If you like dark brownies with crunchy bits of walnut and cacao nibs, with whispering hints of coconut and cinnamon, you’re going to love these brownie bites! These tasty bites contain only nutritious and wholesome plant-based ingredients. Oil-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, refined sugar-free, raw, and 100% guilt-free.
If you’re like me, you enjoy a delicious sweet treat after a satisfying meal or when you get a sweet tooth but don’t want anything heavy.
If you’re like my husband, you specifically seek out sweet chocolate treats any chance you get. He absolutely loves all things chocolate, but especially enjoys dark chocolate brownies with walnuts.
That is why I came up with these little decadent brownie bites – these are for my you, me, and my husband. They’re filled with chocolatey goodness reminiscent of dark chocolate brownies.
In an effort to eat more healthy, we try to incorporate as many whole food plant-based foods as we can. These Walnut Brownie Bites are not only healthy, and whole food plant-based, but they’re also absolutely delicious. They also couldn’t be more simple yet fun to make and store quite well.
These Walnut Brownie Bites contain just the right amount of chocolatey goodness without being overly sweet. Their natural sweetness comes from dates. And since they are brownie bites, I had to incorporate cocoa power and cacao nibs. The cocoa (or cacao) gives it the traditional brownie flavor while the nibs give is a distinct crunch in each bite.
Walnuts and coconut shreds also provide substance, texture, and flavor. Vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of salt are added to amp up the flavor profile just a touch more. I think you’ll be absolutely delighted with your first bite.
I love how easy these Walnut Brownie Bites are to make. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse until a crumbly dough forms. Pinch off a little to taste and adjust the flavors as desired. If you want more vanilla, chocolate, salt, or cinnamon, add in a bit more, until you’re satisfied.
Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Divide and roll the walnut-date brownie dough into 1” – 2” round balls. Place the balls on the parchment-lined pan, and place in the freezer to firm up. This recipe typically makes about 30 half-ounce brownie bites.
Once the balls are firm and cold, you have the option to add a chocolate coating. Simply melt the chocolate chips in a double broiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently to assist in the melting. If you’re using the microwave, be sure to use a lower wattage and stir often to avoid scorching your chocolate.
Remove the Walnut Brownie Bites from the freezer and place the tray or pan next to your melted chocolate. Dip half of the ball in chocolate and sprinkle it with crushed walnut pieces. Alternatively, you can roll the ball in chocolate to cover it entirely or drizzle the melted chocolate over the bites, creating a design.
The chocolate should solidify soon after since the bites are cold. If not, transfer the pan back to the freezer until firm. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag until ready to serve/enjoy.
I really like the look of crushed walnuts sprinkled on top. They give these Walnut Brownie Bites a finished look. Don’t you agree?
When ready to serve, let them sit on the counter for a minute or two to soften a bit before eating. Unless you’re a bit impatient like my husband. He likes to eat them while still frozen and very firm. He says he likes them super cold and firm.
Either way, they store very well in a freezer-safe container for a couple of months. Though, truth be told, they never last that long in our house.
I hope you enjoy these Walnut Brownie Bites as much as I do.
I would love to see your results! Please leave a comment and rate it down below, tag a picture @pebblesandtoast and #pebblesandtoast on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook! Enjoy!!
And don’t forget to subscribe for new plant-based and vegan recipes today!! Just click on the subscribe link in the header or on the side. I simply love creating and sharing new recipes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dates, pitted
- 1 cup walnuts* (3.6 ounces)
- ¼ cup cacao nibs**
- 2 Tbsp coconut shreds
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp vanilla
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup ounces vegan dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Add all of the ingredients (except optional chocolate chips) in a food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse until crumbly, sticky, dough-like mixture forms.
- Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a mixing bowl, and break off little pieces to roll into 1” – 2” round balls.
- Place the balls on the parchment lined pan, and store in the freezer.
- For the optional coating, melt the chocolate chips in a double broiler over low to medium heat (or microwave), stirring often with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula as it melts.
- Once the chocolate is smooth and melted, turn the heat to low, and remove the walnut brownie date bites from the freezer.
- Dip half of the ball in chocolate and sprinkle with crushed walnut pieces. Alternatively, drizzle the melted chocolate over the bites, then sprinkle with crushed walnut pieces. The chocolate should solidify soon after since the bites are cold. If not, transfer the pan back to the freezer until firm.
- Store in a freezer-safe container or bag until ready to serve/enjoy.***
- When ready to serve, let them sit on the counter for a minute or two to soften a bit before eating.
Notes
* Feel free to sub other seeds or nuts if you can’t enjoy walnuts.
** Chocolate chips or chunks can be used in place of cacao nibs.
*** Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Walnut Brownie Bites (plant-based; vegan)
Equipment
- food processor
- stove or microwave (to melt chocolate)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dates pitted
- 1 cup walnuts* 3.6 ounces
- ¼ cup cacao nibs**
- 2 Tbsp coconut shreds
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp vanilla
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup ounces vegan dark chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Add all of the ingredients (except optional chocolate chips) in a food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse until crumbly, sticky, dough-like mixture forms. Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a mixing bowl, and break off little pieces to roll into 1” – 2” round balls. Place the balls on the parchment lined pan, and store in the freezer.
- For the optional coating, melt the chocolate chips in a double broiler over low to medium heat (or microwave), stirring often with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula as it melts. Once the chocolate is smooth and melted, turn the heat to low, and remove the walnut brownie date bites from the freezer.
- Dip half of the ball in chocolate and sprinkle with crushed walnut pieces. Alternatively, drizzle the melted chocolate over the bites, then sprinkle with crushed walnut pieces. The chocolate should solidify soon after since the bites are cold. If not, transfer the pan back to the freezer until firm. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag until ready to serve/enjoy.***
- When ready to serve, let them sit on the counter for a minute or two to soften a bit before eating.
Notes
** Chocolate chips or chunks can be used in place of cacao nibs.
*** Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.