These Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites are a delicious treat packed with chocolatey goodness! With a fudge-like texture and bits of colorful sprinkles, they are fun and energizing.
Every time I make these, I feel like a kid again, munching on those classic brownies! They’re perfect for a quick snack and super easy to whip up. Who says healthy can’t be fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pitted Dates: These are key for sweetness and texture. If you don’t have dates, use dried figs or apricots. They’ll give a similar chewy quality, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Almonds/Almond Flour: Almonds add crunch while almond flour ensures a smooth mixture. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well! Just grind them finely like almonds.
Protein Powder: I recommend using chocolate-flavored protein for extra flavor, but vanilla works too. For a vegan option, choose a plant-based protein powder. If you don’t have protein powder, you can skip it, but the bite will be lower in protein.
Cocoa Powder: This gives the chocolatey taste! Unsweetened cocoa is best. If you want a sweeter alternative, try carob powder.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is my go-to for its flavor, but any nut butter or even sunflower seed butter can replace it. They’re all delicious!
How Do I Get the Right Consistency for My Protein Bites?
Getting the right texture is crucial for these bites to hold together. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Start by processing the nuts or flour until they are finely ground.
- When adding dates and nut butter, make sure they’re fresh and sticky for the best binding.
- If the mixture seems dry, use milk to help it combine. Add it slowly, 1 tablespoon at a time, blending until it holds together when pressed.
- Don’t worry if the dough looks crumbly at first; it should come together with a bit of mixing and pressing!
With these tips, your Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites will turn out perfectly every time. Enjoy snacking on them with peace of mind knowing they’re healthy!
Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Protein Bites:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup almonds or almond flour
- 1/4 cup protein powder (preferably chocolate or unflavored)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based) as needed
For the Chocolate Dipping:
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate (for dipping)
- Colorful confetti sprinkles (edible)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll need to chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the bites set. So, set aside about 45 minutes total, including prep and chill time. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
Start by placing the almonds (or almond flour), protein powder, and cocoa powder into your food processor. Pulse until everything is finely ground and combined. This is the foundation for your brownie bites, so make sure it’s nice and fluffy!
2. Add the Sweet Ingredients:
Next, throw in the pitted dates, almond butter, and vanilla extract. Blend everything together until it forms a sticky dough. It’s okay if it looks a bit crumbly at first; just keep mixing! If the mixture seems too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it holds together well when pressed.
3. Roll Into Balls:
Once your mixture is just right, scoop out about a tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place the balls on a lined baking tray, and don’t worry about them being perfect—they’re gonna taste awesome no matter what!
4. Melt the Chocolate:
Now it’s time for the chocolate! Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Do this in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s completely smooth. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Dip and Decorate:
Dip each protein ball halfway into the melted chocolate. After dipping, sprinkle colorful confetti sprinkles on top while the chocolate is still wet. Have fun with it—more sprinkles mean more joy!
6. Chill Out:
Place the dipped balls back onto the parchment paper and pop them in the fridge. Allow them to chill for at least 30 minutes so the chocolate can set up nicely.
7. Enjoy Your Treats:
Once set, keep the Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites in an airtight container in the fridge. Now you’re ready to enjoy a delicious, protein-packed snack anytime you need a pick-me-up!
Can I Use Different Types of Nuts?
Absolutely! If you don’t have almonds, you can use other nuts like walnuts or cashews. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds will work well too!
How Do I Store These Protein Bites?
Store the Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze nicely, so you can keep them in the freezer for longer storage—just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes! To make the recipe vegan, ensure you choose a plant-based protein powder and use a nut or seed butter that doesn’t contain any dairy. For the chocolate dip, look for vegan chocolate chips!
What If My Mixture is Too Dry?
If your dough mixture feels too crumbly and won’t hold together, add more milk a tablespoon at a time. Continue blending until it reaches a sticky consistency that can be easily rolled into balls!
