These no bake protein bites have a chewy nutty, oat date base layer topped with a super creamy, sweet, cashew chocolate layer. After all, who can resist a dessert when it comes in such a cute little package?
This recipe for creamy protein bites is so simple and perfect for a small crowd or just you. The individual ready-to-go single servings is the way to go for gatherings. They are simple, straightforward, and at only a few bites each, they are awesome for portion control.
These protein bites are a little like cheesecake but in reality they are nothing like regular cheesecake as we know it. Instead of using cream cheese and truckloads of sugar, this is made with cashews, coconut milk and flavoured with lemon. It’s like a tropical holiday in your mouth! I can’t get enough of them. These healthy bites start with my favorite crust base: nuts, dates and little chocolate powder. Thanks to the pureed dates, the crust gets just sticky enough to be pressed into muffin tins and forms the perfect base for the creamy, chocolate filling.
Once again, cashews + coconut pair together to form the ultimate dairy-free filling. Ironically, while regular cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts, I find myself preferring a cheese-less filling more and more. This one is sweet but not overly sweet, rich but not over the top like some chocolate cheesecakes can be. It’s perfection.
There are few things that go together better than a chocolatey base topped with cashew cream filling so if you are craving something delish, these small but mighty slices of heaven will definitely hit the spot.
This is one of the yummiest and easiest healthy sweet candy recipes ever! Luxurious, creamy, bursting with flavor and using good-for-you ingredients. It delivers the classic after-dinner treat you are craving but in a satisfying yet nutrition-packed treat. A delight for the eyes as these babies are sure to wow, as well as your taste buds.
As well as being really easy to make, these creamy bites 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.
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.
These are a perfect portion-controlled treat for an any time healthy snack or dessert! Or any time you are craving a little something sweet but want to stay on track with your healthy eating plan.
If anyone is ever sceptical of treats without refined sugar or dairy, these are what I make them – always a crowd pleaser!
Chocolate Cashew Strawberry Protein Bites
Ingredients
Base Crust
- 1 cup almonds, pecans or walnuts or a mix
- 1 cup dates, soaked at least 30 minutes and drained
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Chocolate Filling
- 2 cups cashews, soaked 3+ hours and drained
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream full fat (solid part only) *see note below
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings Optional
- 1 cup strawberries, fresh, finely chopped
- Whipped coconut cream -recipe below in notes
Instructions
Base Crust
- Note: Place the can of coconut cream in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.Line a 12-hole muffin pan with parchment or silicone liners.Place almonds into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, oats and cocoa powder and continue to process until mixture is sticky and well combined. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture and different sized “bits” in your cupcake bases.Press up 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each cup of the muffin pan evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
Chocolate Filling
- Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.Place all filling ingredients, cashews, coconut cream,honey, coconut oil, cocoa and vanilla extract into the food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Depending on the power of your blender this might take a few minutes. Stop blending to scrape down the sides if necessary and continue to blend until very smooth. Taste test and add more cocoa, honey or vanilla if you think it needs it.Pour the filling over the chilled crust (or muffin cups) and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Once each muffin cup has been filled, freeze the bites for an hour or two, or until they become solid. If freezing overnight, unmould and let sit on the counter for about 10 minutes before serving so the little cheesecakes are not too hard.Add toppings of choice before serving.Store in fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to3 months.
Notes
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
