I received free samples of California Walnuts and by posting this I’m entering a recipe contest sponsored by California Walnuts. I’m eligible to win prizes associated with the contest, but I was not compensated for my time. 

I absolutely love walnuts and I was so excited to create this batch of energy bites.  Chocolate and walnuts are an amazing combination and walnuts are so healthy.  A handful of California walnuts is a versatile snack and can satisfy any taste preference, from savory to sweet.​ Regardless of your flavor preference, walnuts are the only nut to provide an excellent source of the plant-based omega-3, ALA (2.5 g/oz).  That said, I always try to include walnuts any time I reach for nuts, whether in my salad, baked goods or my raw energy balls.

This whipped walnut brownie bite recipe is actually two recipes in one. I started with a super tasty whipped walnut butter that is delicious all on its own, either as a dip for apples or on toast with sliced bananas. You could also swirl it into oatmeal or chia seed pudding.

It’s that good.

I decided to make these brownie-inspired energy bites with the whipped walnut butter because I was looking for something semi-sweet for a mid-day snack.  I don’t like my energy balls to be super sweet, so I rolled them into cocoa powder, but you can vary up the sweetness by adding some honey or a bit more dates.  You really can’t mess these up!

I hope you’ll try these chocolatey brownie bites the next time you’re craving a healthy chocolate snack.  They freeze really well, too so there’s no reason not to have them on-hand all the time!

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Whipped Walnut Butter Brownie Bites

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups California walnuts, raw
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, plain
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/4 cup rolled oats, instant
• 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• 5 Medjool dates, pitted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Lightly toast 1 cup of California walnuts in a dry saute pan for about 2 minutes or until just turning brown and aromatic. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. To make walnut butter, process the toasted California walnuts with 1 tsp honey in the food processor until it forms a thin nut butter paste.

3. Once the walnut butter gets creamy, add the Greek yogurt and process again until well combined.

4. Add another 1/2 cup of California walnuts (not toasted) and all of the remaining ingredients. Process until mixture becomes fully combined.

5. Remove mixture from the food processor and place in a small bowl. Cover and place in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.

6. When ready, roll mixture into 10-12 balls. If desired, roll balls in cocoa powder or shredded coconut.

Nutrition information: California walnuts contain protein (4 g/oz) and fiber (2 g/oz) and are the only nut to contain an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 ALA (2.5 g/oz).