Brownie Protein Bites (Gluten Free, Paleo)

These brownie protein bites are rich and chewy with a sweet chocolate flavor. They're made with dates, protein powder and sunflower seed butter, then encased in an optional dark chocolate shell. This protein bite recipe is gluten free, paleo and even nut free!

Protein balls that taste like brownies?! Yes, they do exist!

These brownie protein bites are no-bake with a chewy chocolate filling. They taste just like a brownie, but are packed with protein and made with healthy ingredients.

The filling is made by blending a few simple ingredients, then scooping and rolling them into balls. You can enjoy them as-is or dip them in dark chocolate.

These brownie bites can be enjoyed as a wholesome dessert or satisfying snack. And they store well in the freezer - perfect for making ahead of time and enjoying throughout the month.

Ingredients

The full recipe for these healthy brownie bites can be found in the recipe card below, but here's a list of what you'll need:

• Medjool dates - to sweeten the filling and provide a chewy texture
• sunflower seed butter - I love sunflower seed butter because it's nut free, but you can swap this with any other nut or seed butter.
• vanilla extract - for flavor
• protein powder - I used hemp protein powder for these brownie bites. The best substitutes will be pumpkin seed protein, pea protein or watermelon seed protein.
• cocoa powder - I love using organic dutch processed cocoa powder
• salt - just a pinch to enhance the flavors
• optional chocolate topping: dark chocolate and coconut oil (not pictured below)

How to Make Brownie Bites

You'll need a food processor to make the filling for these protein brownie bites, as the ingredients are all blended, then rolled into balls. Here are the steps:

1. First, remove the pits from your dates and soak them in hot water for 5 minutes. (This softens them, making them easier to blend and giving the filling a chewier texture.)
2. Drain the water from the dates, then place them in your food processor with the sunflower seed butter and vanilla. Blend until the mixture looks like a thick, sticky caramel.
3. Next, add in the remaining filling ingredients. Blend, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.

4. Scoop the dough for the filling and roll into balls, each about one tablespoon in size.
5. You can eat the balls as-is, or chill them and then dip them in dark chocolate. To chill them, place the balls on a lined baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

6. Once the balls are chilled, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil. Dip the balls, one at a time into the melted chocolate and place them back on the lined baking sheet to set.

Storage

These protein bites are best stored in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge or freezer. They'll last well a month in the fridge, or three months in the freezer.

FAQ

More Healthy Bites

Looking for other protein balls and healthy bites? Take a look at these:

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