Brownie Energy Balls

brownie energy balls

Say goodbye to boring snacks and low energy! 

If you’re like me, you have a sweet tooth and want something sweet that provides you with all the nutrients you need to keep up with your training needs! 

These no-bake brownie balls are perfect for a ready-to-go snack or to provide during your next long ride, run, or swim. If you get sick of energy gels and like adding real foods to your fueling plan, these bites are a great alternative. 

What you need

Food Processor or High-Powered Blender: I recommend most of my athletes get a great blender for smoothies and homemade snacks! My personal favorite blenders are from Ninja – mine has never met a food it can’t blend!

Dates: I don’t use the term “superfood” lightly, but dates really are an athlete’s superfood! They are loaded with carbohydrates, easily digested, and add the perfect amount of sweetness to any energy bite recipe.

Walnuts: These nuts are packed with nutrients that aid in muscle recovery like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E. Walnuts perfectly balance the sweetness of the dates and can help keep you satisfied between meals. 

Cocoa Powder: Chocolate is high in polyphenols, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. The cocoa powder really makes these energy bites taste just like your favorite brownie. I recommend 100% unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor.

Water: Adding water keeps these brownie balls sticking together. Don’t add more than the recommended amount or you will end up with some very wet bites!

Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla extract brings out the brownie flavor of these bites!

Salt: If you like a saltier treat or are a salty sweater, you can add a little extra to taste. 

How to Make Brownie Energy Balls

The best part of these brownie bites is how easy and quick they are to make! All you have to do is throw all your ingredients in a food processor or high-powered blender until the consistency is mostly smooth. 

I like to prepare these at the beginning of the week so they are ready to eat in the fridge when I’m feeling hungry. They also make a great dessert when you need something chocolate-y.

FAQ

How should I store my brownie balls?

Store your brownie balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

Can I use cacao instead of cocoa powder?

Yep! Cacao is the less processed version of cocoa so it’s up to you which powder you use!

Can I add protein powder to my brownie bites?

These energy bites have 15 grams of protein on their own and this might change the texture of your brownie bites a bit but it’s worth a shot!

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?

You absolutely can! I recommend adding chocolate chips or shredded coconut after mixing all the ingredients so they don’t get chopped up too small in the blender.

Brownie Energy Balls

Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Keyword: brownie balls, easy, energy balls, high carb, no bake, quick
Servings: 12 bites
Author: Grace Kelley, MS, RDN, LD

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor or High-Speed Blender (i.e. Vitamix or Ninja)

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups medjool dates pitted
  • 1.5 cups walnuts
  • 6 tbsp cacao or cocoa powder
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp water
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in the food processor and blend until mostly smooth
  • Roll into small balls, about 1.5 inch
  • Place in fridge for 2 hours to set

Notes

Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks and freeze for up to 2 months. 

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