These Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites are small, chewy treats full of chocolatey goodness! They mix protein powder with delicious brownie flavors and colorful sprinkles.
They’re perfect for a quick snack or a post-workout boost. I love keeping these in my bag for when I need a little sweet pick-me-up without the guilt. Yum! 🍫✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Protein Powder: This is the star ingredient! Use your favorite brand, but if you’re not into protein powders, you could use cocoa powder and just increase the other ingredients’ quantity slightly for flavor.
Oat Flour: Oat flour gives a nice texture. If you don’t have it, you can blend rolled oats finely to make your own. All-purpose flour works too, but oats add more nutrition.
Nut Butter: Almond and peanut butter are great choices, but feel free to use other nut butters or seed butters like sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners work well. If you’re vegan, stick with maple syrup. Agave syrup is a good alternative if you want a different flavor.
Dark Chocolate Chips: These add a rich taste. Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter flavor. You can also skip them for a lower calorie option.
How Do I Get the Perfect Coating and Decoration?
Coating your bites in chocolate can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it:
- Use microwavable bowls to melt the chocolate in short intervals (30 seconds) to prevent burning. Stir after each interval until it’s fully melted.
- Dip each ball in chocolate and shake gently to remove excess. This helps avoid a thick layer of chocolate.
- Add sprinkles or crushed cereal while the chocolate is still wet so they stick well!
- Let the coated bites set in the fridge until firm to get a nice, crisp coating.
With these tips, your Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites will look great and taste amazing!
Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Protein Base:
- 1 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 cup oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp flaxseed meal (optional, for binding)
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Mixture:
- 1/2 cup nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/4 cup crushed rainbow cereal flakes or colorful dried fruit pieces (for “cosmic” effect)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup dark chocolate, melted, for coating
- Additional sprinkles or crushed cereal for decorating top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, along with an additional 45 minutes for chilling and coating. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour! Perfect for a homemade treat that’s fun to make and eat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate protein powder, oat flour, cocoa powder, flaxseed meal (if using), and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed.
2. Make the Dough:
Add the nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix everything together until a thick, sticky dough forms. Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and crushed cereal flakes or dried fruit for that cosmic flair!
3. Shape the Bites:
With your hands or a small scoop, form the dough into round balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place these on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help them firm up.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
While the protein bites are chilling, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
5. Coat the Bites:
Once the protein bites are firm, dip each one into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool. Make sure they’re fully coated, then let any excess chocolate drip off before placing them back onto the parchment paper.
6. Add Some Fun Toppings:
While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the tops with additional sprinkles or crushed cereal for that vibrant, cosmic look!
7. Chill Again:
Refrigerate the coated bites for another 15-20 minutes until the chocolate hardens. This will give them a nice, crisp shell.
8. Store and Enjoy!
Keep your Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy them as a sweet and satisfying protein-packed snack anytime you need a boost!
These bites are chewy and rich, just like a brownie, with colorful pops of fun! A perfect treat to enjoy guilt-free!
Can I Use a Different Protein Powder?
Absolutely! While chocolate protein powder works best for flavor, you can use vanilla or any other flavored protein powder. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste of the bites.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these protein bites vegan, use a plant-based protein powder, substitute maple syrup for honey, and select a vegan chocolate for coating. Nut butter is usually vegan, but double-check your brand.
What Should I Do If the Mixture is Too Sticky?
If the mixture feels overly sticky to work with, try adding a little more oat flour or protein powder, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. You can also chill it for a bit longer to firm it up.
How Do I Store My Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites?
Store your protein bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! They will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for a bit or microwave for a few seconds.