So when I saw this recipe for 3 ingredient recipe for truffles that claimed to taste like healthy brownie bites, I knew I had to give it a whirl. I thought, "Hey - if they don't turn out well, at least I only wasted three ingredients!"
So, I set out to make these little bites.
At first I wasn't impressed -- they weren't sweet enough for my liking. But, after making a few changes to make them a bit sweeter, I think I made a real keeper.
I was snacking on these all throughout the weekend.
As someone who usually craves something sweet right after lunch or dinner, I think these are perfect. You get that sweet chocolate-y fix without loads of calories.
They also transport quite well, so they could be a great healthy dessert to bring to a party this holiday season. Did I mention they are vegan, gluten-free AND dairy-free, so they are bound to please all of your friends with dietary restrictions.
If you try them let me know what you think!
Healthy “Brownie Bites”
Prep time
Total time
Recipe type: Dessert
Serves: 10
Ingredients
- 1 cup Walnuts (raw, unsalted)
- ½ cup Dates (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 teaspoons Stevia (or another all-natural sweetener)
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Sweetened or Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (Optional)
Instructions
- Place the walnuts in a bowl of a food processor and process until they become like sand (about 45 seconds). Add the dates, cocoa, stevia and vanilla and process until well combined and the mixture looks like brownie batter (about 20 seconds). You may have to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula once or twice to make sure all of the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the dough into balls slightly smaller than a golf ball, rolling to smooth in your hands. Put the shredded coconut in a small bowl or plastic baggie and toss the balls in the coconut. Place the bites in the fridge for about 30 minutes to harden and then they will be ready to serve. I stored mine in the fridge.
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes
I’ve gotta say, I was skeptical of this recipe at first, but the results really look delicious! I know it may not be the pure vegan route, but think we could dip these in some melted, raw dark chocolate? Kinda thinking that could be amazing!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Christine, I think you’re a genius! That sounds DELICIOUS!
Abbe @ Abbe's Cooking Antics
Goodness, these look like they’d be difficult to stop eating once you started 😉 LOVE that your nail varnish matched the truffles!!! I like blue nail varnish, but haven’t eaten anything that colour since the eighties 😀 x
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Abbe they are incredibly addicting! Good thing they are guilt free 🙂
Meredith
MM!!! Dates. Genius.
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
I love how dates just take on the flavor of the other ingredients in a recipe!
C.J. LAB
I see more date recipes. Thhlove dates & eat them daily! Would love To see more date recipes. Thanks.
Amy
I see that vanilla is called for in the instructions but not listed in the ingredient list…how much do you recommend using?
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Amy, great catch! I updated the ingredient list to include 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Enjoy!