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5 Ingredient Chocolate Brownie Energy Bites

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

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These naturally sweetened energy bites taste like a chocolate walnut brownie but are 100% gluten-free, vegan, and protein-packed.

brownie energy bites


Dates are all the rage right now. Have you noticed? Trendy or not, my family has been eating dates my entire life. Growing up, we were never a big dessert family (another reason my weight loss journey isn’t quite the norm), but my mom always had dried fruit in the house.

Liz getting a chocolate brownie energy bite

A common tradition in Middle Eastern families, she would often serve dried fruit like apricots, dates, and figs with hot tea in lieu of a fudge brownie or slice of cake.

Plate of chocolate walnut brownie energy bites

Speaking of brownie, these energy balls taste exactly like a chocolate walnut brownie minus the heavy, greasy, buttery guilt that typically comes with it. These energy bites are also a perfect fit for a gluten free and vegan diet.

While I love all things almond joy, I decided to attempt replicating a chocolate walnut brownie which is probably my favorite dessert of all time. In fact, whenever I purchase protein bars, I almost always gravitate towards the brownie flavor.

Liz testing brownie energy bites

Packed with heart-healthy walnuts and antioxidant-rich cocoa powder, these energy bites are great for stashing in your gym bag, storing in the diaper bag, or keeping on hand for after-school snacks. The omega-3’s in the walnuts provide just enough healthy fat to keep you satisfied. Dates are also a natural energy source that is low on the Glycemic Index (GI) meaning they help slow down your body’s absorption of sugar. No sugar crash for you; just a steady source of energy to keep you going.

How to Make Brownie Energy Bites

Step 1 – Grab just 5 simple ingredients: dates, walnuts, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. It’s pretty likely you already have these at home. If you have a nut allergy, it’s easy to sub the walnuts for sunflower seeds.

Step 2 – Mix ingredients in a food processor, scoop, and roll. Yes, that’s it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What nut options can you use?

Don’t have walnuts on hand? Use a mix of almonds and cashews or hazelnuts. They will work just as well!

How can these be stored?

Energy balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

What other recipe variations are there?

Rolling them in PB2 powder can turn them into a Reese’s peanut butter ball.

Are dates healthy?

Yes. While dates are a dried fruit, which means calorie dense, they are high in several minerals and vitamins like potassium, magnesium, iron and B6, as well as fiber, antioxidants and protein.

What food processor do you use?

I’m pretty obsessed with my Cuisinart food processor. It has great capacity, easy to use, and cleans up really well.

No forks required.

5 Ingredient Chocolate Brownie Energy Bites

4.80 stars average
These naturally sweetened energy bites taste like a chocolate walnut brownie but are 100% gluten free, vegan and protein-packed.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Serves20
CourseSnack
Calories70

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup dates
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  1. Place dates in a medium bowl and cover with warm water. Let soak for 5 minutes to soften then drain.
  2. Add drained dates and all remaining ingredients into a food processor and pulse until mixture turns into the consistency of sand. (Depending on your food processor, this could take several minutes so don't worry if it doesn't happen right away!)
  3. Remove blade from the unit. To form balls, press mixture into a small
    stainless steel scoop then roll in between your palms to form evenly sized bites. Continue until mixture is gone.
  4. You can enjoy room temperature or let chill for 30 minutes before enjoying.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1.2gFat: 4.1gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.7gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 16mgFiber: 1.4gSugar: 5.2g

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4.80 from 25 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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82 responses to “5 Ingredient Chocolate Brownie Energy Bites”

  1. Laurie {Simply Scratch} Avatar
    Laurie {Simply Scratch}

    I’ve loved dates since I was a kid! They were in a cereal my mom would by from our co-op and I would save them until the end and eat them last! I have a container of dates on the counter and I know what I’m making!! <3

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      oh my gosh I love that story!!!!

  2. Ali | Gimme Some Oven Avatar
    Ali | Gimme Some Oven

    YUM!!! Had to click on these through feedly, and then saw your link — thank you! :) And now I totally want to make a batch. Love those walnuts!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yay!! Thanks for the push to make these!! I’m obsessed with brownie Luna bars and these tasted just like them!! :)

  3. Brian @ A Thought For Food Avatar
    Brian @ A Thought For Food

    These are breakfast treats, right?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Of course they count as breakfast!

  4. Yessica Avatar
    Yessica

    This seems easy to make!!

    I’m not really fond of dates unfortunately. Do you have any substitutes for it?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Hmm…. I’ve never made them with anything else but what about figs?

    2. Charkene Avatar
      Charkene

      Another binding fruit that you could use are dried prunes. The only doen side is it will make them sweeter.

      1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
        Liz DellaCroce

        Good call!

  5. Meagan @ A Zesty Bite Avatar
    Meagan @ A Zesty Bite

    Yay for me because I have all of these ingredients! What a great snack.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      YAY!! I hope you make them!!

  6. steph@stephsbitebybite Avatar
    steph@stephsbitebybite

    Oh my gosh, I love dates, but usually just eat them with a spoon of peanut butter. But these look like such a fun treat!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Omg why have I never eaten them with peanut butter??

  7. Jocelyn @BruCrew Life Avatar
    Jocelyn @BruCrew Life

    Healthy little bites that taste like brownies…sounds perfect to me!!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      My thoughts exactly!! xo

  8. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    This is perfect! I have all of these ingredients in my pantry (I love dates. Our family is a lot like your family in the dessert deal). Do believe I’ll make these for us to munch on. :)

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh I love that!!! I hope you like them!!

  9. Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness Avatar
    Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness

    So, let’s get this straight. 5 ingredients and it tastes like a brownie but it’s healthy?
    You never cease to amaze liz! Pinned

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      hahah You’re too sweet!! I am all about easy!! :)

  10. Kim | Just For Clicks Avatar
    Kim | Just For Clicks

    I love these energy balls. I’ve tried a few versions and they are the perfect snack to keep on hand. Can’t wait to try this one!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Every time I make them I kick myself for not making them more often! I hope you like this version!