No-Bake Brownie Bites
Chewy, chocolatey, and naturally sweetened, these no-bake brownie bites are a quick and healthy snack you can make in just 10 minutes. Packed with protein, fiber, and good fats from nuts and dates, they’re a nutritious option for satisfying your sweet tooth while fueling your day.
Equipment
- 1 food processor
- 1 small spoon or mini ice cream scoop
Ingredients
- ½ cup raw almonds
- ¾ cup raw walnuts
- 12 medjool dates pitted
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the nuts: Begin by measuring out the raw almonds and walnuts. Place both types of nuts into the bowl of your food processor. Pulse in short bursts at first, then continue blending until the nuts are broken down into small, fine crumbs. The texture should be sandy with tiny pieces still visible. Be careful not to over-process, as blending too long will release the oils and may turn the mixture into nut butter. Stop once you see a uniform crumbly texture.
- Add the natural sweetness: Remove the pits from your medjool dates if they are not already pitted. Check their texture—soft and sticky dates are ideal because they will help the mixture hold together naturally. If the dates feel dry or firm, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat them dry. Add the dates to the food processor on top of the nut mixture.
- Incorporate the chocolate flavor: Sprinkle the unsweetened cocoa powder evenly across the nuts and dates. The cocoa is what gives these bites their deep, rich chocolate flavor. Add the salt and vanilla extract at this stage as well, which will enhance the overall taste by balancing the sweetness and boosting the chocolate notes.
- Blend into a sticky dough: Secure the lid and begin processing all the ingredients together. Let the machine run until the dates fully break down and blend into the nut mixture. The ingredients should clump together, forming a thick, sticky dough-like consistency. If the mixture looks too dry and crumbly, stop and add 1 teaspoon of water at a time, then process again until the dough holds together when pressed between your fingers.
- Form the brownie bites: Using a small spoon or a mini ice cream scoop, portion out the mixture. Each scoop should yield about one inch of dough. Roll the portioned mixture between your palms until it forms a smooth, round ball. Continue until all the dough is used, and you should end up with approximately 13 brownie bites.
- Enjoy or store: The bites are ready to eat immediately and can be enjoyed fresh right away. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can place them in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to let them set. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Use fresh, soft medjool dates for the best texture and natural sweetness. If dates are dry, soak them in warm water for about 5 minutes and pat dry before blending.
- Pulse nuts in short bursts to avoid turning them into nut butter.
- Cocoa powder can be swapped with raw cacao powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Use a small ice cream scooper for consistent sizing and even portioning.
- Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and texture.
