These Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites are like little energy-packed treats! With chocolatey goodness and colorful sprinkles, they bring a fun twist to healthy snacking.
Every bite is chewy and delicious, making them perfect for a quick pick-me-up. I love popping a few before heading out to the gym or even as a sweet reward after a long day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pitted Dates: Dates are vital for sweetness and binding. If you’re out of dates, you can use dried figs or prunes instead. Just make sure they’re soft and sticky!
Almond Flour: This gives the bites their chewy texture. You can also use oat flour or ground walnuts if you have a nut allergy or want a different flavor.
Chocolate Protein Powder: Essential for that rich chocolate taste. If you want a non-chocolate option, vanilla protein powder works too! You may need a bit more cocoa in the recipe, though.
Dark Chocolate: For coating, go for a high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. Milk chocolate or dairy-free chocolate also works well if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Colorful Sprinkles: These add a fun touch, but feel free to skip them or use chopped nuts or coconut flakes for something different!
How Do You Get the Right Texture for the Bites?
Achieving the right texture is crucial for these protein bites. You want them to be chewy, not crumbly. To do this:
- Always soak dry dates in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them. This helps blend them smoothly.
- If your mixture seems too dry while processing, add water little by little until it’s moldable.
- Roll the balls firmly but gently; overly tight rolling can make them tough.
- Freezing the balls for a short time helps them hold their shape when coating in chocolate.
With a little attention to these steps, you’ll have perfectly textured Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites every time!
How to Make Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Protein Bites:
- 1 cup pitted dates (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes if dry)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (preferably chocolate-flavored)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup mini vegan chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Coating:
- 1 cup dark chocolate (for coating)
- Colorful sprinkles (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30-40 minutes for chilling and coating the bites. It’s quick and easy enough to whip up a batch whenever you’re in the mood for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Mix:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a food processor, combine the soaked dates, almond flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, almond butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Process everything together until you get a sticky, crumbly dough. If the mixture is a bit dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches a moldable consistency.
2. Add Chocolate Chips:
Once your mix is ready, fold in the mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate by hand. This adds delicious little bursts of chocolate in each bite!
3. Shape the Bites:
With your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them onto a tray lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
4. Chill the Bites:
Pop the tray in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This firms up the brownie balls and makes it easier to coat them in chocolate later.
5. Melt the Dark Chocolate:
While the bites are chilling, melt the dark chocolate. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating it in 30-second intervals and stirring in between. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stove until smooth.
6. Dip the Bites:
Once the brownie balls are firm, take them out of the freezer. Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, letting any excess chocolate drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
7. Add the Sprinkles:
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top to add a fun touch! This is the finishing flourish that makes them look just like cosmic brownies!
8. Final Chilling:
Refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate coating hardens completely. Resist the temptation to taste them too soon!
9. Store and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate is set, store the Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy them chilled whenever you need a quick protein-packed snack that tastes indulgent!
There you have it! Delicious, healthy, and fun Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites that are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Other Nut Flours Instead of Almond Flour?
Absolutely! If you’re allergic to nuts, you can substitute almond flour with oat flour or sunflower seed flour. Just keep in mind it might slightly change the flavor and texture, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Make These Protein Bites Vegan?
These Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites are already vegan as long as you use vegan chocolate chips for coating. Just be sure to select a dairy-free dark chocolate for the best results!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and roll the bites in advance, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for a longer shelf life, making them perfect for meal prep!
What Should I Do if the Mixture is Too Sticky?
If your mixture feels too sticky to roll into balls, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm it up. You can also dust your hands with a little cocoa powder or coconut flour while rolling, which can help prevent sticking!