Healthy brownie alternatives
If you’ve been searching for a healthy sweet treat, these brownie alternatives will do the trick! The Healthy chocolate protein balls are suited for individuals following the Low GI and Mediterranean diets. The Brownie bombs (scroll down) are suitable for those who follow our Keto/Banting plan.
Healthy chocolate protein balls
Guilt-free, raw and healthy, these chocolate protein balls take just 5 minutes to prepare and contain less than 70 calories per serving.
Serving size
Makes 35 protein balls
Ingredients:
- 200g dates, pitted medjool or pitted dried dates
- 2-3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or cacao powder
- ¾ cup raw almonds
- ½ cup cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Place the dates, honey, vanilla extract and cocoa powder into a food processor and blend until the mixture resembles a paste.
- Add the almonds and cacao nibs and press pulse several times, until your desired texture is achieved.
- Roll into tablespoon sized balls and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tip: Protein balls made from raw, natural ingredients are high in protein, fibre, healthy fats and carbs. They are energy-boosting and should be consumed in moderation, as part of a balanced and healthy diet.
For easy access to a balanced and healthy diet, download the LK Fitness app.
You can choose between keto/banting, low GI and Mediterranean diets, as well as benefit from a daily exercise program.
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Brownie Bombs
Healthy keto energy bites that taste just like your favourite brownies, these brownie bombs take just 15 minutes to make and contain 174 calories per serving of 2 protein bombs. These treats are suitable for individuals following Keto/Banting diets.
Serving size
Makes 16 brownie bombs
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup butter or ghee (a heart-healthy alternative to ordinary butter)
- 30 g (1 ounce) cocoa butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- ¼ cup Xylitol (sweetener)
- 2 tablespoons water
- ⅓ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the butter (ghee) and cocoa butter together.
- Whisk in the cacao/cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla extract and salt. The mixture should be thin and smooth.
- Add the water and whisk until the mixture thickens – it will seize, this is normal. It should be the consistency of thick chocolate frosting.
- Using a rubber spatula to stir in the nut butter until the mixture resembles cookie dough in consistency. Stir in the chopped nuts.
- Roll into 16 balls (about 2.5cm each) and refrigerate until firm.
Tip: Store your brownie bombs in a covered container in the fridge and they should keep for up to a month.
*The healthy chocolate protein balls recipe is from the Bake.Play.Smile blog.
**The Brownie Bombs recipe is from the All Day I Dream About Food blog.