There are times I want a ridiculously fudgy chocolate brownie. And times I should probably satisfy my sweet tooth a bit more healthily.
Idealistic intentions aside, I’ve found that if I actually have good-tasting (important!) healthy treats on-hand, I don’t end up eating (or craving!) the “bad stuff” all that much.
As time permits, I often spend a chunk of my Sunday making treats to enjoy throughout the week. As of late, this has been one of my go-to recipes (it takes all of 15 minutes to pull together). The Bites check off a whole bunch of "free froms" (no gluten, dairy, refined sugar, added sugar, refined oils, etc. etc.) but still taste great (seriously!).
They are slightly sweet, slightly salty and very enjoyable. Especially after working out, when I'm starving, and willing to gorge on anything in sight! 🙂
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Post-Workout Protein Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Good-For-You
Description
Makes 18 bites
Ingredients
- 4 Medjool dates, pits removed
- 1 ½ cups raw walnuts
- 2 TB coconut oil (28 g)
- ¼ tsp fine-grain salt (like table or sea salt)
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, divided
Instructions
- Pulverize dates in a food processor until a paste forms, about 40 seconds (the paste will typically come together in a clump).
- Add the walnuts and pulse until very finely chopped, about 35 seconds.
- Add in the coconut oil and salt and pulse just until combined.
- Scrape the batter into a medium-sized bowl and stir in ¼ cup of the shredded coconut.
- Using a 2-teaspoon scoop, form the batter into round balls, then roll in the remaining ¼ cup shredded coconut.
- Let chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up. Then, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
If you want to be super healthy, use sprouted walnuts.
Be careful not to over-process the walnuts, or they'll turn into walnut butter. (Still delicious, but it will make the bites a bit too tender.)
I use this scoop from Oxo to shape the bites. It works great!
Recipe inspired by Primal Blueprint Quick & Easy Meals.
Keywords: Paleo, Dairy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free, No Refined Sugar, No Added Sugar
Mary Frances
Fun, easy to make and so delish! These bites have quickly become our new favorite "go to" for a: sweet fix, healthy snack &, post workout refuel. This is the perfect combination of dates, walnuts and coconut and it's almost impossible to eat just one. Remember to scrape down the sides of your food processor after pulverizing the dates so that they get fully incorporated into the walnuts.
★★★★★
Sarah Marx Feldner
oh, yay! i'm so happy to hear you like these as much as me 🙂 and yes, great tip re: scraping down the dates. xoxo
Caroline
Sounds good -- any ideas for what to substitute if you're not a fan of coconut? Ground flax seeds, oats, raisins...?
Sarah Marx Feldner
hi caroline. good question! well, my first thought was mini chocolate chips 😉 i think oats and raisins would be a good substitute, too. let me know how it goes. there is definitely wiggle room with this recipe. and if any other readers have a fun idea to share...
Caroline
Delicious! Perfect snack after Trick or Treating. Salty and sweet and didn't make me feel awful, like Halloween candy! Win.
★★★★★
Sarah Marx Feldner
Caroline, I'm so happy you made the Bites and that you liked them. Yay!!!!! xoxo
Caroline Robbins
Thank you! I did substitute raisins and added a little almond butter to help them stick a little better. Very tasty!
Sarah Marx Feldner
Love this! Thank you for sharing, Caroline. As the raisins are larger than the subbed-out coconut flakes, the addition of almond butter to help them stick is very clever, and sounds delicious!