no-bake double chocolate brownie bites

While the heat wave continues I am continuing on my no-cooking strike! It’s been way too hot to turn on my oven and I have no desire to “bake!”  That’s where these little No-Bake Double Chocolate Brownie Bites come into play!  All you need are wholesome superfood ingredients and a cuisinart, simple enough and you don’t need to heat up the kitchen!  These may be the easiest brownie recipe around…not to mention the healthiest!

No-Bake Double Chocolate Brownie Bites ~vegan, gluten free~ No refined sugars, no processed ingredients, gluten free and plentiful in healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants! They are a healthy way to satisfy that sweet tooth! Made with dates, walnuts, cacao, coconut oil and a little pure maple syrup...5 ingredients, that's it!

No refined sugars, no processed ingredients, gluten free and plentiful in healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants!  They are a healthy way to satisfy that sweet tooth!  Made with dates, walnuts, cacao, coconut oil and a little pure maple syrup…5 ingredients, that’s it!

No-Bake Double Chocolate Brownie Bites ~vegan, gluten free~ No refined sugars, no processed ingredients, gluten free and plentiful in healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants! They are a healthy way to satisfy that sweet tooth! Made with dates, walnuts, cacao, coconut oil and a little pure maple syrup...5 ingredients, that's it!

I talk a lot about the benefits of cacao and coconut oil, but did you know walnuts are also a superfood?

Here’s the breakdown:

-A great source of plant-based protein, healthy fats and fiber

-Promising studies show they improve heart health by lowering cholesterol

-Help stabilize blood sugar and improve type II diabetes

-High antioxidant content to lower risk of cancer

-Contain anti inflammatory compounds

No-Bake Double Chocolate Brownie Bites ~vegan, gluten free~ No refined sugars, no processed ingredients, gluten free and plentiful in healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants! They are a healthy way to satisfy that sweet tooth! Made with dates, walnuts, cacao, coconut oil and a little pure maple syrup...5 ingredients, that's it!

The dates I used were pretty fresh and ooey gooey…if yours are not, soak in warm water for 10 minutes first!  If you don’t have raw cacao powder (found in Whole Foods, vitacost.com or most health food stores) you can use cocoa powder, however you’ll be missing out on a lot of antioxidants!

no-bake double chocolate brownie bites
 
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No-Bake Double Brownie Bites, made with only 5 ingredients and no oven needed! Makes 18 Brownie Bites
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 18
Ingredients
  • For the Brownies:
  • 1½ cups walnuts
  • 10-12 dates, pitted
  • ⅓ cup raw cacao
  • For the Frosting:
  • ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
  • ½ cup raw cacao
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
  1. Line a 5x9 loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Place walnuts, dates and ⅓ cup raw cacao in a food processor. Pulse until well combined and crumbly.
  3. Transfer to lined loaf pan and press down evenly with fingers.
  4. Meanwhile, whisk together melted coconut oil, ½ cup raw cacao and maple syrup. Pour on top of brownies.
  5. Place in refrigerator until frosting has hardened. Slice into 18 pieces and enjoy!
  6. Store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 Calories: 152 Fat: 10 Carbohydrates: 15 Sugar: 10 Fiber: 3 Protein: 4

They also got the stamp of approval from the family…big ones and little ones :)

cacao covered chocolate chip cookie dough bon bons

 Cacao Covered Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bon Bons…that’s a mouthful to say!

Think bite-sized peanut butter cups, but made with only wholesome ingredients!

Cacao Covered Chocolate Cookie Dough Bon Bons ~vegan, gluten free~

The inspiration for this recipes comes from Minimalist Baker, where she churns cookie dough into ice cream!  Can’t wait to try that one out!

I substituted coconut flour for the regular flour and maple syrup for the sugar, but use whichever ingredients you fancy!  Instead of mixing the dough into ice cream, I covered them with magic-shell cacao sauce.  If you don’t have raw cacao powder you can use cocoa powder or coat with melted chocolate chips instead!  (However, raw cacao does contain higher levels of minerals and antioxidants!)

Cacao Covered Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bon Bons ~vegan, gluten free~

These little bon bons are minimally sweet.  If you are looking for a more sugary treat add another tablespoon of maple syrup to the mix.  You just may need to add a little extra coconut flour to compensate for the texture.  You want to be able to easily roll the cookie dough into balls.

cacao covered chocolate chip cookie dough bon bons
 
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Makes 26-27 bon bons
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 27
Ingredients
  • For cookie dough:
  • ¾ cup all-natural creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons coconut flour
  • 2 tablespoons mini-chocolate chips
  • For Cacao Coating:
  • ⅓ cup raw cacao powder
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • pinch sea salt
Instructions
  1. In a small bowl mix together peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut flour and mini chocolate-chips. Stir until a "dough" is formed. Using a ½ tablespoon measure, scoop out dough and roll into little balls. Place on parchment paper.
  2. Meanwhile, whisk together cacao powder, maple syrup, melted coconut oil and a pinch of sea salt.
  3. To coat bon bons; add one ball at a time to cacao mixture and gently stir to coat. Remove and place on parchment paper, repeat with each bon bon.
  4. Let cacao coating harden in the refrigerator or freezer.
  5. Enjoy!
  6. Store in refrigerator or freezer!
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 Calories: 89 Fat: 7 Carbohydrates: 7 Sugar: 3 Fiber: 2 Protein: 3

 Cacao Covered Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bon Bons ~vegan, gluten free~

Have a wonderful weekend!

chocolate chia overnight oats

 Here is a breakfast for the chocolate lovers out there…Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats!

Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats ~vegan, gluten free~

I’m trying to prepare myself for what life is going to be like with a newborn again.  Even though I know it’s impossible to prepare for the endless loop of sleepless nights that roll into the day, I’m going to give it my best shot!    What I do remember from the first time around is being constantly hungry and not having the hands to make myself food!  That’s where overnight oats comes to the rescue…breakfast ready to eat when you wake up!

I figure if there is one thing I can prepare for, it’s stocking the kitchen with good food!  I will be sharing some of my favorite “life with a newborn” one-handed meal ideas and pantry items soon!

Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats ~vegan, gluten free~

Simply whisk all the ingredients together, divide into smaller containers, cover and place in the refrigerator overnight!  It doesn’t get much easier than that!  This recipe makes 4 servings, so you will have breakfast ready for a few days!  I like to add a little more milk to the oats in the morning for a creamier texture.

Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats ~vegan, gluten free~

This recipe (when made with soy milk) contains 10 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein, which should hold me over all morning long!  This recipe can be made a number of ways and with multiple toppings such as berries, almond butter, toasted coconut or with bananas as shown here!

Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats ~vegan, gluten free~

chocolate chia overnight oats
 
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Makes 4 servings
Author:
Recipe type: Breakfast
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 cups old fashioned oats
  • 2 cups milk of your choice (I used soy milk)
  • ¼ cup raw cacao powder or cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons chia seds
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Divide into smaller containers such as mason jars, cover and place in refrigerator overnight.
  3. Top with fresh fruit and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 Calories: 317 Fat: 11 Carbohydrates: 53 Sugar: 15 Fiber: 10 Protein: 12

 Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats ~vegan, gluten free~

The superfoods that come into play in this recipe are oats, chia seeds, raw cacao and fruit…providing you with phytochemicals, minerals, macro-nutrients, vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants for a supercharged day :)