You know when you get the feeling that you’re searching for something more, but you don’t know what it is yet? Perhaps it’s your life calling — a passion, a truth, a religion, just something to make you feel like this is truly who you are, shining in all your glory? Well, that’s me. Right at this moment. HELLO QUARTER LIFE CRISIS NUMBER 15.
Seriously, it might be number 15.
Don’t get me wrong, life is wonderful right now but I think I’ve been craving something different and new for a while. I’ve been working on a cookbook proposal FOREVER because let’s face it, I’m a perfectionist and I have a lot of shit going on (travel, blogging, writing, social media, the SSS, etc). While I could work myself to death to finish it, I’m taking my time and trying to find other things that are enjoyable for me outside of blogging.
The truth is, I HAVE NO IDEA what I like besides food, creating recipes and blogging about it. Is this too much for a Monday? If so, I’m gonna need another energy bite. Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to keep you posted on all this chatter going on in my head.
Let’s move onto these energy bites that taste like a fudgy decadent brownie! I’m so excited to be partnering with Blue Diamond Almonds on this post to create this nutritious, easy snack. If you’ve never had an energy bite, then please stop what you’re doing and go make these immediately. Especially if you love brownies.
Energy bites are one of my favorite on the go snacks because they’re so portable and healthy. These particular bites are made with a few simple ingredients: dates, Blue Diamond Roasted Almonds (for a little crunch), protein-rich almond butter, fiber packed flaxseed meal and cocoa powder.
I like using the lightly salted Blue Diamonds, but I’ve also made these with the Oven Roasted Dark Chocolate Almonds for an even sweeter snack.
One of these energy bites provides almost 5g of protein and just over 4g of fiber. They’re chewy, fudgy, rich-tasting and will satisfy both your sweet and salty cravings.
If you’re feeling like it, you can roll the energy bites in coconut flakes or cocoa powder for a energy bite ‘truffle’. The options are endless.
More no bake snacks to try:
5-Minute Protein Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Energy Bites with Chia + Cacao Nibs
No Bake Superfood Brownie Energy Bars + video
No Bake Omega 3 Mint Brownie Bites
Sea Salt Cashew Butter Chocolate Protein Bars
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Salted Date Brownie Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 heaping cup pitted large Medjool dates
- 1/2 cup Blue Diamond Roasted Salted (or Lightly Salted) Almonds
- 1/4 cup natural drippy almond butter
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
- 3-4 tablespoons high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (if you like sweet and salty)
Instructions
- Add pitted dates and almonds to the bowl of a food processor. Process for about 1 minute or until almonds and dates come together well. Almonds should be slightly chunky.
- Add in the remaining ingredients: almond butter, flaxseed meal, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and sea salt. Pulse until a dough forms. The dough texture should be thick and clumpy. If it isn't, then add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water.
- Roll into 12 medium sized balls. You can also use a medium cookie scoop if that's easier. Store the energy bites in the fridge or freezer.
Nutrition
This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds, a brand I trust. All recipes, text and opinions are my own. Thanks for continuing to support AK and the brands that help make this site possible!
187 comments
I filled out the survey.
Survey done!! I know exactly what you mean about finding that “other thing” in life. I’m trying to do that too with my other passions besides dance! Hope you find what you’re searching for. A cookbook would be AMAZE-BALLS though 🙂
I filled out the survey!
Survey is complete!!!
Survey done 🙂
Thanks for the yummy bite recipe!
This look yummy! I filled the survey out.
I find date desserts one of the most delicious! These brownie bites look and sound really good!
I did the survey!
survey done!
Survey is done! Will defiantly be making these sometime this week!
I took the survey! Those brownie bites look delicious!!
Filled out the survey!! Gina Byers Nutrition
Survey is done! 🙂
Survey done! Would love a cookbook from you!
I completed the survey!
I’m new to your blog and am liking very much what I see. Filled out the survey.
Survey complete!
