Name: Chocolate Walnut Protein Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup dates; 1/2 cup natural peanut butter; 3 tablespoons cacao powder; 1/4 cup honey; 1.3 cup walnuts

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This chocolate walnut protein bites recipe is packed with a rich chocolate flavor but is a healthy snack made with peanut butter and dates. The perfect treat for kids and adults and this recipe comes together fast. This energy bite recipe is dairy free, gluten free and no bake. With only five ingredients is a perfect treat for the kids after school or anytime really. Keep extras in the freezer for when you want a quick sweet snack!

Chocolate Walnut Protein Bites Recipe (No Bake!)

A close up photo as a hand holds up an energy bite made with chocolate, walnuts and peanut butter.

So I’ve had more than my fair share of sweet treats over the years. When I bit into this energy bite recipe I knew it tasted familiar.

Do you remember the little brownies with the walnuts on top, they came in a little rectangle? I haven’t had one in YEARS. This chocolate walnut protein bites recipe reminded me of those brownies- except healthier.

It wasn’t an exact match, you could still taste a little bit of peanut butter and a little fruity taste from the dates. But the bite was fudgy and a really satisfying treat.

A child\'s hand lifting a cjocolate snack bite from a bowl fill.

I had told my daughter she could only have one until I was done photographing these chocolate walnut protein bites. She kept running in the kitchen and saying “Mom have the protein bites finished the photo shoot?” Then she’d run back out to her slide in the backyard.

I think this healthy snack is worth the wait for her! She could have easily helped me cook and make these in the kitchen with this recipe. She was more interested in the slide that day and that’s ok.

Want to see my silliest no-bake recipe? Kids laugh so hard at this emoji energy bite recipe.

A food processing bowl full of chocolate walnut energy bite dough.

Rolling The Energy Bites

When you’re making the dough it feels like playdoh. Throw the walnuts in after the dough is made and give them a rough chop at the end so they stay as nice chunky bites.

Don’t have a food processor? Try my peanut butter oatmeal energy balls. They are no-bake, delicious and no chopping needed!

A food processor from overhead filled with energy bite mixture mixed up, one energy bite rolled into a ball on a cookie sheet next to the food processor.

When you roll these energy balls keep them slightly smaller than the size of a ping pong ball for the perfect snack size.

Energy bites rolled on a baking sheet with walnuts scattered around next to an empty food processor.

What Kind Of Dates Should I use?

I also used Golden dates in this recipe because it’s what I had. We also like Medjool dates around our house as they give everything a little sweeter taste!

Why Are Energy Bites Good For You?

These energy bites are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber making them an excellent snack. As the sugar is natural, it also doesn’t quickly spike your blood sugar like more processed forms of sugar can. These are still a treat, but a healthier treat.

A chocolate walnut energy bite close up with walnuts scattered nearby.

Do Protein Bites Need To Be Refrigerated?

Yes, keep your protein bites refrigerated to stay fresh longer. If packing as a snack, include in an insulated bag to keep them cool.

How Long Do Energy Bites Last In The Fridge?

You can expect these energy bites to last a week in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer. Most likely these little power balls will be eaten long before that!

A bowl full of chocolate walnut energy bites sits on a counter with a few snack bites front and center surrounded by fresh walnuts.

Chocolate Walnut Protein Bites

Kristy Richardson

These chocolate walnut protein bites are no bake, chocked full of peanut butter and dates, and taste like a brownie while still making a great healthy snack.

5 from 1 vote

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PREP TIME 10 mins

Freeze 10 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 14 bites

Calories 146 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup dates
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
3 tablespoons cacao powder
1/4 cup honey
1.3 cup walnuts

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Instructions

In a food processor add dates, natural peanut butter, honey and cacao powder. Blend until combined.
Add walnuts to the mixture. Pulse until combined, but leaving walnuts still in chunks.
Roll mixture into balls about the size of a ping pong ball. Place on a sheet of parchment paper, then move the whole tray into the freezer for 15 minutes before enjoying!

Notes

If your dates feel dry to the touch, soak dates in warm water for 15 minutes to soften. Then remove pits from the dates. Dates will often become less chewy over time, but by softening them in a little warm water, the energy bites will have a better consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal

Keyword dairy free, easy recipes, kids cook, kids snack, kids snack ideas, nobake, peanut butter, quick, vegetarian

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A close up picture of a chocolate walnut protein bite being held up between two fingers.

So did you make these healthy chocolate walnut protein bites recipe? Leave me any questions you have or just a star review of how your family liked them!