Sometimes unexpected things happen in my kitchen. Ok, who am I kidding... Pretty much everything in my kitchen is unexpected. I usually go in with one concept in mind and leave with a couple {more like ten...} completely different things instead. These little raw, refined sugar-free, and in-and-out wholesome bites were the result of one of those times -- mid-way through making a cake for some friends I suddenly felt like some spicy Mexican chocolate. I LOVE that stuff, but it's not available where we live and sometimes it can be months before I find it in a shop somewhere...
So I followed my spicy chocolate inspiration, hunted around the kitchen to see what I've got on hand and in my head I settled on fudge... no scratch that... truffles... nope, brownies maybe...? -- all sounded good, but I wanted to eat the things right then and there. No time for waiting around in moments like these :P . So I settled on making some energy balls -- instant dessert in bite form is always a winner, right?
But then I thought, why stick with just cocoa... Carob could be more fun instead -- with some dates it almost tastes caramel-like and chocolatey at the same time {remember this cake?}, and that's never a bad thing. I wanted to pack these with something nutritious too, like a protein to balance out the sweets craving and make these little cuties more wholesome and well-rounded. So I went with hemp seeds {they're quite mild-tasting, yet loaded with amazing nutritional specs -- protein, good fats, anti-inflammatory qualities... you know, all that good stuff -- plus they look pretty :) -- if you want to know more or explore more hemp recipes, have a look at this write-up and recipe collection from Trinity's Conscious Kitchen}.
... And then I added cinnamon and cayenne for that spice kick {and more added "good-for-you" qualities, because why not? Did you know cayenne is loaded with vitamins? Nope? Me neither... But good to know -- desserts: they teach you things! ;) }. Anyhow, the result of all this? YUM. I make a lot of dessert balls on a whim, but these were absolutely share-worthy!
I ended up with some very decadent little spicy carob hemp bites. The spice kicks in at the very end and adds a pretty deep and satisfying flavor. It's totally optional though -- if you're not a fan of spicy chocolate or just unsure about trying a spicy dessert, just omit the cayenne and they'll still taste incredible. I know it's not everyone's thing and it's ok, I'll forgive you ;) . These little balls {spicy or not} are fudgy, chewy, and rich, yet not oily or heavy in any way. To me they were just perfect.
I really tried not to eat them all in one go {so tempting!}, just so I could try them in every way shape and form... So, freshly made? Awesome. Chilled for about 15 minutes? Much more awesome -- they firmed up ever-so-slightly and set into their shape {once set, they do hold up well unrefrigerated too though}. Breakfast time? With a cup of coffee -- SO GOOD. They were a perfect decadent treat to enjoy as a quick mid-day pick-me-up, and turned out to be an amazing meal-ender. Here I got generous {well, ok, not quite, I sort of forced myself...} and shared a few balls with others -- polished off in a jiffy {naturally!}. I was sad to run out and not have more to share, so I promised to make more ASAP, and when there are delicious little bite-sized caramely chocolatey treats involved I take my promises very seriously! ;)
Decadent Raw Spicy Carob Hemp Bites
A fudgy, chewy dessert ball with a deep spice that kicks in at the end. Vegan and gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: approx. 8 balls
- Category: Bars
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup hemp hearts
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates
- 2 tbsp carob powder {I used toasted, but raw would be fine too}
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp cayenne
Coating Ingredients:
- approx. 3 more tablespoon hemp seeds for rolling or extra carob powder.
- more hemp hearts / carob for rolling — makes 8 balls
Instructions
- Place all ball ingredients in a food processor and process until an almost smooth uniform mixture forms {it will begin to ball up at that point}.
- Scoop out small amounts and shape into balls {I got 8}. Spread the coating hemp seeds or carob for rolling on a place. Roll each ball to coat. Place in the fridge for approximately 15-20 minutes to firm up a little or enjoy straight away {I preferred mine chilled}. Store leftovers in the fridge.
Lesei says
Hey there! I'm really into this recipie! I have all the ingredients I need at home, waiting for me to make this delicious looking treat with them! Only thing.. I don't have a food processor it broke... Is there any way to make this without one? I would like to make this for a Saturday breakfast along side some chai tea. Thanks very much!
Alison @Food by Mars says
You are speaking my language with these!! Although I might have to wuss out and use less cayenne because my taste buds can't handle too much spice, but everything looks divine... and hemp seeds!! YES.
Audrey says
Hehe. Well, they're not *that* spicy, but I know what you mean. I shared some with a friend who's idea of spicy is a dash of black pepper on a baked potato -- and she loved them, so I'm pretty sure you'd be alright ;)
Melissa @ vegan does it says
I've been on a real hemp seed kick lately so these are just perfect. And that bite shot is just delicious!
Audrey says
Aw, thank you! ♥ Hemp seeds are the best for recipes like this. They add so much nutrition and an amazing texture without overwhelming the flavors.
Steph @ Steph in Thyme says
Gorgeous and glorious! I am so intrigued by Carob - love spicy and sweet together!
Audrey says
Thanks Steph ♥ I absolutely love spiced chocolate.
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
I don't think I realized quite how beautiful hemp hearts are until now! Between your lovely photo skills and knowing that there is chocolate underneath there they look stunning :) That inside shot is decadence at it's best <3
Audrey says
Aren't they the prettiest? :) So tiny and delicate ♥
The Vegan 8 says
Oh Audrey I just bought carob powder last month from Mountain Rose herbs and LOVE the taste...I'm so excited to experiment with it! It tastes absolutely nothing like cocoa powder, but more like caramel or lucuma to me. I love it's natural sweetness. Anyways, these bites are absolutely adorable and beautiful and fudgy! I love that they are rolled into hemp seeds, which by the way, I have never tried hemp seeds...or hemp for that matter! I'm seeing so much hemp lately, I need to get on that hemp train quick!
I love these Mexican Chocolate inspired balls....I'm thinking of dropping a few of these balls into my Mexican Chocolate pudding...what do you think?! LOL. Gorgeous recipe my friend!
Audrey says
Brandi -- I love carob so much. I agree, it's not very chocolatey, though it can be made to taste chocolatey if paired with the right ingredients, but it's very delicious and I love its sweetness as well. Can't wait to see your carob-y hemp-y creations :) And yes, they'd be amazing with your pudding haha ♥
Mandy says
Wow! These look beautiful and decadent! The photo that shows the inside of the bite left me drooling! I love the addition of cinnamon and cayenne - both pair so well with chocolate. I'm adding carob to next week's grocery list so I can make these! ❤️?
Audrey says
Yay, how awesome. Enjoy them, Mandy! ♥ And thank you for the kind words :)
Evi @ greenevi says
What a great recipe! I love that you added cayenne, it must give such a great kick to these balls.
Also beautiful pictures, pinned!
★★★★★
Audrey says
Thanks Evi. Yes, it does give them a great kick. I love chocolate + spice so much.
Nóri | ingeniouscooking.com says
Incredible! With that ingredients list this stuff is so good for you, we NEED it for our health! :)
Audrey says
Haha, Nóri. I agree :D
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That bite shot ;) O man...makes you swoon! These are totally perfectly decadent and full of chocolate love! Just how I like it ;)
I've been obsessed with making my own chewy perfect bites and love playing with the endless combos you can make! (Just like granola!)
Audrey says
Yeah, I know. The amount of bites going on around here lately is unreal. Most of the time it's all just good fun, but these were extra good! And yes, the possibilities are endless, just like granola :) {...and cheesecake, and ice cream, ...}