Gluten-Free Vegan Chickpea Blondies

Okay, let's get cooking! I'm so excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you—it's a staple in our house, and I think it'll quickly become one in yours too: Gluten-Free Vegan Chickpea Blondies.
These aren't your average blondies. Forget anything dry, crumbly, or flavorless that might have turned you off from gluten-free baking before. I promise, these blondies are something truly special. They're incredibly fudgy, naturally sweet, and have this amazing, almost caramel-like chewiness that comes from the secret ingredient, chickpeas! Now, I know what you might be thinking – chickpeas in a dessert? But trust me on this, you won't taste them. They mostly contribute to the texture and are an amazing source of plant-based protein and fiber. Honestly, when I first started experimenting with gluten-free baking, I felt a bit lost. Everything seemed overly complicated or just…disappointing. But then I discovered the magic of chickpeas in sweet treats. This recipe came about in one of those "clean-out-the-pantry" moments, and it's been a hit ever since! It's perfect for those days when you want a little something sweet but don't want to feel weighed down. And it's so easy, even if you are a baking beginner. So, let's dive in and get our aprons on!
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to get these magical blondies baking in your oven. Don't worry, the list is simple and mostly pantry staples:
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (make sure to drain them really well!)
- ½ cup natural nut butter (almond, cashew, or peanut – your choice. I prefer almond for a neutral flavor.)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (you can also use agave if needed).
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (this adds moisture, but you can substitute it with another ¼ cup of mashed banana, if that's what you have)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (don't skimp on the good stuff, it makes a difference)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for a little lift)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (balances out the sweetness)
- ½ cup gluten-free oat flour (you can make this by blending regular gluten free oats in a blender or food processor).
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips, or chopped vegan dark chocolate (add more if you're a chocolate lover!)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds – optional, but they add a lovely crunch)
Let's Get Baking: Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, are you ready to bring this deliciousness to life? Here's the breakdown, step by step:
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a small 8x8 inch baking pan with gluten-free flour or line it with parchment paper. This will make your life much easier when you go to remove the blondies later.
- Blend the Base: In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the drained chickpeas, nut butter, maple syrup, applesauce and vanilla extract. Blend until everything becomes completely smooth and creamy. This can take a minute or two so don't rush it! You want a really nice, luscious base for your blondies. If it does not want to blend, you may need to add a tablespoon of dairy-free milk or water to kick start the process.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Next, add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the blender. Pulse a few times to incorporate these. Then add the gluten free oat flour and pulse again until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, though. Overmixing will result in tough and rubbery blondies.
- Fold in the Good Stuff: Now, pour your batter into a mixing bowl. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using). I suggest starting with half and if you want more you can always add it.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, and use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Don't over bake!
- Cool and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let the blondies cool completely in the pan. This is crucial – they firm up as they cool, and you'll get those lovely, fudgy squares. Once cooled, you can cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Blondies
This is where the fun begins! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to really kick these blondies up a notch:
- Get Creative with Flavors: Don't be afraid to experiment with different nut butters – sunflower seed butter is also a great alternative. And don't limit yourself to just chocolate chips; try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even a swirl of jam before baking. A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking also elevates the flavor.
- Tweak for Texture: To achieve an even chewier texture, bake for slightly less time. For a more cake-like blondie, bake for a bit longer. Feel free to play around with the baking time to find what you like most.
- Making it Nut-Free: If you need to make these completely nut-free, replace the nut butter with sunflower seed butter and the chopped nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, instead.
- Make Ahead: These blondies can also be made ahead of time. Once completely cooled, cut them into squares, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for even longer storage (up to 3 months).
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on how sweet you want your blondies, you can add or subtract a little bit of the maple syrup. Taste the batter before you bake it. Remember; the chocolate will also add sweetness.
- Smooth vs. Chunky: Using natural smooth nut butter vs. chunky nut butter can offer alternative texture. If you are using a chunky nut butter you can reduce the amount of chopped nuts, or remove them completely.

Struggling with Gluten-Free Meals? Get 300 Easy & Delicious Recipes to Transform Your Kitchen! 🍽️
Say goodbye to tasteless, complicated meals! This **expert-approved cookbook** gives you **300 mouthwatering gluten & dairy-free recipes, meal plans, and chef-level tips** to make every meal safe, easy, and incredibly tasty.
Recipe Card
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 9
Description: Fudgy, chewy, and secretly healthy gluten-free vegan blondies made with chickpeas!
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and well-drained
- ½ cup natural nut butter (almond, cashew, or peanut)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup gluten-free oat flour
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Blend chickpeas, nut butter, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and gluten-free flour. Pulse until combined.
- Pour the batter into a bowl and fold in chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Transfer to pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out with just moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting.
Product Recommendations
As all bakers know, the right tools elevate the whole experience (and the finished product!). Here are some tools I love that can assist you in making these delightful blondies:
- High-Speed Blender: A high-speed blender is your best friend for this recipe. It ensures the chickpeas blend perfectly until they are creamy and smooth.
- 8x8 inch Baking Pan: A sturdy 8x8 inch baking pan makes all the difference in achieving evenly baked blondies.
- Pre-cut Parchment Paper: If you hate cutting parchment paper, precut sheets for ease. Find some here.
- Good quality gluten-free oat flour: You can make your own or simplify your baking by purchasing it. Find good quality gluten-free oat flour here!
And there you have it – my go-to Gluten-Free Vegan Chickpea Blondies! I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do. Now grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let's create some magical moments in the kitchen! Happy baking!
0 Comments