Survey completed! Will be making these as soon as I finish my last mango-date energy ball batch, yum.
Survey complete!
Survey done!
Survey done! These look like a perfect treat to make for a workday, mid-morning pick me up (or when reading through endless emails seems daunting)! Thank you! 🙂
I filled out the survey. & I am going to make these energy bites. They sound delicious!
Filled out the survey for you! 🙂
Also going through the same exact mid-life crisis right now ? planning to email you today just to say hi! Thinking we could both use a friendly email in our inboxes this Monday!!
Done with the survey. This looks good!
Done with the survey! Good luck with the proposal!
These look delicious and I completed the survey!
Did the survey! I found your blog a month ago or so and love it. Always looking for healthier recipes and treats. Great writing too!
I completed the survey!
I completed the survey! 🙂
Survey completed! Amazing looking recipe! I feel you on being on the merry-go-round of quarter life crises. I am turning 27 and feel like I am on crisis 27!
Survey completed! I am totally feeling the same way you are right now, except mine is more like a MID-life crisis ?! I enjoy your blog and refer to your recipes often! Thank you ?
Survey complete–thanks for the yummy food!
I filled out the survey. Love your recipes!!
Survey complete! Thanks for all the lovely recipes!
survey complete! need to get my hands on a food processor to make these bites!
Survey complete!
Survey done! 🙂
I filled out the survey and I can’t wait to make these energy balls!
Took the survey.
survey is completed!
Survey completed. The energy bites look amazing and I have all of the ingredients.
Survey completed!
Survey completed! and these look AMAZING! Can’t wait to make for my upcoming trip!
Survey done!,
Survey completed!
I can totally relate to what you are going through I’m sure it will all work out. BTW…I make your other energy balls weekly. Hubs and I love them. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
I totally get the quarter life crisis #15 dilemma and being on the constant search for something more. When I go through those time, I try to take baby steps and remember everything has an amazing way of working itself out. Good luck with this current journey!
P.S. Filled out your Blue Diamond survey!
These look great. I’m about to go on a road trip with my parents, and these are on the list to make for healthy snacks on the go! My mom loves anything “salted carmel” flavored and brownies. So, she will love these!
I also filled out the Blue Diamond Survey!
I’ve completed the survey. These look great! I think I will have to make them tonight!
I took the survey. When I get home from work I intend on making this recipe! Thanks for all the great recipes that you post!
I did the survey!
I did the survey 🙂
Survey done!! (Omg PLEASE make a cookbook!!!!!)
These look delicious! I filled out the survey as well.
Survey done! Thanks for the opportunity 🙂
Survey complete.. these energy bites look awesome!
Also filled it out!
Filled out the survey. Looking forward to making these energy bites!
I did the survey! Thanks for doing the giveaway 🙂
Survey complete!
I completed the survey! I look forward to reading your blog every day!
Completed the survey. Love almonds and energy bites!
took the survey!
Survey completed! These look delicious!
Survey complete! Can’t wait to make these!
Survey done! Thanks for the great recipes
Did survey and plan on making these later this week!
survey complete 🙂
Survey done!
Sounds yummy! Survey also completed. Thanks!
Survey complete! 🙂 love the GF recipes
Filled out the survey! Can’t wait to try these energy bits!!!
Entered the survey!
And I feel you on the quarter life crisis… best of luck to us both!
Survey done! Must try these!
Survey complete! Right there with you with the quarter life crisis conundrum 🙂
I did the survey. Thanks! 🙂
Filled the survey
Survey complete 🙂
Survey is done! These energy bites look amazing!
I filled out the survey.
Survey done and off to make these delicious looking bites!
I completed the survey.
Survey done!
Survey done!
Completed!
Survey completed! 🙂
Survey complete. Thanks for all of your amazing content and recipes, as always 🙂
Filled out the survey.
Survey completed! 🙂
Survey completed!
did the survey!
