Delicious and easy to put together, these are the perfect afternoon energy boost or post-workout snack.
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These energy bites are a fantastic item to have on hand for busy, active people. They’re super simple to make and keep for a week, so you can easily grab one on the go… oh, and they’re delicious, too! I mean peanut butter and chocolate? Arguably one of the greatest food pairings out there!
These bites are loaded with healthy fats, protein, fiber, and just enough sugars to give you the energy burst you need. At around 200 calories per serving, they’re a great way to keep you energized and going strong after a work-out or as a mid- afternoon pick-me-up. They’re also fantastic as an after school snack to tide the kids over while you get ready to make dinner.
Are No Bake Energy Bites Healthy?
Let’s face it, energy balls are designed to give you energy, so they’re not going to be low calorie items, but that doesn’t mean they’re unhealthy. Here we’re using just seven simple ingredients with nothing artificial or unpronounceable, so you’re going to get a tasty and healthy energy bite that’s likely to be better for you than a packaged factory-made one. You can make these even more healthy by using top quality dark chocolate chips and natural peanut butter, though you might want to add a pinch of salt. We like to use Himalayan Pink Salt or Celtic Sea Salt, as they’re both loaded with trace minerals that you won’t find in regular table salt. These bites are also naturally gluten-free, but please be careful choosing your oats if you have a gluten allergy; some oats are processed in facilities that also process wheat, and cross-contamination can occur. This won’t be an issue for everyone, but if your allergy is severe read the label carefully.
On Peanut Butter
Almost everyone loves peanut butter, and it has so many uses in the kitchen beyond spreading on a piece of toast. All peanut butters are not created equal, though. Most popular brands are made of up to eight ingredients including a variety of sugars, hydrogenated fats and salt. By law, peanut butter has to be 90% peanuts, but there can be some pretty unhealthy ingredients in the remaining 10%. Natural peanut butters are available made with 100% peanuts, and are a healthier choice. The natural fats in the peanuts do have a tendency to separate out, though, and you’ll have to give your natural peanut butter a good stir before using it. Is it worth it? We think so.
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup Peanut Butter
- 10 Medjool Dates
- 1 cup Rolled Oats
- ½ cup Desiccated Coconut
- ¼ cup ground Flax Seeds
- ¼ cup Hemp Seeds
- ½ cup Chocolate chips
INSTRUCTIONS
Blend
Blend all the ingredients excluding the chocolate chips until near-smooth.
Pulse
Pulse once with the chocolate chips in the mix.
Form
Scoop dough to form 12 to 15 balls. DEVOUR!
FAQs & Tips
This recipe makes about a dozen balls, but we sometimes double it because these bites store really well and tend to go fast! They stay fresh in the fridge for a week in an air-tight container, and can be frozen for three months.
If your dough gets sticky, it can be hard to form the balls properly. Simply pop the batter into the fridge for about 30 minutes to let it firm up.
You can use any chocolate chips you like, including vegan ones. If you’re a big chocolate fan, try using a top-quality dark chocolate bar, either broken into little pieces or grated. Or both!
Absolutely! Any nut butter works great in this recipe. Try adding a few crushed nuts to the bites for extra flavor and crunch.
Yes you can. The dates you find in the baking aisle are usually smaller and harder than Medjool dates, so you’ll need a few more dates, around 20 should do it. They can also be drier and tougher, so soak them in hot water for 5 minutes before using.
Serving Suggestions
These bites are well-balanced and self-contained little flavor and energy bombs. They’re great with your afternoon coffee.
No Bake Energy Bites
Ingredients
- ½ cup Peanut Butter
- 10 Medjool Dates
- 1 cup Rolled Oats
- ½ cup Desiccated Coconut
- ¼ cup ground Flax Seeds
- ¼ cup Hemp Seeds
- ½ cup Chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Add all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips into the food processor and blend until they are almost smooth.
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Pop the chocolate chips into the food processor too and give them a quick pulse to mix them through but not totally blend until they are smooth.
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Scoop off about 2 tablespoons of dough and then roll it into a ball. Repeat the process until you have used up all the dough and have about 12 – 15 balls.
Nutrition
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