Brownie Protein Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Brownie Protein Bites are a delicious and nutritious snack that combines rich chocolate flavor with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat, they are easy to make and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Medjool dates (about 13 dates)
• ⅓ cup sunflower seed butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup protein powder*
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup dark chocolate (optional for coating)
• ½ tsp coconut oil (optional for coating)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the pits from your dates and soak them in hot water for 5 minutes. This softens them, making them easier to blend and giving the filling a chewier texture.
2. Step 2: Drain the water from the dates, then place them in a food processor with the sunflower seed butter and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture looks like a thick, sticky caramel.
3. Step 3: Add the protein powder, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Blend again, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed, until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Step 4: Scoop the dough and roll into balls about one tablespoon in size.
5. Step 5: You can eat the balls as-is, or for a chocolate coating, chill them on a lined baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: To make the coating, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a small microwavable dish on high for 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
7. Step 7: Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, then place it back on the lined baking sheet to set. Allow the chocolate to harden before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use any protein powder you like, such as whey, pea, or a plant-based blend, to suit your dietary preferences.
• For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is perfect, but almond or peanut butter can be substituted if preferred.
• If you want extra texture, fold in some chopped nuts or seeds before rolling the balls.
• Store the bites in the freezer for an even chewier, colder treat.

Storage

Store the Brownie Protein Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If coated in chocolate, keep them chilled to prevent melting. You can also store them in the freezer for up to one month; just thaw briefly before eating. No reheating is needed, as they are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried dates other than Medjool?

Medjool dates are preferred because of their softness and natural sweetness, but you can use other dried dates if you soak them longer to soften.

What if I don’t have coconut oil for the coating?

The coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and harden with a nice texture, but you can melt dark chocolate alone if you prefer. The coating may be a bit thicker without the oil.

Brownie Protein Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.4 from 77 reviews

These Brownie Protein Bites are a delicious and nutritious snack made with Medjool dates, sunflower seed butter, protein powder, and cocoa. They have a chewy, caramel-like filling optionally coated in rich dark chocolate for a perfect bite-sized treat that’s easy to make and great for an energy boost.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 14 bites 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1 cup Medjool dates (about 13 dates)
• ⅓ cup sunflower seed butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup protein powder (chocolate or unflavored preferred)
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt

Coating (Optional)

• ½ cup dark chocolate
• ½ tsp coconut oil

Instructions

1. Prepare Dates: Remove the pits from your Medjool dates and soak them in hot water for 5 minutes. This softens the dates, making them easier to blend and improves the texture of the filling.
2. Blend Filling Base: Drain the water from the dates and place them in a food processor along with the sunflower seed butter and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture becomes thick and sticky, resembling a caramel consistency.
3. Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Add the protein powder, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt into the food processor. Blend again until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Form Balls: Using a tablespoon measure or your hands, scoop the mixture and roll it into bite-sized balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each.
5. Chill the Bites: Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which will facilitate coating.
6. Melt Chocolate Coating: In a small microwavable dish, combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil. Melt in 20-30 second intervals on high, stirring well between each interval until smooth and fully melted.
7. Coat the Bites: Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate to fully coat it, then place back on the lined baking sheet to set. Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting.

Notes

• You can skip the chocolate coating for a simpler, no-bake snack.
• Store bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to a month.
• Use any protein powder of your choice; chocolate or vanilla flavors work best.
• If dates are not soft enough, soak longer or warm them slightly before soaking.
• For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter is used instead of peanut or almond butter.

Keywords: protein bites, brownie bites, healthy snack, no bake, energy bites, vegan protein snack