These Oil-Free, Vegan, Fudgy Protein Brownie Bites are so good they taste like dessert but they're actually pretty good for you. They're packed with protein, healthy fats, and omega 3 fatty acids which are amazing for your heart, among other things. These bites make a wonderful dessert or snack, and are super portable for kids' (or adults') lunchboxes, picnics or even as movie snacks (don't judge me).
They're ridiculously easy to make (all you need is a food processor or blender), and there's no baking involved. Just blend up everything in the ingredients list, roll into balls, freeze and enjoy! I like to keep mine in the freezer because then they taste like an ice cream treat, but they also keep well in the fridge.
As far as ingredients go, you'll notice that the Costco Kirkland's Almond Butter obsession continues. It's just so good! Somehow, this almond butter makes it into basically everything I make *eyeroll*.
Next we have protein powder. I’ve mentioned before that protein powder is not essential to the vegan diet. We get all the protein we need from plants. But if you’re looking for extra protein, an easy chocolate replacement, or an amazing milkshake base, I totally recommend Orgain protein powders.
I’ve been using Orgain for over 4 years now, so I was thrilled when I got the opportunity to offer a discount code and free shipping to my readers! Just go to the Orgain website here and use the code AMBASSADOR6206 when checking out.
I do want to say a quick word about sweeteners. Please always feel free to reduce or increase the amount of sweeteners in my recipes. Everyone has different tastes. My recipes are always here for you to take as a suggestion or inspiration, so please adjust accordingly. This recipe has two different forms of sweetener in it–maple syrup and dates. Both are not necessary. I happen to love the flavor of this, and so do my testers. But adjust as you see fit. There are plenty of nutritious things about this recipe, though.
Speaking of nutritious ingredients, for those omega 3 fatty acids I mentioned, the recipe also features hemp seeds. Hemp seeds are high in protein and iron as well, and they have a very mild and nutty flavor and are good in savory things as well as sweet things like this. They also are soft and absorb liquids well, so they are a nice addition to this recipe.
I also include coconut in this recipe because I think it adds a nice little tweak to the flavor, but feel free to leave out if you have an allergy or don't like coconut (increase a dry ingredient or decrease a wet ingredient by a little if the bites are too sticky to roll), although I will say there is not a strong coconut flavor in the final product.
Another nutritious thing in this recipe is rolled oats. Oats are high in fiber and they also have some protein in there. Oats are an incredibly healthy whole grain, so if you are not a huge fan of oatmeal like me, this is a good way to get them in.
Which brings me to the final ingredient I want to talk about - and I'm super excited to mention it. My secret weapon ingredient? BLACK BEANS. Weird, right? Well, first of all, you really can't taste them. The only noticeable thing they add is a distinctly cookie dough-like texture. And of course, a ton of protein and fiber. I used low sodium black beans in this recipe.
Alright, let’s get onto the recipe!
As always, let me know if you make this recipe and please tag #Zardyplants and mention me @Zardyplants so I can see your beautiful recreations! If you tag me on IG, I will share your post in my stories :)
<3 Liz
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Oil-Free Vegan Fudgy Protein Brownie Bites
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 18-20 bites 1x
Description
These Oil-Free Vegan Fudgy Protein Brownie Bites will bring you so much joy! Do you beleive they're made of black beans? Just mix, roll and freeze to enjoy! Vegan, Plant-based, Oil-free, can be Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 can or 1 ½ cups of low sodium or no salt added black beans
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup almond butter
- ½ cup or 5-6 medjool dates, pitted
- ½ cup chocolate protein powder
- ½ cup hemp seeds
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Clear a space for a plate or small pan in your freezer and prepare it by covering it with a sheet of parchment paper (so the bites don't stick)
- In your food processor, add all ingredients except the oats and mix until well combined. Scrape down the sides part-way through if necessary
- Taste and adjust if necessary, then add the oats, pulsing a few times to mix through but not pulverize the oats
- Remove the mixture a heaping teaspoon at a time, but form the bites in your hands, rolling between your palms to create balls roughly the same size. This mixture made about 20 bites for me
- Place each bite on the parchment paper covered plate or pan and freeze for at least an hour
- Once frozen, store bites in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months or the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert, Ingredient
- Cuisine: Vegan, Health
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