Almond Cacao Nib Brownie Bites

IT’s Spooky Season!

You’ve heard me say it before, but I need to repeat it: I adore this season!!!

From the gorgeous foliage (did you see my latest reels on Instagram?) to the weather, to the food, it all just hits so lusciously!

It turns me on in a big way, but there is something about this season that feels very challenging to me.

The sugar.

So much sugar that it seems way more like a Trick than a Treat. The candy seems to be everywhere. My bank, the grocery store, even the veterinarian all had bowls of candy out to take as I went through my errands last week.

So TEMPTING!

Luckily I know how that processed sugar makes me feel in the long run - lethargic, spacey, bloated, and nauseous.

I also know that there are alternatives that feel just as much like a Treat as that candy. Even better, actually, because I know that I will actually feel satisfied, nourished, and grounded after eating these homemade confections.

Almond Flour and Dates mixed with cacao powder basically end up being fudge. And when you add some almond butter and cacao nibs you get a perfect treat with bits of crunch that are absolutely delightful. Try them and see if you agree!

Almond Cacao Nib Brownie Bites

Makes 12-14

1 cup almond flour

16 medjool dates, pitted (about 1 cup pitted)

½ cup almond butter (I used crunchy and did not regret it)

2-3 tbsp cacao powder, plus more for dusting

3-4 tbsp maple syrup

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

¼ cup cacao nibs

In the bowl of a food processor, process the almond flour and dates until a paste forms. Next add in nut butter, cacao powder, vanilla, salt, and maple syrup and process again until well combined.

Transfer mixture to a bowl then fold in the cacao nibs; you may need to use your hands to get it well incorporated.

Roll the dough into 2 inch balls, roll in cacao powder if desired, and place on parchment paper or plastic wrap.

Store in the refrigerator.

Let me know how it goes!