No-bake brownie bites are a tiny, intensely chocolatey snack that comes together in minutes with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. I first made them when I needed a quick dessert for a potluck and didn’t want to fuss with an oven—what started as a last-minute idea became a favorite that friends now request. These little energy bombs are fudgy, naturally sweetened, and perfect for lunchboxes, coffee breaks, or a simple ending to a weeknight meal. If you like compact treats with big flavor and minimal cleanup, these are for you—and they pair nicely with other no-bake ideas like the no-bake cottage cheese dessert for a protein-forward spread.
Why you’ll love this dish
No-bake brownie bites are fast, portable, and satisfy chocolate cravings without refined sugar or baking time. They use whole ingredients—dates for natural sweetness and walnuts for richness—so they’re a budget-friendly, kid-approved snack that also travels well. Make them when you need dessert in a hurry, a nutrient-dense afternoon pick-me-up, or a bite-sized treat for gatherings where you want something homemade but fuss-free.
"Fudgy, rich, and impossibly simple—these bites saved my dessert plans more than once." — a regular fan
Step-by-step overview
Before you blend, here’s the quick plan: pit and pulse dates with walnuts until they form a sticky crumb. Add cocoa and process until the mixture holds together. Scoop and roll into small balls, chill to firm up, and serve. No cooling racks or pans required—just a food processor, a plate, and your fridge.
What you’ll need
- 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Notes: If dates are a little dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain well before using. Walnuts can be swapped for almonds or pecans if preferred. You can add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of natural sweetener if your dates aren’t as sweet as you’d like.
Step-by-step instructions
- Add the pitted medjool dates and walnuts to a food processor. Pulse until they’re finely chopped and start to clump together.
- Add the unsweetened cocoa powder. Pulse again until the mixture becomes evenly chocolatey and sticky enough to hold when pressed.
- Scoop tablespoons of the mixture and roll them between your palms into bite-size balls. Place each on a plate or tray as you work.
- Pop the plate into the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes so the bites firm up. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these bites on a small dessert platter with fresh berries and a dusting of cocoa for contrast. They’re excellent alongside coffee or as part of a mixed snack board with nuts and sliced fruit. For a decadent touch, roll some in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or a light sprinkle of coarse sea salt just before serving.
Incorporate them into an afternoon snack box, or pair one with a smear of nut butter on toast for a quick energy boost. If you’re hosting, place a few on cupcake liners so guests can help themselves without utensils.
How to store & freeze
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze the bites on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving to regain the chewy, fudgy texture. Always use clean hands or a spoon when handling to minimize contamination.
Helpful cooking tips
- If your food processor struggles, break walnuts into smaller pieces first and process in short bursts to avoid overheating the motor.
- Press a small amount between fingers to test tackiness; if it’s too crumbly, add one extra softened date and process again.
- For uniform bites, use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture.
- Chill the palms of your hands with cold water briefly if the mixture sticks while rolling.
Include a second simple snack or treat on the same table for variety—for example, try a richer cottage-cheese-based bar recipe like the one for cottage cheese brownies when you want more texture contrast.
Creative twists
- Coconut mocha: add 1 tsp instant coffee granules and roll finished bites in shredded coconut.
- Nut-free version: swap walnuts for roasted sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative.
- Citrus lift: add 1 tsp finely grated orange zest to brighten the chocolate.
- Chocolate-dipped: for a glossy finish, dip the chilled bites briefly into melted chocolate and let set on parchment (allow to harden in the fridge).
Helpful answers
Q: How long do these take to make?
A: Active time is about 10–15 minutes. Add 30 minutes chilling time to firm them up.
Q: Can I use other dried fruits?
A: Yes—softer dried fruits like prunes or soft apricots can substitute for dates. If using drier fruit, soak briefly in warm water and drain.
Q: Are these vegan and gluten-free?
A: Yes, with the listed ingredients they’re both vegan and naturally gluten-free. Double-check any additional toppings for hidden gluten.
Q: My mixture is oily from the nuts—what should I do?
A: Slight oil is normal from walnuts. If it becomes too wet, add a tablespoon of cocoa or a few extra pitted dates to balance texture.
Q: Can I make these without a food processor?
A: It’s more labor-intensive, but you can finely chop the nuts and dates by hand and then press with a spoon until cohesive. A heavy-duty blender may also work in short pulses.
Conclusion
If you want a quick, wholesome chocolate treat that comes together with minimal equipment, these No Bake Brownie Bites are a winner—fudgy, naturally sweet, and endlessly adaptable. For a variation with a chocolate coating and a beautiful presentation, check out this detailed take: No Bake Brownie Bites (Dipped In Chocolate!) – Chelsea.
Print
No-Bake Brownie Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 bites
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Tiny, intensely chocolatey snacks that come together in minutes using wholesome ingredients, perfect for quick desserts or energy boosts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Add the pitted medjool dates and walnuts to a food processor. Pulse until they’re finely chopped and start to clump together.
- Add the unsweetened cocoa powder. Pulse again until the mixture becomes evenly chocolatey and sticky enough to hold when pressed.
- Scoop tablespoons of the mixture and roll them between your palms into bite-size balls. Place each on a plate or tray as you work.
- Pop the plate into the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes so the bites firm up. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
If dates are a little dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before using. Walnuts can be swapped for almonds or pecans if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American