These Collagen Brownie Bites are the perfect mix of chewy and fudgy goodness! Packed with chocolate flavor and a boost of collagen, they’re a tasty treat that cares for your skin too.
Honestly, who thought brownies could be good for you? I love snacking on these guilt-free bites anytime, and they’re super easy to whip up. Enjoy one with your coffee for a happy moment!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Flour: Almond flour gives these brownie bites a great texture and nutty flavor. If you have a nut allergy, you can use oat flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that rich chocolate taste. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, try Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but remember it can change the color a bit.
Collagen Peptides: These add protein and some health benefits. If you’re vegan, you can skip this, but consider adding more nut butter or a plant-based protein powder to keep the bites fulfilling.
Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener is delicious here! Honey is a great alternative if you don’t mind using an animal product. You can also use agave and even a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for lower calories.
Nut Butter: Almond or cashew butter works beautifully, contributing creaminess. Sunflower seed butter can be a nut-free option, offering a similar texture and taste.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dough Consistency?
Getting the dough just right is key to these treats. If your mixture feels too crumbly, you can easily adjust it! Here’s how:
- Mix the wet ingredients well—make sure they are smooth before adding to the dry mix.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry. This helps control the consistency.
- If it’s still too dry after mixing, add a tablespoon of water or more nut butter gradually until you get a workable dough.
Keep in mind that it’s better to start with less liquid; you can always add more if needed. The dough should hold together without being sticky.
How to Make Collagen Brownie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup collagen peptides
- Optional: a pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/4 cup nut butter (such as almond or cashew)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chocolate chips or nuts (about 1/4 cup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires an additional 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. In just a bit over half an hour, you’ll have delightful and healthy brownie bites to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, cocoa powder, collagen peptides, and a pinch of salt if you’re using it. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly mixed.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the maple syrup and nut butter together until it’s fully combined and smooth. It’s wonderful how well these ingredients blend!
3. Form the Dough:
Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until you have a dough that holds together. If it feels too dry, don’t worry! Just add a tablespoon of water or a bit more nut butter to get the right consistency.
4. Add Texture (Optional):
If you want a bit more crunch or sweetness, fold in chocolate chips or nuts to the dough. This step is totally optional but highly recommended for that extra yum factor!
5. Roll into Balls:
Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place these brownie bites on a parchment-lined tray or plate, leaving a little space between each one.
6. Chill and Enjoy:
Pop the tray into the fridge and let the brownie bites chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up nicely. Once chilled, you can serve them right away or store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy your healthy and delicious Collagen Brownie Bites!
Can I Substitute the Almond Flour?
Absolutely! You can use coconut flour, but keep in mind that coconut flour is more absorbent, so you’ll need to reduce the amount to about 1/3 cup and increase the wet ingredients slightly. Oat flour is another great alternative if you’re looking for a gluten-free option that behaves more like almond flour.
What Can I Use Instead of Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey is a perfect substitute! If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, agave syrup or date syrup can also work well. Just remember to adjust the sweetness to your liking since different sweeteners may have varying levels of sweetness.
How to Store These Brownie Bites?
Store your Collagen Brownie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add More Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding in your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit, shredded coconut, or even protein powder for an extra health boost. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins to about 1/4 cup to maintain the dough’s consistency.
