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!

I can’t wait to make these! Do you think it would be possible to substitute old-fashioned oats for the almonds?
Hmm unfortunately I’m not sure if the bites will stay together!
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!
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.
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!
Just made these. They’re so good! And super easy. Great recipe, thank you.
So happy you loved them!
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.
Yum! Added cinnamon and dipped them in melted chocolate. Definitely making again!
Perfect! Glad you enjoyed!
Wow!!! I was looking for a delicious and healthy protein snack. I found it! Thanks for sharing.
So glad you found these ones!
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 🙂
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!
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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 🙂
I don’t have a food processor. Will the results be the same if I just chop up ingredients?
[…] Source: Ambitious Kitchen […]
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i just took the survey
just took the survey!
Filled out the survey! Now I want some almonds… 🙂
Congratulations on the new book! I just completed the survey and now I can’t wait to make this!
survey done!