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The batter is always the best part, which is why Healthy Raw Brownie Bites make the perfect dessert! They’re bite-sized made from a no-bake recipe that uses healthy ingredients and is ready in just 10 minutes.
If you love brownie batter, you’re in luck
What’s the best part about making brownies? If you’re like me, the batter probably comes to mind. It’s undeniably the tastiest part, regardless of the associated risk of eating raw eggs.
Though I usually kick risk to the curb and go all in on the batter, I decided that it was a good idea to try and make a recipe that couldn’t potentially give me the worst stomach ache of my life. Enter: healthy raw brownie bites.
These brownie bites taste exactly like raw batter, but there’s nothing raw about them! They’re made with six fully ready-to-eat ingredients that, when combined, create a delicious batter flavor. No baking is required, which makes this recipe quick, easy, and incredibly simple.
I love to keep a batch of bites handy in the freezer to enjoy throughout the week. Give ’em a try, and I’m sure you’ll be stocking up with a hefty supply too!
Ingredients used in homemade brownie bites
To make healthy brownies from scratch, you’ll need six ingredients. The cacao will provide the chocolate flavor, the dates will provide the sweetness, and the walnuts will add a nice protein-rich crunch!
- Walnuts
- Pitted medjool dates
- Cacao powder
- Vanilla
- Salt
- Water
As far as tools go, you’ll need a blender, a spoon, and something to place the bites on (like a serving tray or large plate). You’ll need to be able to measure out 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/3 cup, and 1 cup. After you’ve gathered those items, you’re ready to make your chocolate brownie bites!
How to make healthy raw brownie bites
If you’ve been looking for a quick and easy dessert, you’ve found one. This recipe could not be simpler if it tried! It’s no-bake and only requires about 5 minutes of your time to prepare.
To begin, blend the walnuts using a food processor. You’ll want to blend them until they reach a fine, powdery consistency.
Add the (pitted) dates, cacao powder, vanilla, salt, and water, and blend until well combined, scraping the sides down as needed.
Be sure to blend out any big chunks that may be present in the batter.
Remove the batter from the blender, and roll into individual balls or “bites.” I like to make them about an 3/4 inch in diameter.
Chill and store in the freezer. Be sure to let them thaw before eating. Enjoy!
A healthier brownie recipe
This chocolate brownies recipe serves as a much healthier dessert than standard recipes. By using a selection of healthy ingredients, we’re able to stay away from all-purpose flour, processed sugar, vegetable oil, and the many chemicals and preservatives that you’ll find in processed brownie mixes.
Here are some of the healthy swaps that were made.
- Walnuts: Walnuts provide a great “crunch” and are a fantastic source of protein and healthy fats.
- Medjool dates: Dates help to sweeten this recipe and add a delicious tart (but not overbearing) flavor. They contribute to the raw brownie taste!
- Cacao powder: Finally, cacao powder adds the chocolate bit that makes these brownie bites brownies!
Healthy raw brownie bites add-ons
Want to take your healthy dessert brownie bites to the next level? Add some toppings! Here are a bunch of ideas that you can choose from. Fix ’em up with extra chocolate, a peanut butter drizzle, or even crushed pretzels!
- Drizzle with peanut butter or almond butter
- Roll in sprinkles
- Roll in mini M&Ms
- Mix in chocolate, white chocolate, or caramel chips
- Roll in extra chopped walnut pieces
- Roll in crushed pretzels
Questions about making homemade brownie bites
From pitting dates to the difference between cacao and cocoa, here’s everything you need to know about this recipe!
Pitting dates
To pit dates, simply slice them lengthwise. Don’t cut all the way around like you would an avocado. Instead, slice until you hit the pit, and then it should be easily removable.
Are healthy raw brownie bites vegan?
Yes! This recipe is 100% vegan. It’s also grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo! These bites can be enjoyed by those on a wide variety of diets, so they’re great for serving as a dessert at gatherings!
Can these be eaten raw?
Yes! In actuality, there aren’t any ingredients in this recipe that are “raw” to begin with, so these are safe to eat without baking. The title comes from the fact that these brownie bites taste like you’re eating raw brownie batter!
