These Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites are a fun and tasty snack! They mix chocolatey goodness with a boost of protein, making them perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Who knew healthy could be this yummy? I love to pop a couple in my bag for a quick treat after workouts—it’s like dessert without any guilt! 🍫✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Medjool Dates: These are the sweet backbone of the recipe, giving the bites their sticky texture. If Medjool dates aren’t available, you can substitute with other dried dates or even dried figs, but you might need to adjust the quantity based on sweetness.
Nuts or Almond Meal: Almonds provide a nice crunch, but if you’re nut-free, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. Almond meal can also be replaced with oat flour if that’s what you have on hand.
Chocolate Protein Powder: This adds protein without altering the flavor too much. If you don’t have chocolate, vanilla protein powder can work too, but it might change the taste slightly. You can also skip protein powder and adjust other ingredients for consistency.
Mini Chocolate Chips: I like adding these for extra chocolatey goodness. You can swap them out for carob chips or even dried fruit to keep it interesting if you want a different flavor.
Dark Chocolate: For coating, I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate for a rich taste. If you prefer a sweeter coating, you can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate. Just be mindful of melting times, as they can vary!
How Do I Make Sure My Protein Bites Hold Together?
The key here is the balance between dry and wet ingredients. The sticky dates serve as a binder for the dry ingredients like nuts and protein powder. If your mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water, almond milk, or even a bit of melted coconut oil to help it come together.
- Pulse your nuts until they’re finely ground but don’t turn them to nut butter—that’ll change the texture!
- Blend the dates and other ingredients until everything is well combined but still thick and sticky, which means you’re on the right track.
- Refrigerate the mixture! This helps firm up the bites before coating them in chocolate.
With these tips, your Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites will be deliciously chewy and stay perfectly formed! Enjoy your tasty snacks!
Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- 1/2 cup almonds or almond meal
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Mix-Ins:
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
For the Coating:
- 100g dark chocolate (for coating)
- 1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for melting chocolate)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and 1 hour to chill. You’ll be mixing, rolling, and coating these bites, and then chilling them to set up perfectly. Simple and rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Nut Base:
Start by putting the almonds into a food processor. Pulse them until they are finely ground, but be careful not to turn them into almond butter! You want a nice, grainy texture.
2. Make the Dough:
Next, add in the pitted Medjool dates, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Pulse the mixture until everything is combined and forms a sticky dough. This is where the magic happens!
3. Add Chocolate and Sprinkles:
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Shape the Bites:
Using your hands, roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place each ball onto a tray lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking!
5. Chill to Firm Up:
Pop the tray into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the bites firm up so they hold their shape well later on.
6. Melt the Chocolate:
While the bites chill, melt the dark chocolate along with the coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s nice and smooth. Be careful not to burn it!
7. Coat the Bites:
Once the chocolate is melted, dip each protein ball halfway into the chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Then, place them back on the parchment paper.
8. Add Extra Sprinkles:
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle extra rainbow sprinkles on top of each ball. This gives them that fun cosmic look!
9. Set the Chocolate:
Return the coated bites to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
10. Store and Enjoy:
Store your Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They make for a sweet and satisfying snack whenever you need a little pick-me-up!
Enjoy every delicious, chewy bite packed with protein and fun sprinkles! These are sure to satisfy any chocolate craving while keeping you energized!
Can I Use Different Nuts or No Nuts at All?
Absolutely! While almonds give a lovely flavor and texture, you can use any nut you prefer, like walnuts or pecans. If you want to skip nuts altogether, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives, or you can use rolled oats to maintain consistency.
How Long Do These Protein Bites Last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites will last up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months, making them a convenient snack option! Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes, these bites can easily be made vegan! Just ensure your chocolate protein powder is plant-based, and use dairy-free chocolate for coating. The recipe already uses naturally vegan ingredients, so you’re all set!
What If My Mixture Is Too Dry?
If your mixture feels too dry and crumbly, simply add a little water, almond milk, or melted coconut oil, a teaspoon at a time, until it holds together better. You want it to be sticky enough to roll into balls without falling apart!