As a baker who loves making treats that are both delicious and healthy, I’ve come to appreciate recipes that can satisfy cravings without the guilt. These No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites are the perfect example of a treat that combines indulgence with nutrition. Packed with protein and full of rich chocolatey flavor, these bites are ideal for a post-workout snack or a quick energy boost during the day.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that no baking is required. You only need a few wholesome ingredients, and within minutes, you have a tasty snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re craving a sweet bite after a long day or need a boost before heading to the gym, these protein bites will quickly become a favorite.
I love how easy these are to make. They don’t require any special equipment or complicated steps, so anyone, regardless of their baking experience, can make them. Plus, they are perfect for meal prep – make a batch ahead of time, and you’ll have a quick snack ready to go whenever hunger strikes.
These No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites are not just for fitness enthusiasts. They are a great option for anyone looking to add more protein to their diet while still enjoying a delicious treat. By using simple, wholesome ingredients like protein powder, oats, and almond butter, you can create a snack that tastes indulgent while supporting your overall wellness.
Now, let’s get to the next step – making these protein bites! I’ll walk you through everything you need to get started.
Ingredients + How to Make No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups rolled oats
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1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (or any protein powder of choice)
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1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
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2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
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2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
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1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for added chocolatey goodness)
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1/4 cup water (or almond milk for a creamier texture)
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Pinch of sea salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
Instructions:
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Prepare Your Mixing Bowl: Start by placing the oats, protein powder, and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl. Stir the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add the almond butter, honey, and a pinch of sea salt to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together to form a thick, dough-like consistency. If the mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water or almond milk at a time until the dough becomes more cohesive but still firm.
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Incorporate Seeds & Chocolate Chips: If you’re using chia seeds, flaxseeds, or chocolate chips, add them to the mixture and fold them in gently. These ingredients will add extra texture and flavor to the protein bites.
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Shape the Bites: Once your dough is well-mixed, it’s time to shape the bites. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon or a bit larger depending on your preference. If the mixture is sticky, you can lightly wet your hands with water to prevent it from sticking.
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Chill and Set: Place the protein bites onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Once they are shaped, place the sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the bites to firm up. This step helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to eat.
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Serve and Enjoy: After they’ve chilled, your No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a quick snack or pre/post-workout treat. They are perfect for storing in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge.
These bites are not only easy to make but are also versatile. Feel free to adjust the sweetness level or swap out ingredients based on your dietary preferences. The oats and protein powder provide the base for these bites, while the almond butter and chocolate create that satisfying brownie-like flavor.
How Long to Bake, How to Store Leftovers, and Tips for Perfect No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites
How Long to Set in the Refrigerator:
Since this is a no-bake recipe, there’s no need for oven time. The only “baking” involved is chilling the protein bites in the fridge. After shaping the bites, allow them to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up, making them easier to handle and ensuring they hold their shape. If you’re in a rush, you can freeze them for about 15-20 minutes, but they do set better with a longer chill time.
How to Store Leftovers:
Once your No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites are ready, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, to extend their shelf life, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in the fridge, making them an excellent snack for meal prepping. If you’d like to keep them even longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just place the bites in a freezer-safe bag or container, and be sure to separate each one with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
To thaw frozen bites, simply leave them out at room temperature for a few minutes, or place them in the refrigerator for a slower thaw. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Tips for Perfect No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites:
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Adjust Consistency: If your mixture seems too dry and crumbly, add a bit more almond milk or water until you reach a firm, dough-like consistency. Be cautious not to add too much liquid, as this can make the bites too soft to hold their shape.
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Customize the Flavor: You can make these bites your own by adding extra ingredients such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or coconut flakes. These additions can add texture and enhance the flavor profile.
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Use a High-Quality Protein Powder: The taste and texture of your protein bites largely depend on the protein powder you use. Choose one with a flavor that complements the chocolate and cocoa, like chocolate whey protein or plant-based protein.
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Chill for Optimal Texture: Allowing the bites to chill for the right amount of time is crucial. If you skip this step or don’t let them set long enough, they might be too soft and fall apart when you try to pick them up.
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Experiment with Sweeteners: While I used honey in this recipe, you can swap it out for maple syrup or even a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit if you’re watching your sugar intake. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on your preference.
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Serve with a Twist: For a little extra indulgence, try drizzling a bit of melted dark chocolate over the chilled bites or dusting them with a pinch of cocoa powder.
With these tips, you can make sure your No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites turn out perfect every time!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different nut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute almond butter with other nut butters like peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but they will still work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a creamy nut butter to maintain the consistency.
2. How can I make these bites sweeter without using honey?
If you’d like a sweeter taste but want to avoid honey, you can use maple syrup, agave syrup, or even a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. If using a sugar substitute, adjust the amount based on your personal sweetness preference. You can also add a few extra chocolate chips for additional sweetness and richness.
3. Can I make these protein bites vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based protein powder (such as pea or hemp protein), and substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Additionally, choose a vegan-friendly chocolate for the chocolate chips and make sure your nut butter is free from dairy.
4. Can I add more protein to these bites?
If you’re looking to boost the protein content of your No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites, you can add an extra scoop of protein powder. Just be mindful that adding more powder may change the texture of the mixture. If this happens, add a bit more water or almond milk to balance out the consistency. You could also include additional protein-rich ingredients like hemp seeds or chia seeds for an extra protein punch.
Print
No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 protein bites 1x
Description
These No-Bake Brownie Protein Bites are the perfect snack for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious treat. With rich chocolate flavor and a good dose of protein, these bites are great for refueling after a workout or satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. No baking required – just mix, shape, chill, and enjoy!
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups rolled oats
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1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (or any protein powder of choice)
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1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
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2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
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2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
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1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for added chocolatey goodness)
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1/4 cup water (or almond milk for a creamier texture)
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Pinch of sea salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, protein powder, and cocoa powder. Stir to combine.
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Add almond butter, honey, and sea salt. Mix until you get a thick dough. If it’s too dry, add water or almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
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Stir in chia seeds, flaxseeds, and chocolate chips (if using).
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Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Wet your hands slightly if the mixture is sticky.
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Place the protein bites on a parchment-lined tray and chill for at least 30 minutes.
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Enjoy as a snack or post-workout treat! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
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For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the bites before chilling.
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These bites freeze well and can be kept for up to 3 months in the freezer.
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For a different flavor, try using peanut butter or cashew butter instead of almond butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes