacao, and almond butter. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup for a deeply satisfying treat.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
50 min
Makes
8 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
A steadier afternoon
Give your day a solid food foundation
Being properly fed cannot solve a hard day, but a substantial meal can remove hunger and an energy dip from the list of things you are juggling.
Notice: mood + energy later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
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
20 min
Total
50 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven · Whisk · Mixing bowl
Time saver
Prep the vegetables and measure pantry ingredients earlier in the day to shorten cook time.
Do these three things first
- 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan wi…
- 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 (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Whisk together the almond butter
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the almond butter, maple syrup, and eggs until smooth and thoroughly combined.
Look for: smooth and thoroughly combined
Tap card to mark done - 03
Add the cacao powder
Add the cacao powder, ground hemp seeds, almond flour, and baking soda to the bowl.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Stir with a spatula just until a…
Stir with a spatula just until a thick, uniform batter forms with no visible dry spots.
Look for: a thick, uniform batter forms with no visible dry spots
Tap card to mark done - 05
Pour the batter into the lined baking…
Pour the batter into the lined baking pan and spread it evenly into the corners using the spatula.
Tap card to mark done - 06
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until…
Bake for 18 to 20 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 - 07
Remove from the oven and let cool…
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for 20 minutes to set the fudgy texture before slicing into 8 equal pieces.
Allow: 20 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 08
Serve 1 brownie warm or at room…
Serve 1 brownie warm or at room temperature, and store remaining pieces in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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