These no-bake brownie bites are a healthier way to satisfy a chocolate craving. Made with nuts and dried fruit then topped with an optional chocolate peppermint drizzle you’ll be shocked at how much they taste just like brownie batter.
This is the third update this brownie bite recipe is getting. It’s a lot of attention for a recipe as simple as throwing some ingredients in a blender, making biscuit-shaped cutouts and drizzling with chocolate, but here we are.
The first update went a long way in making these look appetizing. I first created these healthier brownie bites in 2011 and let’s just say they looked more like something you’d find in a diaper than want to put in your mouth. The updated pictures were a dramatic improvement but I did nothing to the original text so instead of knowing anything about this deliciously easy chocolate recipe, I waxed on and on about some random story (such was blogging life circa 2011).
Hopefully, this will be the last update these brownie bites need for awhile and both the pictures and my writing convince you to make them.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
Most people think of tiny baked brownies when they hear “brownie bites,” but this recipe comes at it from a different angle. These raw brownie bites aren’t baked at all and don’t use traditional ingredients, yet still deliver that fudgy brownie bite taste we all love.
Here are a few reasons they deserve a spot on your kitchen counter:
- They taste just like brownies! When you glance at the ingredients you’ll probably wonder how this is true, but I’m begging you to trust me on this — it works!
- Egg-Free: Without eggs, this is a no-bake recipe that’s safe to eat.
- Easy Cleanup: No need for multiple tools like a mini muffin pan or baking dish. All you need is a food processor.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
Brownie Bite Ingredients
These brownie bites are made with a mix of wholesome ingredients that create a rich, chocolaty flavor without the need for baking.
- Nuts: Almonds and cashews serve as the base for the brownie bites. They hold the bites together and the cashews give off a batter-like flavor that adds a bit of decadence to this treat.
- Ground Flax Seed: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds a boost of fiber.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the bites a rich chocolate flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps hold the mixture together.
- Prunes: These add moisture, natural sweetness, and a chewy texture. People are forever giving prunes an undeserved bad reputation!
- Cacao Nibs: Provide a crunchy texture and extra chocolaty taste.
- Banana: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the dough. It’s just 1/4 of a banana so the flavor doesn’t overwhelm the brownies.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings out the flavors of all the other ingredients and adds that expected dessert-like flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Use Soft Prunes: Prunes are similar to medjool dates, you want to be sure they’re fresh and soft. This will enable the mixture to stick together better when processing so you can shape the brownie bites. If they’re too dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes before processing.
- Pulse, Don’t Over-process: When combining the nuts and flax seeds, pulse until finely ground but avoid over-processing, which can turn them into a paste.
- Spray The Cut-Out: The brownie “batter” will be a little sticky when cutting out into circles. An easy trick for this is to spray your biscuit cutter (or whatever type of cookie cutter shape you’re using) with some cooking spray around the edges. This helps the batter slide right off.
- Chill the Dough: The recipe calls for freezing the brownie bite dough for 30 minutes before finishing with the chocolate drizzle. Don’t skip this, the freezing time helps the bites set.
- Even Thickness: Roll the dough out to an even thickness to ensure all the bites set evenly.
How to Make Brownie Bites
Add the almonds, cashews and ground flax seeds to a food processor. Give them a good whirl until everything’s finely ground, like a coarse flour. Next, add in the prunes, cocoa powder, maple syrup, banana, vanilla, cacao nibs and salt. Keep processing until the mixture starts to come together and forms a sticky dough.
Once the brownie batter is sufficiently sticking together in the food processor (it should start to form a ball in the bowl of the processor), transfer it onto a sheet of parchment paper. Shape it into a ball, then roll it out into a thick disc. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out bite-sized pieces. Pop these in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up.
While the bites are chilling, melt some chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil in a small bowl. This is where you can add an optional extract like peppermint if desired. Once the bites are set, drizzle them with the melted chocolate. Let the chocolate harden, and you’re all set to enjoy these delightful, no-bake bite-sized treats.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some tasty ways to switch things up with this brownie bite recipe:
- Peanut Butter: Swap out the banana for a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter to add a rich, nutty flavor. It pairs perfectly with the chocolatey base. You can also drizzle drippy peanut butter on top of the brownie bites instead of chocolate if you prefer.
- Chocolate Ganache: Instead of the simple chocolate drizzle, take it up a notch by topping your bites with a layer of chocolate ganache. It adds an extra indulgent touch.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts to the processed brownie batter for some added crunch if you’re the kind of person that likes the texture and taste of nuts in your brownies.
Can I make mini no-bake brownie bites with this recipe?
Yes, you can! Simply roll the dough into smaller balls (like these no-bake brownie fudge balls) or use a smaller cookie cutter to shape them into mini bites.
Are raw and fudgy brownie bites the same?
