Raspberry Brownie Date Bites Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted a snack that’s both indulgent and guilt-free, wait until you try my Raspberry Brownie Date Bites Recipe! These little bites are the perfect combo of rich chocolate, fruity raspberry jam, and naturally sweet medjool dates. They’re like a mini dessert you can pop anytime — and honestly, once I made my first batch, I couldn’t stop. I’ll walk you through every detail so your Raspberry Brownie Date Bites come out irresistible and foolproof.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Sweetness: The natural sugars in dates and raspberries perfectly complement the deep cocoa flavor without overpowering.
- Simple, Clean Ingredients: You won’t find any refined sugars or artificial additives here—just wholesome pantry staples.
- Textural Contrast: The soft date base, chewy brownie layer, and crisp chocolate shell create a delightful mouthfeel.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bites store well in the fridge and freezer, perfect for busy days or entertaining.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Raspberry Brownie Date Bites Recipe lies in how the ingredients come together for flavor and texture. Each component is straightforward but essential—grab the best medjool dates you can find, and the rest is all about layers of richness balanced with freshness.
- Medjool Dates: These jumbo, soft dates act as the natural sweet base and help everything stick together; make sure they’re fresh and plump for easy prep.
- Frozen Raspberries: Using frozen speeds up the jam-making without sacrificing that bright, tangy punch.
- Chia Seeds: They thicken the homemade raspberry jam naturally, no pectin needed.
- Arrowroot Powder: A great alternative to cornstarch for thickening the jam, keeping it clear and glossy.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides deep, rich chocolate flavor for the brownie layer without any dairy.
- Maple Syrup: Adds gentle sweetness and caramel notes to the brownie layer.
- Runny Nut Butter: I like almond butter for creaminess and binding, but peanut or cashew work too.
- Oat Flour: Brings subtle nuttiness and gives structure to the brownie layer while keeping it gluten-friendly.
- Almond Milk: Used to adjust batter consistency — add gradually!
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
- Chocolate Chips: Go for a high-quality, dairy-free variety if you prefer vegan, like Pascha brand I use.
- Coconut Oil: Melts smoothly into the chocolate, giving it a beautiful gloss and crisp finish.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Raspberry Brownie Date Bites Recipe is that it’s super easy to tweak. Over time, I’ve played with adding nuts, swapping fruits, or going for different nut butters based on what’s in my pantry. You can make this recipe truly yours!
- Variation: I sometimes stir chopped walnuts into the brownie batter for some extra crunch — the contrast is fantastic!
- Nut-Free Version: Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter, and use oat or coconut flour instead of oat flour to avoid nuts altogether.
- Seasonal Twist: Try blueberry or strawberry jam instead of raspberry for a seasonal flavor twist.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust maple syrup quantity depending on how sweet you like your bites; I find the dates add enough natural sweetness already!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Raspberry Brownie Date Bites Recipe
Step 1: Make the Raspberry Jam
Start by cooking the frozen raspberries with chia seeds, water, and arrowroot powder over medium heat. Stir frequently so the mixture thickens evenly into a luscious, homemade jam—this takes about 10-12 minutes. Pro tip: don’t rush this—slow and steady makes the jam glossy and full-flavored.
Step 2: Whip Up the Brownie Layer
In a bowl, mix cocoa powder, maple syrup, runny nut butter, oat flour, almond milk, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, pliable dough. This batter should be thick but easy to roll or spoon. I like rolling into bite-sized balls, but silicone ice cube molds also work perfectly and make consistent shapes every time. Freeze these for 30 minutes to firm up before assembling.
Step 3: Prepare the Date Base and Assemble
Flatten your pitted dates gently with your fingers or the bottom of a glass — no mashing! Then top each with one brownie layer ball or mold piece. Next, scoop a spoonful of your fresh raspberry jam over the brownie layer. The contrast of flavors here is where the magic really happens.
Step 4: Chill and Chocolate Dip
Freeze the assembled bites for an hour so everything sets nicely. Then, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth — I do this gently over a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Dunk each bite into the melted chocolate, place on parchment paper, and refrigerate for 20 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Soft Dates Matter: Always pick fresh, pliable medjool dates—they’re easier to flatten and taste sweeter.
