Sweet Surrender: Chocolate Thumbprint Coconut Almond Protein Bites (No Blender Needed)!

Let's be honest, the craving for something sweet, something fudgey, something that just hits the spot can strike at any moment. And while we’re all about balance and nourishing our bodies, sometimes a little treat is exactly what’s needed. But what if you could satisfy that sweet tooth while also packing in some serious protein and keeping those macros in check? Enter these glorious Chocolate Thumbprint Coconut Almond Protein Bites!

Forget complicated recipes with endless ingredients and the dreaded blender clean-up. These little bites of heaven are incredibly simple to make – just a good old-fashioned mixing bowl and your own two hands are all you need. We’re talking minimal effort for maximum flavour and satisfaction.

What makes these bites so special? Well, for starters, they’re naturally sweet thanks to the magic of soft dates. These little powerhouses not only provide sweetness but also contribute a lovely chewy texture and a dose of fibre. Then comes the star of the show – our very own 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter. Its rich, nutty flavour forms the perfect creamy base, adding healthy fats and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality.

To boost the protein content and create a satisfyingly chewy texture, we’ve incorporated vanilla protein powder and coconut flour. The coconut flour adds a subtle hint of tropical flavour and helps bind everything together beautifully. And for that touch of sweetness that ties it all together without being overpowering, we’ve used monk fruit syrup. This natural sweetener provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the other flavours, ensuring these bites are perfectly palatable without being overly sugary. If you don't have monk fruit syrup on hand, don't worry! We've included a simple substitution using pure maple syrup and a touch of water (or even date water for an extra layer of flavour).

But wait, there’s more! We didn’t just stop at a delicious, protein-packed bite. We decided to level things up with a decadent, yet guilt-free, chocolate thumbprint. The rich, slightly bitter notes of sugar-free dark chocolate nestled in the centre of each bite create a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the date and the nuttiness of the almond butter. It’s that perfect little burst of intense chocolate that elevates these bites from a simple snack to a truly satisfying treat. Trust us, this chocolate thumbprint is a total game changer!

These Chocolate Thumbprint Coconut Almond Protein Bites are more than just a tasty snack. They’re a versatile powerhouse that can fit seamlessly into your healthy lifestyle. Need a pre- or post-workout pick-me-up? These bites are packed with protein to support muscle recovery and keep you feeling energised. Battling those afternoon cravings? One or two of these will satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your goals. Looking for a healthy treat to enjoy after dinner? These fudgey bites are the perfect guilt-free indulgence. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient to make ahead and keep in the fridge for whenever that craving strikes.

The Magic Behind the Macros:

We know that for many of you, keeping an eye on your macronutrient intake is important. That’s why we’ve carefully crafted this recipe to be not only delicious but also macro-friendly. Each bite delivers a good dose of protein thanks to the protein powder and almond butter, while the healthy fats from the almond butter and coconut flour contribute to satiety. The natural sugars from the dates and the minimal amount of maple syrup (or monk fruit alternative) provide just enough sweetness without causing a significant spike in blood sugar. These bites are a testament to the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice flavour or satisfaction to stay on track with your health and fitness goals.

Let’s Get Rolling (Literally):

The best part about these bites is how incredibly easy they are to make. No fancy equipment required – just a bowl, your hands, and a little bit of patience as you roll them into perfect little spheres. The toasted coconut coating adds a delightful textural contrast and a subtle nutty aroma. And that final touch of pressing in a square of sugar-free dark chocolate? Pure genius, if we do say so ourselves!

Tips for the Perfect Bites:

• Date Prep is Key: Make sure your dates are nice and soft. If they feel a little firm, you can soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften them up before chopping. Drain them well before using.
• Coconut Flour Power: Coconut flour is quite absorbent, so start with the amount listed in the recipe. If your dough feels too wet, gradually add a little more coconut flour until it reaches a workable, slightly firm consistency. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! For a chewier texture, feel free to add a little extra coconut flour as suggested in the ingredients list.
• Almond Butter Love: We highly recommend our 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter for its creamy texture and delicious flavour. 
• Sweetness Adjustment: The amount of monk fruit syrup (or maple syrup alternative) provides a balanced sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter bite, you can slightly increase the amount, but remember that the dates also contribute natural sweetness.
• Chocolate Choices: We opted for sugar-free dark chocolate to keep the sugar content low, but you can use your favourite type of dark chocolate. Just be mindful of the sugar content if that’s a concern for you. You can use chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, or even small squares from a chocolate bar, as we did.
• Chill Out: These bites are definitely best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge. Chilling helps them firm up and enhances their fudgey texture. They’ll keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week (if they last that long).

Why These Bites Are Your New Go-To:

• No Blender Needed: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavour!
• Sweet & Satisfying: The perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
• Protein-Packed: Helps you stay full and supports muscle recovery.
• Macro-Friendly: A guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
• Customisable: Feel free to experiment with different nut butters, protein powder flavours, or toppings.
• Convenient: Make ahead and enjoy anytime, anywhere.

So, are you ready to experience the magic of these Chocolate Thumbprint Coconut Almond Protein Bites? They’re sweet, they’re fudgey, they’re packed with goodness, and they’re incredibly easy to make. Trust us, once you try these little bites of bliss, they’ll quickly become your new go-to for satisfying those cravings the healthy and delicious way. Go ahead, get mixing, rolling, and chilling – your taste buds (and your macros) will thank you!

Recipe Recap (Makes 12):

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops (60g) vanilla protein powder
• ½ cup (60g) coconut flour (or more for a chewier texture)
• 1 cup (120g) soft dates, pitted and chopped
• ¼ cup (60g) 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter
• ¼ cup (60ml) monk fruit syrup (or 30ml pure maple syrup + 30ml water/date water)
• 2 tbsp (24g) toasted coconut flakes, for coating
• 36g sugar-free dark chocolate, cut into 12 small pieces

Method:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla protein powder, coconut flour, chopped soft dates, 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter, and monk fruit syrup (or maple syrup/water mixture).
2. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until a thick dough starts to form. You may find it easiest to use clean, gloved hands to really bring the dough together.
3. Once you have a cohesive dough, roll it into 12 equal-sized balls, approximately 28g each.
4. Place the toasted coconut flakes in a shallow dish. Roll each protein ball in the toasted coconut until evenly coated.
5. Gently press a small piece of sugar-free dark chocolate into the centre of the top of each coconut-coated ball, creating a “thumbprint.”
6. Arrange the protein bites on a plate or in an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
7. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Thumbprint Coconut Almond Protein Bites straight from the fridge! They will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Sweet, fudgey and full of feel-good ingredients! Just mix, roll and chill. Perfect for cravings and keeping your macros in check!