Not exactly. Raw brownie bites are made without baking and have a dense, chewy texture, while fudgy brownie bites are typically baked and have a softer, more traditional brownie consistency.
How to store leftovers
Store leftover brownie bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. You can also keep these frozen for a longer lasting treat. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer.
Satisfy Your Chocolate Craving With More Brownie-Like Recipes
These dark chocolate Kahlua coffee bites taste like a truffle and brownie collided with some booze. They’re so easy to throw together and incredibly indulgent.
If you want actual brownie recipes, we have plenty of those too! Superfood brownies are packed with goodies that will keep any healthy eater happy. These fudgy vegan brownies have a secret ingredient you’d never know was in there. Then there’s this fudgy skillet brownie which you can (and should!) eat right out of the pan with a spoon!
For another no-bake brownie-like treat, check out these Nutella cookie dough balls. The chocolate-hazelnut flavor is hard to beat!
No-Bake Brownie Bites
Ingredients
For brownie bites:
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup cashews, (or macadamia nuts)
- 1/4 cup ground flax seed
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 6 prunes
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
- 1/4 banana
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of kosher salt
For chocolate drizzle:
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips, (*see note)
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract, (*optional for mint flavor)
Instructions
- Combine nuts and flax seed in a food processor and process until finely ground.
- Add remaining ingredients to the food processor and process until the dough just starts to come together into a ball.
- Transfer dough out onto a large piece of parchment paper and form into a ball. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and gently roll out into a disc shape about 1/4-1/3″ thick. Using a biscuit cutter, cut out small circles in the dough, re-rolling as necessary to use up all the dough. Arrange the brownie bites on a parchment lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the chocolate drizzle by melting all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Remove the brownie bites from the freezer and drizzle with the chocolate mixture (you can garnish with additional cacao nibs here too if you’d like). Allow the chocolate to set. Keep brownie bites refrigerated in an airtight container to store.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
I am so with you on the 8:00 PM craving… mine starts at about 9… I attribute it to early evening workouts. There’s also something about eating something sweet about 30 minutes after dinner. It’s a good closure to a day, I guess… end on a good note.
Whoa, that “something about” twice up there sounds weird… sorry, too early in the morning for me to write with grammatical precision. LOL! Your brownie bites look divine. I love cacao nibs!
Haha, it happens. I press “submit” all the time on comments that make no sense. I barely even noticed this one ;)
I’m so thrilled that I currently have all of those ingredients at home! I gave up added sugars for Lent and these look like the perfect chocolate treat. :)
I love your smashed balls! :) I need to make these. I bought dates that I have to use, and this recipe is healthy and will satsify my cookie cravings. I love placing these type of treats in the freezer, and pop in my mouth when the sugar craving hits, which is all the time!! Wonderful recipe!!
What a delicious idea!!
I went hardcore 95/5 in the month of Jan. Kind of like you, taking an already pretty healthy diet and making it healthier. The one thing I really noticed was how I felt more satisfied from eating less food. Just by eating better quality grains, tonnes of green leafy veggies, and beans I felt so full. It was also the catylst for me to start experimenting with different recipes and flavours. That experience was the reason I started my blog actually. Good luck and looking forward to more recipes. My tip for avoiding the late night snack, have a super yummy breakfast planned and think about how good it will taste in the morning!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I like the breakfast tip. Since I am the queen of laziness in the morning, I should give a little more effort at night to prep something delicious that way I can enjoy something other than a quick cereal or oatmeal bowl!
Oh yes I have the same exact cravings (don’t all women?). Last week it was so bad I was litterally digging around our entire apartment for anything resembling chocolate because I was out of my beloved dark chocolate bars. Thankfully my roommates weren’t home at the time they would have though I had gone crazy. Need to try making something like this to have on hand for those desperate moments.
So, just yesterday I was cleaning out the pantry and I came across an unopened bag of prunes, to which I said, “WHAT am I supposed to do with these?” You must of heard me. So, I’ll be making raw brownie bites today.
Ulysses bought a 3lb bag of them from Sam’s Club like 5 months ago…we’re still working our way through it. 3lbs is a lot of prunes!
Cute post!!
And I know exactly what you mean about those 8pm cravings! Then or first thing in the morning when I see lemon poppyseed iced muffins in Starbucks. Why am I so obsessed?! I also love eating healthily. Anyway – I dont know what I’ll do about the muffin cravings… but Im definitely up for giving these a try for the PM ones!!
Plus, they;re really pretty!!
I love all of the raw bites. but lately, they’ve been giving me stomach problems.. which is really NOT cool. Happy Friday!
I’d like to think they’re balls ;) you’re a pro at balls apparently, haha..i like this healthy spin on brownie bites. They look really good! You wouldn’t even know they’re healthy for ya unless you told me! The brownie part of the title masks it!