These Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites are a fun, tasty treat packed with goodness! With chocolatey flavors and colorful sprinkles, they make healthy eating feel like a sweet reward.
My kids love these snacks, and honestly, I might enjoy them even more! They’re simple to whip up and perfect for an energy boost anytime. Who says healthy can’t be fun? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Medjool Dates: These add natural sweetness and help bind the bites together. If you can’t find them, try using other dried fruits like figs or prunes, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Raw Almonds: Almonds give a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well as a substitute here.
Chocolate Protein Powder: I love using protein powder for added nutrition. Plant-based protein works great if you want a vegan option. If you can’t find protein powder, simply use more cocoa powder for flavor.
Nut Butter: I prefer creamy peanut butter, but almond or cashew butter are fantastic too! For nut-free diets, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative.
Dark Chocolate Chips: They create the rich coating. If you want a vegan option, make sure to choose dairy-free chocolate chips or use a homemade chocolate coating with coconut oil and cocoa powder.
How Do You Get the Perfect Chocolate Coating?
Coating the bites in chocolate can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips to make it easier:
- Make sure the bites are well-frozen before dipping. This helps prevent them from falling apart in the chocolate.
- Use a fork to dip the bites into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off before placing them back on the parchment. This avoids a messy coating.
- If the chocolate starts to thicken, you can reheat it slightly or add a bit of coconut oil to keep it smooth.
- Don’t forget the sprinkles! Add them right after drizzling the peanut butter, while the chocolate is still soft.
With these tips, you can achieve a beautiful and even chocolate coating that adds to the fun of these Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites!
Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder (plant-based or whey)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup mini rainbow cereal or colorful sprinkles (for the “cosmic” effect)
- 1/4 cup nut butter (cashew, peanut, or almond butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or melting chocolate (for coating)
- 2 tbsp peanut butter or nut butter (to drizzle on top)
- Additional rainbow sprinkles for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for freezing and setting. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes to have these delicious bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Mixture:
Start by placing the raw almonds into a food processor. Pulse them until they are finely ground. This creates a crunchy base for your bites.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
Next, add the pitted medjool dates, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, nut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Process everything together until the mixture has a sticky and dough-like consistency. It should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
3. Add the Cosmic Crunch:
Now, gently fold in the colorful mini cereal or sprinkles into the mixture. Take care to keep them intact for the best cosmic effect!
4. Shape the Bites:
Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch sized balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined tray. This is where the fun begins—roll those bites until they’re nice and round!
5. Freeze to Firm Up:
Pop the tray in the freezer and let the balls firm up for about 30 minutes. This helps ensure they won’t fall apart when you coat them in chocolate.
6. Melt the Chocolate:
While the bites are freezing, melt the dark chocolate chips using a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir until smooth and silky—this will be your delicious coating!
7. Coat the Bites:
One by one, dip each firm bite into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Lift it out using a fork and let the excess chocolate drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
8. Drizzle the Nut Butter:
Melt the 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (or another nut butter) and use a spoon to drizzle it creatively over the chocolate-coated bites.
9. Add the Finishing Touch:
Before the drizzle sets, sprinkle additional rainbow sprinkles on top for a final touch of fun!
10. Let Them Set:
Refrigerate the bites until the chocolate hardens completely, which will take about 20 minutes. This step ensures a satisfying crunch!
11. Enjoy!
Once set, serve your Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites chilled, and get ready to enjoy this delightful mix of flavors and textures! They make an excellent snack, a delightful lunchbox addition, or a great post-workout boost!
These protein-packed snacks have a rich brownie flavor, a colorful crunch, and a glossy chocolate finish that everyone will love!
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Almonds?
Absolutely! You can swap out the almonds for other nuts like walnuts, cashews, or pecans, based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly.
How Can I Make These Protein Bites Vegan?
To make these bites vegan, simply use plant-based protein powder and a vegan chocolate for coating. Most nut butters are naturally vegan, so those can stay as is. Enjoy the cosmic goodness without any animal products!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months—just be sure to thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Customize the Sprinkles?
Definitely! Feel free to use any type of colorful sprinkles you like, or even try crushed freeze-dried fruits or chopped nuts for added texture. The goal is to make them as fun and cosmic as you want!