These no-bake brownie bites are quick, easy, and sugar-free! The dates add sweetness, the walnuts and pecans offer depth, while the Dutch-process cocoa gives a rich chocolatey flavor. But the real surprise is the pretzels, which both bind the mixture and add the perfect salty crunch.
Add the pretzels to the food processor and blitz until the pretzels are mostly broken up.
Next, add the walnuts, pecans, and dates to the food processor. Turn onto the highest setting and blend for about 30 seconds, or until the dates and nuts are broken down.
Finally, add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, and water. Again, blitz on the highest setting until the mixture is fully combined. Blend shorter for a crunchier brownie bite and longer if you prefer something smoother.
Pour the mixture into a bowl. Use your hands to roll about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture into a bite-sized ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
For best result, cool for 1 hour before eating.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
If your dates are on the harder side, you can soften them up by soaking in warm water for 5 minutes. (Be sure to drain before adding to the food processor).
If the mixture won't stay together when you try to form the balls, just add another tablespoon of water, combine, and everything should come together.
I love dutch-process cocoa powder for a deeper and richer taste, but any cocoa powder will work.
If you don't have walnuts, simply sub with pecans and vice versa.
Almonds could also be used in place of the other nuts in this recipe, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Raisins or prunes can be subbed if you don't have dates.
Keyword brownie bites, no bake brownie bites, no bake brownies