I completed the survey! These look SO delicious. 🙂
Hope you can find something to calm all those thoughts in your head! It’s such a tough place to be but we all have to go through it!
Filled out the survey!
Completed the survey! And those look so tasty!!
I completed the survey!
Survey done! Can’t wait to try these 🙂
Survey done! Your blog is lovely!
Survey done!
Finished the survey. Making these tonight!
survey done
survey…done!
Survey complete
Survey complete!
Survey complete! Keep up the great work!
Survey Complete.
Check, check- survey done!
Survery filled out–almonds are delish!
I completed the survey. Can’t wait to try them!!!
These look amazing! Would definitely help get through that 3pm slump!
I will definitely be trying these! Completed the survey 🙂
Took the survey and definitely put these on my must bake list – I love energy bites! They’re little bursts of deliciousness 🙂
completed the survey!!
Survey complete! Now on to find a new face wash!
I am OBSESSED with their wasabi almonds. This recipe looks incredible. I love energy balls as a portable snack. Survey: check!
I adore all of your recipes!! I visit your site very frequently and enjoy all of your recipes- I have a huge sweet tooth, so I truly appreciate all of these options and just knowing they are packed with protein etc and not loads of butter and sugar ( allow me to feel that less guilty ) THANKS for providing ALL of your recipes! Look forward to a cook book in the future for sure!!
P.S I completed the survey!
Thank you!
Done!
Filled out the survey 🙂
Survey done! Thx!
SURVEY COMPLETE AND ENERGY BITES BEING MADE! YUMMMMMMMY!!
I filled out the survey!
Survey complete!
i completed the survey, and yum these look good! wish my food processor was more powerful.. 🙁
I filled out the survey.
Filled out the survey!
Survey complete. Energy balls are great! I get what you mean on searching for something more. I recently turned 26 and I know I need a change, more travel, more exploring, more writing, more creativity. Basically I hate my day job but I love getting home and working on my blog, cooking, yoga, working out, and journaling. I’ve definitely shifted my focus to those things I love. Day job is always #2. Working towards goals though to leave my job soon. Hope I can make it happen.
Just filled out the survey! I’ve been making energy bites lately and I can’t wait to try this recipe 🙂
I filled out the survey!
I love the energy bite idea and all of your other healthified desserts! I would love to see a cookbook from you. Perhaps it could take an angle like: hearty and delicious recipes for the millennial cook. I feel like you make a lot of very modern but relatable dishes. That is what attracts me to your blog. I know I can find recipes that I feel are appealing but that I know my family will think are tasty, too. You are very fitness focused so that could be something else that you could touch on in the book. Perhaps recipes to fuel a healthy and active lifestyle? Whatever you decide to do, here’s one person game to buy your cookbook! 🙂
Survey done! Another great recipe from AK!!
Took the survey!
These sound delicious! I filled the survey out for you! 🙂
I completed the survey. Can’t wait to make these!
Survey done.:)
Just wanted to add as there was no place to put a comment on the survey… In the case of the Blue Diamond Almonds, I really don’t purchase them anymore because I have celiac and have to be very careful of the nuts I use. I still do occasionally purchase them for my family. Normally any ingredient in your recipes I’m much more likely to buy and I LOVE your recipes and share them with my friends.:)
Filled out the survey!
Survey Completed! Thanks!
Survey done!
Quarter life crisis is a real thing! Good news though, you’ll get through it. 🙂 Survey complete.
Survey submitted 🙂
I took the survey! Thanks!
Survey completed 🙂 Thank you!
Love this and the pesto you make with blue almonds 🙂
Also did the survey!!
I did the survey! Thanks!
I did the survey! I also tried these and they are addicting! Adding coconut was a great choice.
So so happy you liked them!
Survey, done. 🙂
These look perfect!
Survey is filled out.
I could eat too many of those, they look great 🙂 Survey done and thanks for the chance. jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Survey completed:)
Survey done. These look amazing! I can’t wait to try them.
completed the survey!