Cacao powder vs. cocoa powder
This recipe uses cacao powder, which is an ingredient of much controversy, only because it’s hard to indicate the difference between that and cocoa powder. The truth is, they’re actually similar (and super chocolatey), with the main difference being how they’re produced.
Cacao is fermented and processed at a low temperature before being turned into a powder. Cocoa, on the other hand, is fermented and roasted at high temperatures. It’s less bitter than cacao, but the roasting process voids it of most of its nutrients. For this reason cacao tends to be the less processed, healthier choice.
Try these brownie recipes from Erin Lives Whole
Brownies are one of my favorite desserts, which I’m sure becomes evident when you scroll through my recipes! As a result, I have so many different variations for you to choose from. If you loved these healthy raw brownie bites, you’ll want to try some of my other brownie recipes too!
- Pecan Pie Brownies
- Peppermint Walnut Brownie Bites
- Healthy Pumpkin Brownies
- Paleo Zucchini Brownies
- Easy Vegan Black Bean Brownies
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis
Healthy Raw Brownie Bites
The batter is always the best part, which is why Healthy Raw Brownie Bites make the perfect dessert! They’re bite-sized made from a no-bake recipe that uses healthy ingredients and is ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups walnuts
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates
- 1/3 cup cacao
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- 2 Tbsp water.
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend walnuts until fine.
- Add in remaining ingredients and blend until combined, scraping the sides down as needed.
- There shouldn’t be any big chunks at this point.
- ย Chill at least 30 minutes in freezer before rolling. Then roll into balls and if desired, roll into some cocoa powder.
- Store in fridge or freezer.
There may be affiliate links in this post!ย By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat ๐
Laura says
I am a huge fan of Erin Live Whole healthy cookie dough balls and Iโve made them many times. Wanted to try something different and WOW I really think these brownie bites are even better. Amazing! I canโt believe thereโs only a few reviews because these blew my mind. A must try!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Laura, so happy you loved them and thank you for all your support!!
Jill says
I made these with my four year old daughter, she loved rolling them into little balls! We also added some chocolate chips and they were so good, even kid approved!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jill, thanks for sharing! So happy you made them together and great addition!
Sarah says
These are amazing! They satisfied my chocolate craving but still had cleaner ingredients than a regular brownie. I used a mix of walnuts, cashews, and sliced almonds since that’s all I had in my kitchen, and it still had a good, dense consistency and was delicious!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sarah, I am so glad you enjoyed them and what a great combo of nuts! ๐
Andrea N DiCocco says
Made these substituting the walnuts for almonds and they were so good!! Just the perfect amount of sweet and so easy to make๐๐ผ
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Andrea, so happy you enjoyed the brownies and made them your own! ๐
Rachel S says
These are so delicious and so so easy!!! Wow!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Rachel, I’m so glad you like the brownie bites!! ๐
Jeanne says
Made these in no time. Quick and easy. Great little sweet treat for the end of the day. Has anyone made them with whole raw almonds (soaked or Unsoaked) – not sure how they break down in food processor.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jeanne, I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the brownie bites! I haven’t tried them with whole raw almonds, but if you do, please let me know how they turn out!
Theresa says
Love these bites. I added 2Tbsp of dark chocolate chips and dried cherries! AMAZING!!!!!
Erin says
Hi Theresa, I am so happy you loved the bites and made them your own! ๐
Rashayna Miller says
What nut can you sub for walnuts?
Erin says
Cashews would be great! Or almonds.
Katie says
Would peanuts work?
Erin says
Yes, they would work great!
Alexandra says
Yum! these look amazing. I’m always looking for new recipes for sweets that won’t make my blood sugar go haywire.
Erin says
Hi Alexandra, thank you so much for the kind words!! Let me know how they come out!
Chloe says
I had a sweet tooth for some brownies and just made this recipe and it is out of this world delicious! Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe! It will be my go-to healthy brownie recipe ๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Chloe, thank you so much for the kind words! I am so glad you enjoyed them!