These Salted Chocolate Brownie Bites satisfy your sweet tooth without the need for an oven.
The other day, I was scouring my pantry like a woman on a mission. Feeling peckish and craving something chocolaty, I came up only on a sad bag of dark chocolate chips. Now, I’m not above scooping a handful straight from the bag, but I felt like I could do better than that. And boy, did I do better than that.
These salted chocolate brownie bites came together in ten minutes with a few pantry ingredients and absolutely no baking. They’re rich, they’re fudgy, and they have just a kiss of salt to counterbalance their sweetness.
What makes these brownie bites so magical is the fact that they taste much more indulgent than they are. The Medjool dates and the cacao powder give you the vibe of a decadent chocolate caramel dessert, just with more wholesome ingredients. Toss in the flax meal, hemp seeds, and almonds, and you’ve got yourself a snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while fueling you with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and more.
Are These Salted Chocolate Brownie Bites Healthy?
These brownie bites are not only healthy, but they’re also naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan by using the right chocolate chips (make sure there’s no dairy!). Nearly every ingredient is packed with superfood potential. Medjool dates, for instance, add plenty of natural sweetness along with iron, potassium, and fiber. Almonds are a versatile little nut (er, technically, they’re a seed) packed with good-for-you nutrients, from magnesium to vitamin E to protein.
Hemp seeds and flax meal also provide a great source of plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals. And who doesn’t love the taste of chocolate? Plus, it’s full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Remember, the darker the chocolate, the healthier.
The Multitasking Medjool Date
If you’ve never had a Medjool date before, you’re missing out. Hailing from Morocco and considered the world’s oldest cultivated fruit, Medjool dates are soft and sticky and have the flavor profile of caramel. Even though they’re full of natural sugars, they have a low glycemic index, making them perfect for folks craving a healthier alternative to a little something sweet. And, as I mentioned, they’re loaded with vitamins and minerals to boot.
These dried stone fruits are the secret ingredient that gives these brownie bites their rich, fudgy texture and decadent flavor. Medjool dates blend easily and pair well with a number of ingredients, including chocolate, nuts, nut butters, salt, other fruits, and even cheese. While they’re a common ingredient in “healthier” desserts and snacks, their flavor leaves absolutely no one wanting. In fact, with the right combination, they can taste remarkably like a candy bar.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Store your leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Make a double batch and keep some in the freezer for future chocolate craving emergencies.
Serving Suggestions
As gooey and delicious as these no-bake brownie bites are, you may want to wash them down with an equally delectable, nutritionally dense drink. I’m partial to a Low-Carb Peanut Butter Smoothie or this Strawberry Protein Shake. Want even more recipes for sweets that don’t need the oven? Try these No-Bake White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies or these No-Bake Apple Almond Butter Bars.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1 cup Medjool dates pitted
- 1/2 cup cacao powder divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons flax meal
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1 pinch pink salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Pop the almonds into the food processor and blend until it forms a course crumb.
- Add the dates, half the cacao powder, vanilla extract, flax meal, hemp seeds, and a pinch of pink salt into the food processor along with the almonds and blend until it forms a big ball and looks quite smooth.
- Add the chocolate chips into the food processor and pulse until they are mixed in; otherwise, just use your hands to mix them in.
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball.
- Roll the balls in the leftover cacao powder.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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