Name: Date-Sweetened Brownie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups (about 200–220g) pitted Medjool dates (soft and sticky); 1 cup raw walnuts (or almonds); ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder); ¼ cup almond butter (creamy, natural); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt (about ¼ teaspoon); Optional: 2–3 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips for extra chunks

These no-bake date-sweetened brownie bites are rich, chocolatey treats made with wholesome ingredients like Medjool dates, nuts, and cocoa powder. Naturally sweetened without refined sugar, they’re gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and perfect for satisfying cravings with a chewy, fudgy texture in every bite-sized piece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll fall head over heels for these brownie bites because they deliver all the indulgent, deep chocolate flavor and satisfying chewiness of classic brownies — but without any of the guilt! Made entirely from nutrient-dense whole foods, they’re naturally sweetened with sweet Medjool dates that provide caramel-like richness without refined sugar.

The recipe is incredibly simple and quick — no oven required, just a food processor and a few minutes of your time. They’re perfect for busy days when you want a healthy dessert or snack that feels decadent. Kids and adults alike devour them (even picky eaters!), and they pack fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants from cocoa.

Whether you’re eating clean, following a gluten-free or vegan lifestyle, or just want a better-for-you treat, these bites hit the sweet spot every single time — no sugar crash included!

Yield: 24 brownie bites

Date-Sweetened Brownie Bites Recipe

Fudgy, no-bake brownie bites naturally sweetened with dates — healthy, chocolatey, and super easy!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 ½ cups (about 200–220g) pitted Medjool dates (soft and sticky)
1 cup raw walnuts (or almonds)
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder)
¼ cup almond butter (creamy, natural)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt (about ¼ teaspoon)
Optional: 2–3 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips for extra chunks

Instructions

Grab your food processor — this is your magic tool for turning simple ingredients into chocolate heaven!
Add the pitted Medjool dates first. Pulse a few times to break them up — they’ll start getting sticky and delicious.
Toss in the walnuts (or almonds) and pulse again until they’re finely chopped and mixed with the dates. It’ll look like coarse crumbs at this point — perfect!
Scoop in the unsweetened cocoa powder, creamy almond butter, vanilla extract, and that pinch of sea salt. These flavors are about to become best friends!
Process everything together for 1–2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Keep going until the mixture forms a big, sticky dough ball — it should hold together when pinched. (If it’s crumbly, add 1 teaspoon water and pulse again.)
Once it’s ready, take a small spoonful and roll it between your palms into a bite-sized ball (about 1–1.5 inches). They’re so cute and tempting already!
Place each rolled bite on a parchment-lined plate or tray. Repeat until all the dough is used up — you’ll have a tray full of little chocolate treasures.
For an extra treat, press a few mini chocolate chips into the tops or roll them in crushed nuts or shredded coconut for fun texture.
Pop the tray into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step makes them firmer, fudgier, and even more irresistible!
Take them out, arrange on a cute plate, and enjoy! Share with friends (or keep them all to yourself — no judgment here). Every bite is pure, healthy bliss!

Notes

These are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
Use soft, fresh Medjool dates for the best texture and sweetness — avoid dry varieties.
Always taste-test the dough — adjust salt or cocoa to your liking.
Great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or post-workout snacks!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 104Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 8gSodium 0mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 3g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Soak your dates in warm water for 10–15 minutes if they’re not soft and Medjool (this makes blending easier and creates a smoother texture).
Use a powerful food processor or high-speed blender for the best results — you want the mixture to form a sticky dough ball.
If the dough feels too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of water or almond milk; if too sticky, add a sprinkle of almond flour or oats.
Chill the bites for at least 30 minutes after rolling — this helps them firm up and intensifies the fudgy texture.
For extra indulgence, roll them in crushed nuts, coconut, or dip in melted dark chocolate before chilling.
Taste the dough before rolling and adjust cocoa or salt if needed for your perfect chocolate level.

Ingredients Notes:

Medjool dates are the star here — they’re larger, softer, and sweeter than regular dates, providing natural caramel-like sweetness and binding power without added sugar. Unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao) delivers rich chocolate flavor and antioxidants.

Almond butter adds creaminess and healthy fats while helping everything stick together; you can swap for any nut/seed butter. Walnuts or almonds bring nutty depth and texture (plus omega-3s and protein).

A pinch of sea salt enhances all the flavors beautifully, and vanilla extract rounds out the taste with warmth. Optional add-ins like mini chocolate chips or rolled oats can adjust texture and add extra chew or crunch.

Variations and Substitutions:

Make them nut-free by swapping walnuts/almonds for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds and using sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. For a higher-protein version, blend in 2–3 tablespoons of your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder (plant-based works great).

Add rolled oats or oat flour for more chewiness and fiber. Turn up the richness with a tablespoon of melted coconut oil. For mocha flavor, mix in 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder.

If you prefer baked bites, transfer the mixture to a lined pan, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, then cool and cut into squares. Vegan by default — just ensure your cocoa and vanilla are plant-friendly.

Storage Options:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10–14 days — they actually get even fudgier over time! For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag; they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying (or eat them straight from the freezer for a chewy, cool treat).