Cocoa-Pepita Almond Freezer Bites

• 30 g raw pepitas — Raw pepitas
• 25 g unsweetened almond butter — Unsweetened unsalted almond butter
• 5 g unsweetened shredded coconut — Unsweetened shredded coconut
• 5 g unsweetened cocoa powder — Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 g vanilla extract (about 1/4 tsp) — Pure vanilla extract
• 0.2 g fine salt (a small pinch) — Fine salt

Method

1. 1Toast the pumpkin seedsToast all 30 g pepitas in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3 minutes, stirring often. Move them immediately onto a cool plate.3 minLook for: The seeds smell nutty and show pale golden patches without dark scorching.Safety: Remove the seeds promptly if they begin to smoke.
2. 2Cool and grind the pepitasLeave the toasted pepitas to cool for 10 minutes. Pulse them in a small blender for 30 seconds until finely ground, stopping before a fully smooth seed butter forms.10 min 30 secLook for: The ground seeds are fine and slightly oily, with only tiny pieces visible.Safety: Stop and unplug the blender before scraping near the blade.
3. 3Mix the cocoa-almond doughStir the ground pepitas with all 25 g almond butter, 5 g coconut, 5 g cocoa, 1 g vanilla, and 0.2 g salt. Press and fold with a spoon for 2 minutes until evenly combined.2 minLook for: The dark dough holds together when pressed and has no dry cocoa pockets.Safety: Use plain unsweetened almond butter and coconut; mix settled almond butter thoroughly before weighing.
4. 4Form four small bitesDivide the dough into four equal portions, about 16 g each. Squeeze each portion firmly, then roll into a small ball and place on a parchment-lined freezer-safe plate.3 minLook for: Four compact cocoa bites hold their shape without loose crumbs around their bases.Safety: Wash and dry hands before shaping; press rather than adding unmeasured liquid if the dough seems crumbly.
5. 5Freeze until firmFreeze the four bites uncovered for 35 minutes, then transfer to a covered container if storing them longer.35 minLook for: The bites feel firm when lifted but are not coated in ice.Safety: Use a clean freezer-safe plate and keep uncovered food separate from raw meat or fish.
6. 6Temper briefly and serveLet the four frozen bites stand for 3 minutes before eating. Serve all four as one snack; return any unused bites to the freezer promptly.3 minLook for: The outside yields gently to a bite while the center remains pleasantly firm.Safety: The bites soften as almond butter warms; do not leave them out for extended storage.