- Jam Thickness: Don’t skip the stirring during jam prep—it prevents burning and ensures a nice shiny texture.
- Freezing First: Freezing the brownie layer before assembly helps keep bites neat and intact when you add jam and chocolate.
- Chocolate Dip Ease: If dipping is messy, use a fork or skewer to dunk bites and quickly lift them out, letting excess drip off.
How to Serve Raspberry Brownie Date Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these bites with a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried raspberries or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt after the chocolate dip—adds a festive pop of color and flavor that really elevates them. Plus, the salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a warm cup of herbal tea or your favorite coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. They’re also perfect paired with fresh fruit or a scoop of coconut yogurt if you want to make a more substantial snack plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I love arranging these Raspberry Brownie Date Bites on a pretty wooden board with edible flowers and mint sprigs. They’re little bites of joy perfect for parties, gift boxes, or even bridal showers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Raspberry Brownie Date Bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about a week, although I bet they won’t last that long once everyone tastes them!
Freezing
I often freeze my bites in single layers inside freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop a few out — they thaw quickly and make for a convenient, healthy snack anytime.
Reheating
No real reheating needed here, but if you want the chocolate gooey, just let the bites sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or give them a quick 5-second microwave zap.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh raspberries work just as well. You may need to cook the jam a bit longer to thicken properly since fresh berries have more liquid, but the flavor will be vibrant and delicious.
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What if I don’t have arrowroot powder?
You can substitute cornstarch or tapioca starch in equal amounts to thicken the jam. Just be sure to dissolve it in a small amount of water before adding to avoid lumps.
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Are these bites gluten-free?
Yes! Using oat flour (make sure it’s certified gluten-free if needed) keeps this recipe gluten-free, plus naturally nutty and flavorful.
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Can I make the brownie layer in advance?
Definitely! The brownie balls or molded pieces can be made and frozen ahead of time. Just thaw slightly before assembling with dates and jam.
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What chocolate do you recommend for melting?
I love using Pascha brand or any quality dark chocolate chips that melt smoothly and harden with a crisp finish. Add coconut oil to help with texture and sheen.
Final Thoughts
This Raspberry Brownie Date Bites Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to whip up when I crave something sweet but also want to feel good about what I’m eating. I think you’ll love how approachable it is—no fancy baking skills required—and the layers of flavor are just dreamy. Give it a try, share with friends, and watch these little bites disappear fast. Trust me, your snack game just leveled up!
Print
Raspberry Brownie Date Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Raspberry Brownie Date Bites are a delightful no-bake treat combining a rich brownie layer, tangy raspberry chia jam, and a smooth chocolate coating. Perfect as a healthy snack or dessert, they feature natural sweetness from medjool dates and are both gluten free and vegan-friendly.
Ingredients
Dates
- 10 large medjool dates
Raspberry Jam
- 12 ounces frozen raspberries
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder
Brownie Layer
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup runny nut butter
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Melted Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup chocolate chips (Pascha brand recommended)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the raspberry jam: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the frozen raspberries, chia seeds, water, and arrowroot powder. Cook for 12 minutes, stirring periodically, until the mixture thickens into jam.
- Make the brownie layer: In a bowl, mix together cocoa powder, maple syrup, runny nut butter, oat flour, almond milk, and vanilla extract until a brownie dough forms.
- Shape and chill brownie layer: Roll the brownie mixture into balls or press into silicone ice cube molds. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Assemble dates and brownie layer: Flatten the medjool dates and place a chilled brownie ball or brownie piece on top of each date.
- Add raspberry jam topping: Spoon a generous amount of the cooled raspberry jam on top of the brownie layer on each date bite.
- Set in freezer: Place the assembled date bites in the freezer for 1 hour to allow them to set fully.
- Apply melted chocolate layer: Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth. Dunk each chilled date bite into the melted chocolate, coating them evenly.
- Chill until chocolate hardens: Place the chocolate-covered bites into the refrigerator for 20 minutes until the chocolate solidifies.
- Serve and store: Enjoy immediately or store the bites in an airtight container in the fridge for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Use silicone molds to achieve uniform brownie balls and easier freezing.
- Medjool dates should be soft and fresh for easy flattening and maximum sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
- The raspberry jam can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- If chocolate coating is too thick, add a little more coconut oil to thin it out.
- Store bites in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg