If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s wholesome, packed with flavor, and perfectly indulgent without any dairy or eggs, look no further than this Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe. These blondies are unbelievably moist and tender thanks to the chickpeas, which might surprise you with their role as the secret ingredient. With a warm cinnamon spice note and optional pockets of melty dairy-free chocolate chips, each bite feels like a comforting hug. You’ll love how this recipe is as easy and quick as it is delicious, making it a go-to treat to enjoy any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you — every item here plays an important role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and that beautiful golden-brown color. With pantry staples and a few natural sweeteners, you’ll have all you need to whip up these delicious bites in no time.
- Chickpeas (1 can, 15 oz): The magical base that adds moisture, protein, and a soft crumb without any flour bulk.
- Almond butter (½ cup): Brings rich creaminess and a subtle nutty depth; peanut butter works well too!
- Maple syrup (⅓ cup): Natural sweetness with a lovely syrupy consistency that blends everything smoothly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, fragrant aroma.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): The star spice that infuses every bite with cozy warmth.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and elevates all other tastes.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps your blondies rise to a light and tender texture.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda for perfect lift and crumb.
- Oat flour (⅓ cup): Adds structure while keeping the blondies soft and gluten-free friendly.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips (¼ cup, optional): Little pockets of melty chocolate that amp up the indulgence factor.
How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
First thing’s first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper to ensure your blondies come out cleanly and beautifully.
Step 2: Blend the Chickpeas and Wet Ingredients
Drain and rinse the chickpeas really well — this is key to avoiding any “bean-y” flavor. Pop them into a food processor with almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until the mixture becomes wonderfully smooth and creamy, totally lump-free.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, sprinkle in the baking soda, baking powder, and oat flour. Pulse again until everything is fully combined and your batter reaches a thick but spreadable consistency. This step gives your blondies the perfect structure and softness.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter using a spatula. This ensures even distribution without overmixing or melting the chips in the processor.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spoon the batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown edge and a toothpick that comes out clean. This timing locks in moisture but gives a slight crisp edge that’s irresistible.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Slicing
Resistance is key here! Let the blondies cool completely in the pan—this allows them to set perfectly, so your squares don’t crumble when cut. Once cooled, slice and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate can elevate these blondies beautifully. Fresh berries on the side add a fresh contrast to the warm spices and nutty base.
Side Dishes
Pair these blondies with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a dreamy dessert. A cup of chai tea or rich coffee also complements the cinnamon notes perfectly, making your treat a full sensory experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the blondies layered in a parfait with dairy-free yogurt and fresh fruit for a stunning brunch option. Alternatively, cut into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter with nuts and dried fruit for a crowd-pleasing snack board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay soft and flavorful for easy snacking anytime.
Freezing
Want to enjoy these blondies later? Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months, ready to thaw whenever craving strikes.
Reheating
For a warm treat, reheat frozen or refrigerated blondies in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until soft. You can also warm them in a low oven for a few minutes to reclaim that freshly-baked feel.
FAQs
Do chickpeas taste in the blondies?
Not at all! When blended and combined with almond butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon, the chickpeas simply add a velvety texture without any noticeable bean flavor.
Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Absolutely! Peanut butter is a great substitute and will give a slightly different but equally delicious nutty taste.
Is oat flour necessary or can I use another flour?
Oat flour works best for texture and moisture, but you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour or even whole wheat flour if you prefer.
Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Yes, the blondies are fantastic with or without chocolate chips. They add a nice melty surprise, but leaving them out keeps it simpler and still delicious.
How long do these blondies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe! It’s proof that simple ingredients and a little creativity can result in a dessert that’s both nourishing and downright addictive. Whether you bake them for a cozy night in or a special occasion, these blondies are sure to become one of your favorite treats to share.
Print
Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies are a delicious, healthy treat made with chickpeas, almond butter, and warm cinnamon. Perfectly moist and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, they offer a nutritious alternative to traditional blondies, complete with optional dairy-free chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup oat flour
- ¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the blondies.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, blend the chickpeas, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until you achieve a smooth and creamy batter.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the baking soda, baking powder, and oat flour to the mixture. Blend again until all ingredients are well combined into a uniform batter.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips: If you choose to use them, gently fold the dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter by hand to distribute them evenly without overmixing.
- Bake: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into squares to ensure they set properly.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Make sure to rinse chickpeas thoroughly to reduce any canned bean taste.
- Oat flour can be made at home by grinding rolled oats in a blender until fine.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These blondies can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw completely before serving.
