I never know whether to call them energy balls to protein balls or energy
bites...but whatever the name, these chocolate brownie energy balls are the
cat's pajamas. (Is that a saying? The bee's knees?)
Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls are healthy little bites loaded with chocolate
brownie flavor, the perfect pick-me-up! Now y'all...they're not
fudgy brownies with a crackly top and melty chocolate chips inside. They ARE darn delicious, though, and I think you'll love them like I do.
If you're like me and frequently crave a little something sweet but know that
you really shouldn't have that seventh cookie, energy balls are for you. Two
of my past favorites are
spiced pumpkin energy balls
and
pecan pie energy balls.
Why make energy balls?
I'll tell you why I love them:
- they're easy to make a keep onhand.
- they contain good ingredients like seeds, dates, and nuts.
- they satisfy my sweet tooth.
Chocolate Brownie Energy Ball Ingredients
The ingredients in the bites are simple: sunflower seeds, Medjool dates, cocoa
powder, vanilla, espresso powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.
The espresso powder is there to boost the flavor of the chocolate. It
was important to me that these taste like chocolate - not like dates. I like
dates, but these are BROWNIE energy balls, and chocolate needs to be the
overriding flavor.
There's not enough in here to make your kids go crazy or keep you up at
night, but there is enough to give a little oomph to the cocoa.
Salt is also key here. Don't skip that second pinch of fine sea salt.
Unlike energy balls I've made in the past, these contain chocolate chips -
just a bit.
By my calculations, if you end up with 24 balls, each one will have
approximately 1/3 teaspoon of mini chips.
I use a tablespoon of vanilla almond butter in these for both taste and
texture;
Justin's Vanilla Almond Butter is my favorite.
If you can't do almonds, try sunflower butter, cashew butter, or even
coconut butter. Peanut butter would work here, too, but you'll definitely
get that peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls
First, whir the sunflower seeds and salt in a
food processor until finely
ground.
Next up, add the dates and almond butter. You'll want to process until you
can't see big chunks of dates. After I snapped this photo, I gave it a bit
more time in the processor as I noticed some date chunks in the mix.
Finally, the cocoa powder (I like Dutch-process), vanilla extract, and
espresso powder get added. You'll be looking for it to combine and hold its
shape when pressed together. Last but not least, pulse the mini chips in until
incorporated.
This energy ball recipe is a little drier than most, but it will hold its
shape. I portion them with a small cookie scoop, then press together and roll
with my hands.
Store in the refrigerator. These are perfect for a snack, a pick-me-up, and
even a quick breakfast on-the-go!
Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls
(makes 20-24)
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
2 pinches fine sea salt
1 cup chopped Medjool dates
1 heaping tablespoon vanilla almond butter (such as
Justin's)
2 1/2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon espresso powder
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Whir the sunflower seeds and salt in a food processor on high until finely
ground. Add the dates and almond butter. Process until the dates are finely
chopped and evenly distributed.
Add the cocoa powder to the food processor bowl. Stir together the vanilla
extract and espresso powder, pour into the mix. Process until the mixture
holds its shape when pressed together. Use the pulse button to incorporate
the mini chips.
Portion using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, then press
together and roll into 1-inch balls.
Store in the refrigerator.
I think I need a little snack! A chocolate brownie snack!
