No Bake Brownie Energy Bites
These fudgy and decadent no bake brownie energy bites are vegan, gluten-free, and made with only 5 ingredients. Ready in just 10 minutes!
True story: I am really, really bad at making breakfast on time. It’s not that I try and skip it, but I seem to find a ton of excuses early in the morning. Extra sleep, fantasising about loaded waffles, promising myself I will have a protein smoothie. When I have make-ahead recipes on hand, however, like these brownie bites, pumpkin pie overnight oats, or banana oat breakfast cookies, I am totally on top of my breakfast game. And as a bonus, these brownie energy bites will have you on top of your snack game and dessert game too!
Why You’ll Make These Brownie Energy Bites Again and Again
I’ve been making these bites consistently for a year now. They’re rich, chocolatey, sweet, and come together in minutes, no baking required. And you won’t even realise they’re sweetened with dates and made with whole food ingredients!
- No oven needed. How often can you have brownies without turning on the oven?! And skipping the oven really streamlines the process: no preheating, no baking, and no waiting for the brownies to cool (which is always the hardest part).
- Naturally sweetened. Soft, sticky Medjool dates do all the heavy lifting here.
- Rich and chocolatey. Cocoa powder gives these energy bites serious decadent brownie vibes, while the dates help mimic the chewy texture you get in fudgy brownies.
- Ideal for meal prep. Keep them in the fridge and you’ve got snacks taken care of for the week.
Notes on Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these no bake brownie energy bites. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements.
- Walnuts and almonds – These add richness and some nutty flavour, along with protein.
- Medjool dates – If they’re a bit dry or you use a variety other than Medjool, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain. You want them sticky so they help bind all the ingredients together!
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Cacao powder also works for a less-processed option.
- Shredded coconut flakes – Make sure you use unsweetened coconut.
- Pinch of salt – Don’t skip it! It enhances the chocolate flavour and balances the sweetness. (I use this trick for my slow cooker hot chocolate too.)
How to Make No Bake Brownie Energy Bites
The process is super simple since your food processor does most of the work!
- Grind the nuts. Pulse the nuts in your food processor until they break down and start clumping together slightly.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Add the chopped dates, cocoa powder, ¼ cup of the shredded coconut flakes, and a pinch of salt. Process until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture turns into a thick, sticky dough.
- Roll into balls. Use your hands (or a bit of plastic film to help shape them neatly) to roll the mixture into small balls. Keep going until all the mixture is used up.
- Coat in coconut. Roll each ball in the remaining ¼ cup of shredded coconut flakes until fully coated, pressing lightly so it sticks well.
- Chill. Place the brownie energy bites in the fridge for at least one hour to firm up.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few easy ideas:
- Add vanilla extract. A splash of vanilla adds a little extra depth.
- Boost the protein. Add a scoop of your favourite vegan protein powder or roll the brownie energy bites in hemp seeds instead of coconut.
- Give them some extra decadence. Fold chopped dark chocolate or crunchy cacao nibs into the mixture before shaping.
Serving Suggestions
These no bake brownie energy bites are perfect for:
- A light grab-and-go breakfast
- Mid-afternoon snacks
- Post-workout fuel
- Lunchbox treats
- A healthier dessert option
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store your brownie energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezer: Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
More No-Bake Treats You’ll Love
Enjoy friends! If you make this no bake brownie energy bite recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
No Bake Brownie Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup walnuts, 60g
- 1/2 cup almonds, 70g
- 1 cup dates, Medjool, chopped, 170g
- 1/3 cup + 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 35g
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut flakes, 40g
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Grind the walnuts and almonds in a food processor, until a dough starts to form. Add the dates, cocoa powder, ¼ cup shredded coconut flakes and salt and process until incorporated and the mixture begins to turn into a dough.
- Roll the mixture into round balls using the help of saran wrap (wrap it around the bites to form a circle), until all the mixture is finished.
- Roll the balls in the last ¼ cup shredded coconut flakes.
- Place in the fridge for at least an hour, then enjoy!
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store your brownie energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezer: Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
Scrumptious. I used coarse almond meal instead of walnuts and it worked well.
Thank you! I’m glad it worked well!
These are the only treats that my Diabetic husband requests for me to make. Great recipe.
Wow thank you so much for the kind comment Leeland! We’re so happy that you both enjoy them!
How msny calories are in chocolate energy brownie bites???
Hi Denise,
I’m not sure but you can calculate it on https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076
Made these for my healthy eating kick 14 year old grandson’s birthday. I think he will love the,, I did!
Yay I’m so happy to hear that Pat! I hope he does!!
This looks so good! Do you make any other types of energy bites with this base of nuts and dates?
Thanks Suzanne! Yes I do have a few more: https://jessicainthekitchen.com/?s=energy+bites&post_type=post
Brownie bites are a hit. I also made them again with some cherries infused with juice. YUM!!!!
Hi Allison,
Yay I am so happy to hear that! The cherries is such a great idea!!
These were excellent! Really easy and tasted exactly like a brownie but without the guilt 🙂
Definite repeat!!
We’re glad you like it Clara! Thank you for this kind comment!
Do you know how many calories are in the brownie bites?
Hi Gloria we haven’t gotten to calculate the calories for this recipe yet, but its on our list! If you need the information now you could use this website which can be useful https://caloriecontrol.org/healthy-weight-tool-kit/food-calorie-calculator/ . I hope this helps.
these are so good that my neighbor who is very traditional Mexican wanted to come and learn how to make them. Now she can cook, don’t get me wrong…it’s just that they are delicious and satisfying. I altered them a tad with 1 T coconut oil and 1/2 t vanilla the second time cause I found the coconut stuck to them better that way and they roll a bit easier. Thanks for the nummy snacks. I’m gonna check a few other of your recipes!
Wow this is nice to see we really smiled while we read this one. Thanks for leaving such a nice comment Randy.
For adult style: add raw cocoa nibs (rough ground or whole) and/or fresh, finely ground coffee beans.
For nut-free: leave out nuts and augment shredded coconut