Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe
If you’re craving something perfectly gooey, subtly spiced, and a little bit magical, these Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies are about to become your new sweet obsession. Imagine warm notes of cinnamon swirling through a soft, fudge-like bar that’s secretly packed with nourishing ingredients—every bite is pure joy without an ounce of compromise. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, meal prepping for snacks, or just want to satisfy that dessert craving in a wholesome way, this easy recipe will charm you with its irresistible flavor, protein punch, and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about these blondies is how unfussy the ingredients are. Each item has a special role, from creamy almond butter delivering that nutty richness, to chickpeas providing the magical texture—there’s nothing extra, just the good stuff working together for the ultimate Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies experience.
- Chickpeas: The secret base that makes the blondies dense, moist, and full of plant-powered protein—rinse them well for a clean flavor.
- Creamy almond butter (or peanut butter): Guarantees richness and helps bind everything; use creamy for the smoothest results.
- Pure maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the bars and brings that classic caramel undertone.
- Coconut sugar: Adds gentle depth and a hint of caramel flavor; it also helps lock in moisture.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice—one tablespoon delivers cozy warmth and classic blondie charm.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweeter notes and makes the cinnamon pop even more.
- Baking powder: Key for a little lift and just the right blondie texture.
- Baking soda: Works with the baking powder to ensure lightness without eggs.
- Salt: Brightens all the flavors and ensures your blondies aren’t flat or bland.
- Vegan chocolate chips (optional): For a chocolatey surprise in every bite—feel free to be as generous as you’d like.
How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some to hang over the sides for easy lifting later. This step makes your blondies effortless to remove (and keeps clean-up painless), which is always a win when you’re baking these for an impromptu dessert craving.
Step 2: Blend the Batter
In a food processor, combine your drained and rinsed chickpeas, creamy almond butter, pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Blend everything together until the mixture is velvety smooth—stop and scrape the bowl a few times to catch any stubborn bits. This guarantees that signature soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies so craveable.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips
If you’re going for extra indulgence, fold in those vegan chocolate chips now. Just pulse them in gently or stir by hand so they’re evenly distributed but not broken down—this adds that delightful pop of chocolate in every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the blondie batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle on a bit of cinnamon sugar for sparkle and extra crunch. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center looks dry (don’t overbake—part of their charm is that gooey middle!).
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let your Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. This cooling step helps them firm up and slice beautifully into 16 perfect squares—if you can resist diving in right away, it’s totally worth the wait!
How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies
Garnishes
Dress up your blondies with a dusting of ground cinnamon or a pinch of flaky sea salt for extra flavor and flair. If you’re feeling decadent, a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce or a handful of extra chocolate chips sprinkled while still warm takes these Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies over the top.
Side Dishes
Enjoy these blondies alongside a cozy chai latte, oat milk hot chocolate, or a creamy scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. Their gently spiced flavor pairs deliciously with coffee, tea, or even fresh berries for something a bit lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut your blondies into smaller pieces and serve on a tiered dessert tray with fresh fruit, nuts, and other vegan treats. Pack them up in parchment and tie with kitchen twine for a sweet, homemade gift, or crumble them over vegan yogurt for a breakfast parfait with a surprising twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies have cooled completely, tuck them into an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay tender and moist, making them ideal for lunchboxes or snacks on-the-go.
Freezing
To freeze, place blondie squares on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just be sure to layer parchment between them to prevent sticking.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop a blondie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This revives their gooey texture and makes the cinnamon aroma sing all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute another nut butter for almond butter?
Absolutely! Peanut butter will bring a richer, deeper flavor, while cashew or sunflower seed butter produces a milder blondie. Just make sure your choice is creamy for the best Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies texture.
Are these blondies gluten-free?
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free since there’s no wheat flour—chickpeas take on the flour’s role, so everyone at the table can enjoy a square (or two).
What if I don’t have a food processor?
A high-speed blender will also work; just blend in batches and use a spatula to carefully mix and scrape the batter for that irresistibly smooth finish.
Do Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies taste like chickpeas?
Not at all! Once baked with maple syrup, almond butter, and cinnamon, any chickpea flavor disappears—leaving you with a sweet, warmly spiced, lightly nutty blondie no one will believe started with beans.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply use a 9×13-inch pan and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Keep an eye out for set edges and a dry center, and you’ll have plenty of Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies to go around.
Final Thoughts
Give these Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies a try and watch them disappear! They’re sweet, spiced, wonderfully fudgy, and nobody will ever guess how wholesome the ingredients are. Whether for an afternoon pick-me-up or to wow your friends at your next get-together, these blondies are pure cinnamon-y bliss in every bite.
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Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 blondies 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in these Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies for a delightful treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious. These blondies are packed with protein from chickpeas and nut butter, making them a guilt-free dessert or snack option.
Ingredients
Chickpea Mixture:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Batter: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, almond butter, maple syrup, coconut sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22–25 minutes until set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
- These blondies are naturally gluten-free and high in protein.
- For extra texture, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
