Name: Simple Energy Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 6 fresh medjool dates (pitted*); ½ cup walnuts; ½ cup organic rolled oats; ½ cup coarsely ground flax seeds; 3 oz. dark chocolate* (coarsely chopped. (approximately 1/2 cup)); ¼ cup unsweetened and unsulfured dried cherries*; ½ cup smooth nut or seed butter (I used sunflower seed butter**); ¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt

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These Simple Energy Bites are easy to make, loaded with plant-based protein, fiber and healthy fats. I love to keep these in my freezer for a great pick-me-up anytime I need a quick snack!

Energy bites, rolled into balls with dried cherries, chocolate chunks and a dark brown mixture.

Hectic times call for taking the time to properly nourish. Simple energy bites can be made in less than 10 minutes and will provide the energy you need without the crash that comes from indulging in sugary processed food.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Nut butter: Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower butter are all good choices. I have also made these with tahini with good results. The key is to thoroughly mix the jar when you first open it so there is a consistent, runny consistency.
Medjool dates: Dates with the pits still in are fresher and more moist It’s easy to remove the pits just before using.
Nuts: I used walnuts, but you could use anything you have like cashews, almonds, pecans or even pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or hemp seeds.
Flax seeds: These help bind the energy balls together and also provide a good amount of fiber and omega 3 fatty acids.
Oats: old fashioned rolled oats are best for this recipe. Look for a brand that is certified organic as they can be a heavily sprayed crop.
Dried fruit: I used dried cherries, use any dried fruit you prefer, but be sure it has no added sugar or sulfites.
Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chunks, or chop up your favorite dark chocolate bar into large pieces.

How to make them

It’s so simple to make these delicious energy balls. All you need is a food processor.

Collage of photos making energy balls in a food processor.

Place pitted dates, nuts, oats and flax into the bowl of a food processor.
Pulse until a crumbly, uniform texture emerges.
Then add in the dried cherries, nut butter and chocolate chunks.
Pulse a few times, until the nut better is well incorporated and batter will hold together when pinched between two fingers and both the dried fruit and chocolate are still in little pieces.

Use a small scoop or 2 soup spoons to scoop out 2 tablespoons mixture and roll it into a 1-inch ball. Place them onto parchment paper and then transfer to the fridge or freezer.

Once they are set, transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for 2 weeks or the freezer for 3 months.

When to serve Simple Energy Bites

Do you need a last minute gift? Homemade gifts are the best and so appreciated. Pop a few of these in a jar, tie a ribbon around and start gifting.
Running out the door with no time to make a healthy breakfast, grab a few.
That long car ride to visit relatives for the holidays.
Lack of stamina to power through the afternoon and make it until dinnertime.
Your energy waning and your session at the gym is coming up.
You left it all on the mat at the gym and now need a post work-out pick me up.
That 3-7pm crunch filled with after school activities and no time to run home for a healthy snack….pack a few for everyone.

Rolled balls of oats, nuts, seeds and dates.

Simple Energy Bites are:

Anti-inflammatory
Good for weight control.
A great source of Omega 3s, antioxidants and healthy fats.
Good for your gut.
Full of soluble fiber which helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
An awesome source of plant based protein.
A wonderful addition to a diet focused on healthy aging.
Loaded with antioxidants which help in disease prevention.

Oats, dates, chocolate and cherries mixed and rolled into balls. — Loaded with protein and fiber….a winning combo.

Since simple energy bites are no bake and are made with pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these ON DEMAND. This is a huge bonus during a busy season. If you’re looking for nourishing dinner inspo, try no beef stew or cauliflower lentil soup. Quick. Simple. Satisfying.

Did you know commenting and rating recipes is one of the best ways to support your favorite food bloggers? If you made this recipe, please consider a five star rating below and leave a comment. Also, please share your photos on instagram by tagging me @dkhealthcoach and using the hashtag #debraklein

📖 Recipe

Simple Energy Bites

Author: Debra Klein

Energy Balls are easy to make, incredibly delicious and loaded with plant based protein, fiber and healthy fats. A delicious snack for a pick-me-up any time of day.

5 from 13 votes

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Breakfast & Brunch, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 89 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 6 fresh medjool dates pitted*
▢ ½ cup walnuts
▢ ½ cup organic rolled oats
▢ ½ cup coarsely ground flax seeds
▢ 3 oz. dark chocolate* coarsely chopped. (approximately ½ cup)
▢ ¼ cup unsweetened and unsulfured dried cherries*
▢ ½ cup smooth nut or seed butter I used sunflower seed butter**
▢ ¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt

Instructions

Place dates, nuts, oats and flax in bowl of food processor. Process until crumbly.
Add in remaining ingredients and blend until well mixed.
Form into 1-inch balls.
Makes 30 1-inch energy bites, unless you tend to taste the batter while scooping, then it may make about 2 dozen.

Notes

DATES: I like to buy them with the pits still in because they tend to be moister. If your dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 15 minutes to plump them up, then drain and proceed with recipe as written.

NUT BUTTER: Look for a brand that has only the nut or seed of choice…with no added sweetener or processed oil. Make sure you THOROUGHLY stir the jar before using. Otherwise your energy bites may be too sticky or too dry because of inconsistency in texture.

DARK CHOCOLATE: I used 70%

DRIED FRUIT: Use YOUR Favorite kind. Make sure it is without sulfer or sweetener.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 89kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 29mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8g

Note

The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag me @dkhealthcoach or use hashtag #dkhealtcoach on Instagram so I can see it!!

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