These Blueberry Chocolate Brain-Boosting Bites are the perfect little snack when you’re craving something sweet! And unlike other blueberry chocolate bites out there, these are filled with TONS of brain-healthy ingredients: antioxidant-rich blueberries, heart-healthy nuts, chia seeds, oats, and almond flour. They’re part of my Five to Thrive series, featuring five plant-based ingredients that may help support cognitive health as we age. Plus, they’re easy to make, require no baking, and are coated in rich dark chocolate!
Ingredients for Blueberry Chocolate Bites
- Dried blueberries – you need 3/4 cup. I used unsweetened. Although harder to find, I prefer to have less added sugar to my bites.
- Oat flour – I use oat flour for simplicity, but you can use old fashioned oats. Just make sure to blend in the food processor first prior to adding in other ingredients.
- Almond flour – I used Bob’s Red Mill
- Chia seeds – For some extra omega’s
- Walnuts or almonds – Extra healthy fats
- Maple syrup – Just a touch of sweetness
- Dark Chocolate – I used a dark chocolate baking bar (it was not 100% cocoa – but still dairy-free). Feel free to use whatever percentage cocoa you like.
- Optional toppings: course sea salt and/or dried or fresh blueberries
The Five to Thrive
The 5 ingredients that may decrease dementia risk.
These Blueberry Chocolate Brain-Boosting Bites are part of my Five to Thrive series, where I highlight five ingredients that may support brain health and help lower the risk of cognitive decline as we age. These delicious little bites are packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based nutrients that help nourish your brain!
Here’s what makes these five ingredients so special:
- Blueberries: Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help protect brain cells from oxidative stress. Research suggests that regularly consuming blueberries may help support memory and certain aspects of cognitive function.
- Almond Flour: Made from ground almonds, almond flour is a great source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Vitamin E is particularly important for brain health, although research hasn’t established that eating more almonds directly prevents Alzheimer’s disease.
- Walnuts or Almonds: Nuts are packed with healthy unsaturated fats, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients. Walnuts are especially rich in ALA omega-3 fatty acids, while almonds provide additional vitamin E. Research suggests that regularly eating nuts may be associated with better cognitive health as we age.
- Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are rich in plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients support overall cardiovascular health, which is closely connected to brain health.
- Oats: Oats contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that helps lower LDL cholesterol. Keeping cholesterol and cardiovascular risk factors in check is important for maintaining healthy blood vessels, including those supplying the brain.
How to Make Blueberry Chocolate Bites
Simply add all your ingredients to a food processor and blend until well-combined and no large blueberry chunks.
Roll into equal-sized balls. I was able to make about 8.
Melt some dark chocolate in a double broiler or for 20-second intervals in the microwave until smooth. Optional: add in 1 tsp of coconut oil to make it even silkier.
Dip each ball in the dark chocolate and shake off excess.
Place on a parchment-lined plate or container. Top with course sea salt and/or a dried or fresh blueberry for garnish.
Place in the fridge to harden – then enjoy!
Storage Instructions
Store in the fridge for up to 7 days in an airtight container.
Our Favorite Five to Thrive Recipes
- Blueberry Balsamic Lentil Salad
- Brain-Boosting Blueberry Smoothie
- Walnut Crusted Tofu Bowl with Tahini Drizzle
- Strawberry Basil Pasta Salad
- Creamy Golden Chickpea Orzo
- Blackberry Balsamic Orzo Salad
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Blueberry Chocolate Brain-Boosting Bites
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dried blueberries *no sugar added (if possible)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup oat flour OR old fashioned oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 heaping tbsp walnuts or almonds
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 4 oz dark chocolate* melted (dairy-free)
- Optional toppings: course sea salt, dried or fresh blueberry on top
Instructions
- In a food processor, add all your ingredients (except the dark chocolate).*NOTE: if using old fashioned oats (instead of oat flour) add this FIRST and blend until you create an oat flour (or close to that same texture).
- Blend until well-combined. Use an small ice cream scoop for roll into uniform balls. Prep a parchment-lined plate.
- Dip into melted dark chocolate gently using a fork and shake off excess. Place the balls on the parchment plate. Optional: top with a sprinkle of course salt and/or a fresh or dried blueberry.Enjoy right away or refrigerate your leftovers.
Notes
- DRIED BLUEBERRIES:
- For the healthiest option, use no added sugar dried blueberries.
- Instead of dried blueberries you could use dried cherries, cranberries, and more.
- Chocolate: I used a dark chocolate baking bar (it was around 50% cocoa, but dairy-free). Use whatever percentage cocoa you like. Dark chocolate baking bars will melt better than chocolate chips.
- I use oat flour for that finely ground texture, but you can easily make your own by simply adding the old fashioned oats FIRST to your food processor and blending until you get a flour (or as close to a flour as you are able).
