Brownie Bites (vegan, gluten free, dairy free, nut free)
Sunflower seed butter definitely doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Nutritionally, it’s a good source of protein, fiber, zinc, folate and vitamin B6. It also provides vitamin E, phosphorus AND healthy unsaturated fats. This combination of nutrients makes it satisfying and nutrient dense (the exact combo we want).
Sustainability-wise, sunflowers are easy to grow and require much less water than our beloved almond :(. In some places in the U.S., sunflower crops can grow without the need for irrigation, meaning they can grow with only the water from rainfall and snow. Plus, they are usually available in the bulk section of supermarkets at a much lower price than other nuts.
For all these reasons and to add some variety into my diet (and my clients’ diets), I love experimenting with seeds. I used my favorite kitchen appliance, the NutraMilk, to make these brownie bites with a seed butter base. You’re going to LOVE.
BROWNIE BITES (makes ~10)
Ingredients
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup pumpkin seeds
8 dates, pitted
1 cup oats
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1.5 Tbsp unsweetened cacao powder
2 Tbsp water
Directions
Add the sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds to the NutraMilk and run on the butter cycle for about 13 minutes (until the seeds are an amazing creamy texture).
Remove all but 3 Tbsp of the seed butter from the NutraMilk. Store in an airtight glass container in the fridge and use as a delicious spread (like you would a nut butter).
Add all the other ingredients into the NutraMilk and blend on the butter cycle for 2 minutes until combined.
Using your hands, roll into balls with about 1 Tbsp of mixture per bite. Roll in coconut shreds to make them extra fancy!
Store in an airtight container! And, take a nice deep breath before enjoying these delicious treats.
Thank you for supporting me and the brands that I have the pleasure of working with! I’m a proud NutraMilk Partner and appreciate that they support my mission, which is to make a healthy, low waste life approachable, doable and fun! You can purchase your NutraMilk here!