Brownie Bliss Balls with Spinach

These blissful, wholesome “brownie” bites contain a secret ingredient—fresh spinach!

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Let’s be honest, bliss balls are never going to replicate an iconic, beloved brownie. Rich, fudgy indulgence with a texture that embodies a harmonious intersection of density and chew topped with a sugary, crackling, paper-thin crispness —that’s what I’m talking about. You should probably know, these bliss balls are none of those things (well, maybe the density is there, but it’s not the same). And yet! If you’re here for power-packed, blissful bites reminescent of brownie delight, you won’t be disappoited.

I swear, these wholesome, energizing bites are well worth it, and they do indeed capture a distinct “brownie” flavor within the broad, beautiful umbrella of “chocolate”. I will even venture to suggest that these protein balls are proof positive that what makes a brownie unique is as much about flavor as that delightfully intentional tension between textures. Here, I’d pin a lot of the nostalgia factor on the walnuts. You can absolutely swap in almonds or seeds instead, but for me walnuts carry a classic charm—alongside those coveted omega-3s— that melds brilliantly with the intensity of dark cacao and the luxurious caramel of Medjool dates.

Since we’re heralding spring, I threw in another powerhouse ingredient that is a staple in my chocolate smoothies—fresh spinach. Who doesn’t love every opportunity to go a little more green? You can keep it a “secret” or not; there will likely be the faintest little green flecks in the mixture. You won’t taste the spinach, but you may very well enjoy the proceeds all the more for its inclusion like I do.

Sweetness with Benefits

Lately I’ve been experimenting a lot with a variety of whole food sweeteners, especially fruit pastes from dried apricots and mango, but I always come back to my favorite, the treasure of Medjool dates. Although they are high in calories, they offer a complex nutritional profile that justifies that density, unlike refined sugars. As a whole food, they come packaged with a significant amount of dietary fiber, is crucial for slowing the absorption of their natural sugars and preventing the sharp insulin spikes associated with processed sweeteners. Beyond just sweetness, these stone fruits are rich in essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper, along with a diverse array of antioxidants. And, by using the entire fruit rather than an extracted syrup, we get to incorporate vitamins and minerals that actively support overall health and digestion.

Recently, we flew to Iceland recently for our son to participate in the Reykjavik Open chess tournament for the second year in a row. It’s a polished, smoothly organized, prestigious tournament held in the elegant glass Harpa, a concert hall by the sea, and it’s special. These bliss balls were my airplane indulgence, and I can tell you wholeheartedly, despite these being a healthy sweet, when you’re traveling and tired they taste truly indulgent and as energizing as they’re meant to be.

Brownie Bliss Balls with Spinach

Brownie Bliss Balls with Spinach

Yield: 16
Author:
Prep time: 8 MinTotal time: 8 Min

These blissful, wholesome “brownie” bites contain a secret ingredient—fresh spinach!

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup raw walnuts (more as desired for pressing on top, optional)
  • 1 Cup pitted, plump Medjool dates (10-12)
  • 1 Cup oats
  • ¼ Cup cacao powder, dark if possible
  • 1 heaping Cup loosely packed spinach leaves
  • ½ Teaspoon vanilla
  • Pinch sea salt or Himalayan salt
  • ½ Cup dairy free mini chocolate chips, optional
  • Any addends or additional coatings desired (chia seeds, crushed walnuts, shredded coconut, etc)

Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients through sea salt in a food processor fitted with the S-shaped blade. Process until mixture is well combined and sticking together. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the chocolate chips, reserving some for pressing on top if desired.
  2. Once mixture is combined, use your hands to form the dough into balls, using about 1 Tablespoon of dough for each ball then press into reserved mini chips and chopped walnuts or other coatings as desired. Enjoy balls right away or store for later.
  3. Place balls into a sealed storage container and store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

125

Fat

7 g

Sat. Fat

2 g

Carbs

16 g

Fiber

3 g

Net carbs

13 g

Sugar

9 g

Protein

3 g

Sodium

5 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg
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