If you love fudge brownies but crave something a little lighter (and a lot more fun), these Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites are about to become your snack-time heroes. They deliver all the chocolatey nostalgia of a cosmic brownie, complete with a sprinkle-studded top, but in a soft, protein-packed, no-bake format you’ll never feel guilty about. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a post-workout treat, these bites combine wholesome ingredients with the playfulness of a classic, making every bite a cheerful celebration of chocolate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Assembling these Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites is almost as fun as eating them! Each ingredient was chosen for maximum flavor and nutrition, ensuring every bite is chocolatey, chewy, and satisfying (with just a hint of sparkle).
- Medjool Dates: Act as the natural sweetener and sticky base for binding everything together.
- Almond Butter: Provides creaminess and healthy fats, making the bites rich and satisfying.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Offers bold chocolate flavor without added sugar.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: Packs in extra protein while boosting chocolate intensity. Choose a good-quality powder for the best taste!
- Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness that balances the cocoa’s rich chocolate notes.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth.
- Salt: Enhances and brightens all the chocolate and sweet flavors.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle in that classic cosmic brownie chocolate texture!
- Rainbow Sprinkles: Make every bite colorful and delightfully nostalgic — it’s not cosmic without the sprinkles!
How to Make Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites
Step 1: Make the Date Paste
Add your pitted Medjool dates to a food processor. Blend until they turn into a thick, sticky paste; this step is crucial, as the paste holds all of the ingredients together and gives your bites natural sweetness and chewiness.
Step 2: Add Chocolate and Protein Ingredients
Toss in the almond butter, cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend again until everything is fully incorporated, scraping down the sides if necessary, to form a smooth and thick chocolate dough.
Step 3: Fold in Toppings
After removing the blade, gently mix in the mini chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles by hand. This ensures each Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bite is speckled with chocolatey and colorful bits in every bite, just like the treat that inspired them.
Step 4: Shape the Bites
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them between your palms to form evenly sized balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray to keep things tidy and to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the rolled balls for at least 20 minutes. This quick chill helps them firm up for the perfect fudgy texture—exactly what you want in Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites!
How to Serve Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites
Garnishes
Give your bites an extra sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles or a dusting of cocoa powder just before serving, for that bakery-case finish. Not only does it look festive, but it also underscores that cosmic brownie vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair these energetic bites with a chilled glass of almond milk, cold brew coffee, or even a fresh fruit bowl for a balanced snack. They’re also a fantastic addition to a healthy snack platter or bento box for work or school.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites in mini cupcake liners for a party, or spear them on decorative picks as a fun dessert skewer. Tuck one or two into a lunchbox, or wrap in cellophane with a ribbon for a homemade foodie gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve made your Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites, stash them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh, chewy, and ready for snack attacks for up to a week.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, these bites freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
No reheating needed, but if you prefer these bites on the softer side straight from the freezer, let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before digging in for the fudgiest texture.
FAQs
Can I make Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites nut-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread. You’ll keep the creamy texture while making the recipe school-safe and allergy-friendly.
What kind of protein powder works best?
Chocolate plant-based protein powder is ideal for this recipe, but you can use whey if you prefer. Choose a protein powder you love the taste of, since it’s a key flavor component here.
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?
You can! If you use sweetened cocoa powder, you might want to reduce or skip the maple syrup to avoid making the bites too sweet.
How big should each bite be?
1 heaping tablespoon per ball is typical, but you can make them smaller or larger to your preference. Just keep in mind that yield and nutrition may vary with size adjustments.
Are Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites suitable for kids?
With their fun taste and sprinkles, kids absolutely love them! Just make sure to check for allergies (especially to nuts) before sharing, and you’ll have a wholesome treat everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites enough—they’re that magical combo of nostalgic, wholesome, and irresistibly chocolatey. Give them a try, share with friends or family, and watch snack time become the best part of your day!
Print
Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites are a delightful treat that packs a punch of protein and flavor in every bite. Made with wholesome ingredients, these no-bake brownie balls are perfect for a quick snack or a post-workout boost.
Ingredients
Dates mixture:
- 1 cup medjool dates (pitted)
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins:
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Blend the dates: Add the pitted dates to a food processor and blend until they form a sticky paste.
- Mix the dough: Add almond butter, cocoa powder, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until a thick, smooth dough forms. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add finishing touches: Remove the blade and fold in mini chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles by hand.
- Shape the bites: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls.
- Chill and serve: Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
