These brownie date protein balls are healthy, clean and the perfect allergy-friendly, vegan option for a gut-friendly snack all year long. These soft date balls are high in protein and fiber, and coated in a snappy chocolate shell or sprinkles. Mixed easily in a single bowl, pressed into a mold or cupcake pan, and ready after only 15 minutes in the refrigerator. They have no added sugar and are only sweetened with dates. They are also ridiculously easy to make.
Dates are awesome sweeteners in no bake desserts because they are naturally sweet, high in fiber and rich in amazing nutrients. I love to use dates as a base in most of my snack balls, no-bake bars, or if I need a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting. They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars. You don’t need many dates to make something sweet!
They are just one of those snack cabinet staples I can’t live without. In my quest to find healthier snacks, I have started buying more dates, to use as a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting. Dates are a great snack on their own and they are high in fiber, rich in antioxidants, great for heart health and they provide a little energy boost thanks to the natural sugars. They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars.
The dried fruit has a caramel-like sweetness that can also help reduce cravings for sugary snacks. I’m always on the hunt though for creative ways to dress up my dates, and I just knew these bars would be delicious! If you haven’t cooked with dates yet, you have so many delicious uses just waiting to be discovered!
Eating a few dates for a 3 p.m. sugar boost is good, but it can get a little boring, so I started to look for ways to jazz them up. There are lots of date-focused recipes on social media these days, but when I came across viral date bark I knew I had to try it. And it did not disappoint!
As well as being really easy to make, these cups are healthier than your average treat as they are made with wholesome REAL food ingredients. With the added protein powder it makes them more balanced than the traditional high carb recipe. Old fashioned baked recipes always had tons of sugar, carbs and fats. The new modern way it to add protein making the recipe more balanced and healthy and it also acts as a healthy no bake flour helping to hold the bites together.
Eating protein-rich foods has many health and fitness benefits, including:
Speeding recovery after exercise and/or injury.
Reducing muscle loss
Building lean muscle
Helping maintain a healthy weight
Curbing hunger
A well-balanced diet with proper ratios of macro nutrients (protein, healthy carbs and fats) provides all of the: energy you need to keep active throughout the day. nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness.
When you find your optimal balance and amounts of macro nutrients, you take a major step toward reaching your health goals and this balance has been improved in this recipe by the addition of healthy protein.
Your body can only absorb around 25-30 grams of protein at one time and you likely need 80-100 plus grams a day so its important to spread it over all meals and snacks throughout the day so you can meet your required amount.
These easy date brownie bites are quick to make, will provide the important protein and are a much healthier take on a regular fudgy chocolate brownie. Beware they are addictive!
Brownie Date Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1 cup almond flour + more if needed
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1/4 cup any milk
- 2 tablespoons peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Flaky salt if desired
Instructions
- Add all date ball ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Add more almond flour if the mixtures seems to sticky or a little milk a tablespoon at a time if its too dry and won’t stick together.Roll 8 balls (or your preferred size) and place on a parchment paper lined pan or tray.Place in freezer for an hour or more to set and firm up the balls so they stick together while you coat them in the chocolate.
Chocolate Coating
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Remove the balls and using two forks to hold each ball, and one by one, dip into the melted chocolate. Roll around until fully coated, then place back on the parchment lined tray.Or hold each one with a fork over the melted chocolate and spoon it over letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired, then chill until chocolate has set.Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
