These no bake energy bites are full of wholesome, natural ingredients and are so easy to make. This recipe is portable so it’s perfect as an on-the-go, healthy snack (or as something quick and easy to keep in the fridge!)
It’s been a loooong time, hasn’t it? The holidays came and left in a frenzy of wrapping, cooking, baking, and spending time with family (in very small groups). 2020 was a doozy, that’s for sure! Then January arrived and brought Chloe’s second birthday(!) and busy times at work. I’m finally feeling like I’m back into the swing of regular (busy) life now, and am so excited to be sharing this recipe today! I made these no bake energy bites for the first time several months ago. I created them with Chloe in mind, as I felt like we were in a snack rut. She absolutely loved them, but…I did too! They turned out so well and became a new favorite of ours. I forgot about them when the holidays rolled around, though (Christmas cookies were our main snack during that time 🙂 ), but yesterday we had some free time so we made a batch together. I had almost forgotten how good they are!
NO BAKE ENERGY BITES INGREDIENTS
- Old fashioned oats: These oats (when blended into coarse out flour) give the bites great texture.
- Seed butter (or nut butter): I love using unsweetened sunflower seed butter to keep these nut free so that everyone is able to enjoy them. You can also use any natural nut butter if you prefer!
- Pure maple syrup: This gives the bars a delicious natural sweetness. You could also sub honey if you wanted a non-vegan option.
- Dried fruit: I normally use Craisins (dried cranberries) because I always have those on hand. Raisins or any other small dried fruit pieces would all be delicious also (or even chocolate chips for a treat 🙂 )
- Chia seeds: Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses, so I love to include them in any recipe I can. They’re super tiny and when mixed into a recipe like this, you don’t even taste them.
- Pure vanilla extract: Gives these bites great flavor.
HOW TO MAKE NO BAKE ENERGY BITES
- Make oat flour: Pulse oats in a blender or food processor until they become coarse oat flour.
- Warm the seed/nut butter: Warm the seed/nut butter in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or until it is slightly warmed through and liquid-y.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the seed/nut butter to a mixing bowl with the oat flour and the remainder of the ingredients; mix well.
- Scoop/roll: Use a small cookie scoop (or your hands) to form 1-inch balls.
- Chill: Place the balls on a plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Enjoy!
NOTES AND SUGGESTIONS
- Storage: These energy bites can be stored in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to two weeks, or in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to three months. If keeping in the freezer, first place the balls onto a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour or until solid. Then place into your desired air-tight container (this ensures that they don’t stick together!)
- Thawing: These are great straight out of the freezer, but if you prefer them thawed, microwave your desired number of bites for 10-20 seconds until thawed.
- Substitutions: This recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to throw in anything you’d like or make substitutions (see the ingredients section above for some ideas). Other awesome ingredients that I’ve subbed before are: ground flaxseed instead of chia seeds, raisins instead of Craisins, honey instead of maple syrup, peanut butter instead of sunflower seed butter…the possibilities are endless!
We hope you give these no bake energy bites a try! Let us know how you like them!
EASY NO BAKE ENERGY BITES
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup unsweetened sunflower seed butter (or any natural nut butter)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (can also substitute honey for a non-vegan option)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (or any small dried fruit pieces of your choice)
- 4 teaspoons chia seeds
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add your oats to a strong blender or food processor and blend until they're a coarse oat flour (there should be some larger pieces of oats mixed in with the finer powder).
- Pour the sunflower seed butter into a small bowl and microwave for 10-20 seconds until slightly warm.
- Add the warmed sunflower seed butter to the mixing bowl along with the rest of the ingredients; mix well.
- Use a small cookie scoop (or your hands) to carefully roll the mixture into 1-inch balls; place balls on a plate or cookie sheet. This recipe makes about 16 bites.
- Refrigerate the energy bites for at least a half hour – enjoy!
For other great, kid-friendly snack ideas, try our:
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? ♥️
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