This looks like a delicious snack! I filled out the survey, too.
Making these today! And I filled out the survey:)
Filled out the survey 🙂 🙂
survey done!
Congratulations on the new book! I just completed the survey and now I can’t wait to make this!
Filled out the survey! Now I want some almonds… 🙂
just took the survey!
i just took the survey
[…] Salted Date Brownie Energy Bites GF, V, […]
[…] Source: Ambitious Kitchen […]
I don’t have a food processor. Will the results be the same if I just chop up ingredients?
This is the second time I’ve made these and both times with different nuts (cashew and pecan…what I had on hand) and they are delicious! My toddler loves them and my husband and I eat them after the gym. Thanks for sharing!
Delicious! So glad you guys all enjoy them 🙂
[…] in the new year skip the expensive airport snacks and try out a recipe for energy bites (like #11) or one of my go-to granola bars (#8). They’re perfect for the plane, day trips, hikes, and […]
[…] in the new year skip the expensive airport snacks and try out a recipe for energy bites (like #11) or one of my go-to granola bars (#8). They’re perfect for the plane, day trips, hikes, and […]
[…] you and help kick my sweet tooth to the curb. You can get Ambitious Kitchen’s recipe here and for those of who don’t know, she’s an incredible food blogger! Serious goals. The […]
[…] fav!) I also had some carrots with hummus, Siggis yogurt and a few homemade date energy balls from Ambitious Kitchen (So yummy!! She has the best […]
[…] 23. Salted Date Brownie Energy Bites […]
[…] Salted Date Brownie Energy Bites Ambitious Kitchen […]
[…] Salted Date Brownie Energy Bites Ambitious Kitchen […]
These were delicious and toddler-friendly! I made the recipe last minute, so I used pecans instead of almonds, and cashew butter instead of almond butter. They worked perfectly! I’m not sure if it’s because cashew butter is less flavorful, but I think I’d just do 1/2 t of vanilla next time; it was pretty vanilla forward with my subs. My toddler loved them and called them “cookies!”
Amazing! Yes, feel free to reduce the vanilla a bit (likely from the more subtle cashew butter). Glad they were a hit with your little one!
I made these brownie energy bites last night exactly as written. They are so good that I’m giving this batch away as gifts and making another batch for myself -and this time I will increase the cocoa. This is now my go-to energy bite and love the fact they are not too sweet and so healthy. So so good with my coffee this morning. Thank you so much Monique for sharing.
Amazing! So happy to hear that, Teresa 🙂
Wow!!! I was looking for a delicious and healthy protein snack. I found it! Thanks for sharing.
So glad you found these ones!
Yum! Added cinnamon and dipped them in melted chocolate. Definitely making again!
Perfect! Glad you enjoyed!
Love this recipe’s healthy ingredients. I soaked the dates in hot water for about a minute before putting them in the cuisinart so they would blend up more easily.
Perfect! Such a great snack.
Just made these. They’re so good! And super easy. Great recipe, thank you.
So happy you loved them!
My kids and husband love these! Such a good, healthy treat. I love that I can keep a batch frozen for when we want something sweet. I have used both pecans and almonds and they both taste amazing.
Awesome!! So happy that you guys love these!
Hi
My almond butter is NOT drippy as I only buy the one ingredient kind. What kind do you use & recommend?
Thanks! Love your blog!
Hi, there! If it’s one ingredient (just almonds, with or without salt), it should work! I just don’t recommend using a thicker kind like Justin’s that has palm oil because it won’t mix in well.
This is SO FREAKIN GOOD. Wow! My husband said he wouldn’t like anything with dates, He was convinced. Then I made this and he said it was delicious. Ahh! When I blended it up in the food processor it was in little pebbles (like fruit pebble peices) so I just did what she said and added a little water and it turned out so gooey. I love the salty/sweet combo. Will definitely use this again.
Perfect! So glad they were a hit!