Just four ingredients needed to make these healthy, protein-packed chocolate almond energy bites that taste like cookie dough but have no added sugar. Keep them in the fridge for a quick pick-me-up.
It’s possible that the most challenging thing about January this year was getting ourselves off the cookie habit that we picked up in December. There were a few too many Christmas cookies hanging around over the holidays this year. I was really needing to ease off the sugar, but still wanted something for my ever-present sweet tooth. These “energy bites” are pretty perfect for dessert (even though they have no added sugar), but they also come in handy for those so-hungry-can’t-quite-make-it-until-dinner moments. I wrote about these years ago, but in the past few weeks I’ve been playing around with the recipe. This version has an extra rich chocolate flavor and a super fudgy texture.
Dark Chocolate Almond Energy Bites Ingredients
- Nuts - We tested this recipe with both raw cashews and raw almonds. Cashews gave the energy bites the most creamy texture. Raw almonds gave them an even more intense almond flavor (though both had almond flavor from the almond butter).
- Pitted Dates - Look for medjool dates. If they contain pits, just slice them open and remove the pits before using them (it just takes a couple minutes).
- Cocoa Powder - Unsweetened cocoa powder gives these a rich, deep chocolate flavor. Any type will work - just look for it in the baking section.
- Almond Butter - To keep these energy bites free of added sugar, I use a natural almond butter like Justin’s, but any type will work. Don’t have almond butter? Peanut butter, cashew butter, any nut or seed butter will work!
How to Make Dark Chocolate Almond Energy Bites
(It couldn’t be easier!)
- Combine nuts and dates in the bowl of a food processor. Blend until finely ground. All of the pieces should be roughly the size of sesame seeds (or smaller) and evenly mixed.
- Add cocoa powder and almond butter. Pulse until smooth. The mixture should stick together when you press it between your fingers. If it seems dry, add more almond butter 2 teaspoon at a time.
- Roll into 1 tablespoon balls. For some extra fun, roll them in toppings - see below for ideas.
- Eat or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!
Possible Variations
- For extra nutrition - Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, hemp hearts, or flaxseed.
- For fun - Roll the balls in mini chocolate chips (gently press them into the dough as you roll it), cocoa powder, white sesame seeds, or sprinkles!
More Recipes Using Dark Chocolate
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📖 Recipe
Dark Chocolate Almond Energy Bites
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup Raw Cashews or Raw Almonds
- 8 oz Pitted Medjool Dates (~16 medium dates)
- 6 tablespoon Cocoa Powder
- 4 tablespoon Almond Butter (I use Justin’s; see note)
Optional toppings:
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- White Sesame Seeds
- Chocolate Sprinkles
Instructions
- Combine cashews / almonds and dates in the bowl of a food processor. Blend until finely ground. All of the pieces should be roughly the size of sesame seeds (or smaller) and evenly mixed.
- Add cocoa powder and almond butter. Pulse until smooth. The mixture should stick together when you press it between your fingers. (Note: If it seems dry or crumbly, add more almond butter 1 tablespoon at a time. Due to the variations in almond butter and other ingredients, I have had to add up to 4 tablespoon extra to get a smooth, pliable texture.)
- Roll dough into heaping 1 tablespoon balls. (It helps to work the dough a bit with your hands before rolling it.)
- For some extra fun, roll them in any of the optional toppings. (If using mini chocolate chips, gently press them into the dough as you roll them.)
- These are great chilled or room temperature. (They are softer and most cookie-dough-like at room temp.)
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
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almonds
nice and very caranchi chocolate bol look
Shannon
can these be frozen?
Jess Smith
Yes - they freeze well. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight to bring them back to the really soft texture but they're actually also good straight out of the freezer (especially in summer).