These Strawberry Thumbprint Brownie Bites might just be the cutest and most wholesome treat you’ll make this Valentine’s Day (or any day you want something a little special).
They’re soft, chocolatey, and perfectly bite-sized — but even better: they’re secretly packed with fiber and plant-based protein from black beans, flax seeds, nut butter, chia seeds, and strawberries. The result is a lightly sweetened, nourishing treat that keeps tiny bellies full and happy (and parents satisfied too!)
Best of all, they come together in just 30 minutes from start to finish — no complicated steps, just blend, bake, and fill with homemade strawberry chia jam.
Ingredients for Strawberry Thumbprint Brownie Bites (makes 24 bites)
Brownie Base:
- 2 Tbsp flaxseeds + ¼ cup water (flax “eggs”)
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked)
- 3 Tbsp cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for garnish, optional)
Strawberry Chia Jam:
- 1½ cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1–2 Tbsp maple syrup (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the flax eggs: Mix flaxseeds and water in a small bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken while you prepare the rest of the brownie batter.
- Make the brownie batter: In a food processor, combine black beans, almond flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, almond butter, salt, and baking powder. Add the flax mixture. Blend until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Divide batter into a greased mini muffin tin (about 24 wells). Bake at 375°F for 12 minutes, until the tops are set. (They will be very soft when taking out of the oven, allow to cool 10 minutes in the tin at least).
- Make the jam: While brownies bake, mash strawberries with a fork, stir in chia seeds and maple syrup, and let sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Assemble: Once brownies have cooled slightly, press a small indent into each and fill with about ½ teaspoon of strawberry chia jam. Cool completely before serving. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
Note: This recipe makes about 1½ cups of jam — you’ll use about ½ cup for the thumbprints. The rest is perfect for toast, yogurt, or oatmeal!
Strawberry Thumbprint Brownie Bites (High-Fiber + Kid-Friendly)
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the flax eggs: Mix flaxseeds and water in a small bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken while you prepare the rest of the brownie batter.
- Make the brownie batter: In a food processor, combine black beans, almond flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, almond butter, salt, and baking powder. Add the flax mixture. Blend until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Divide batter into a greased mini muffin tin (about 24 wells). Bake at 375°F for 12 minutes, until the tops are set. (They will be very soft when taking out of the oven, allow to cool 10 minutes in the tin at least).
- Make the jam: While brownies bake, mash strawberries with a fork, stir in chia seeds and maple syrup, and let sit for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Assemble: Once brownies have cooled slightly, press a small indent into each and fill with about ½ teaspoon of strawberry chia jam. Cool completely before serving. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 1½ cups of jam — you’ll use about ½ cup for the thumbprints. The rest is perfect for toast, yogurt, or oatmeal!
- For a richer chocolate flavor, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- These taste even better chilled after the jam sets!
Nutrition Info (per 2 bites):
~125 calories, 7 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 14 g carbs (2 g fiber, 5 g added sugar), 4 g protein.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Thumbprint Brownie Bites
- Sweet, fudgy, and chocolatey with a fruity twist!
- Packed with fiber and plant-based protein
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Kid- and parent-approved
- Great for Valentine’s Day, lunchboxes, or snacks
FAQs
Can I use another nut butter?
Yes! Peanut butter or cashew butter both work beautifully — or use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just 1/4 cup of oil works in a pinch too!
Do I have to make the jam?
Nope — you can use store-bought jam or preserves in a pinch. But the homemade chia jam adds extra fiber and omega-3s!
Can I make these vegan?
They already are! Just choose maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Can I use cocoa powder alternatives?
Yes. Cacao powder or carob powder both work well — just adjust to your taste preference.
How should I store them?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months
More Family-Friendly Snacks You’ll Love
- Blender Blueberry Banana Oat Muffins (Vegan & Kid-Friendly)
- No-Bake Coconut Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Bites
- 5-Ingredient Banana Bread Mini Muffins (Flourless & Gluten-Free)
- Mango Chia Seed Pudding (High-Protein, Meal Prep Friendly)
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