These Energy Bites are quick, easy, and delicious! Full of protein and healthy fats, these are sweetened with Medjool dates and are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan! They also taste like a salted caramel and are the BEST ones you'll ever have!
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These energy bites are my all-time favorite snack to make for the kids. They are quick, easy, and delicious with a 5-minute prep - if that. And, when I tell you they taste like a salted caramel, I'm not kidding. I love these little handheld delights as much as my girls. My meat-and-potato-eating, "doesn't like healthy things" husband even loves these!
They're full of healthy fats, proteins, and good-for-you, wholesome ingredients. This makes them perfect for a quick and healthy snack for a busy body or a naturally sweetened breakfast on the go! These are phenomenal with a cup of hot coffee and great for anytime of day. You absolutely cannot go wrong!
Not only are these energy bites all of the above, but you can customize them till the cows come home. Sometimes we add chocolate chips. If I'm out of cashews, I'll use a different nut. We've rolled them in shredded coconut and even dusted them with a little cocoa powder.
ingredients
With just 6 basic ingredients, you'll have your next favorite snack in just a few minutes! Here’s everything you’ll need to make them:
- Pitted Medjool Dates - These provide the sweet and the "sticky" that holds the energy bites together
- Unsalted Cashews - Lends both a slight sweetness and texture. We love cashews the best, but use your favorite nut!
- Hemp Hearts - Nutty and mild, they're so good for you and taste amazing, too!
- Chia Seeds - Crunchy and wonderful, add these for texture and the health benefits.
- Vanilla Bean Paste - Use a good quality one. It's what drives the caramel flavor home!
- Kosher Salt - You can't have salted caramel without salt. Nuff said.
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- Food Processor
- Tablespoon Scoop
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
how to make energy bites
Making these energy bites takes about 5 minutes. I'm not kidding. If it takes you longer, than you got distracted washing your gold fish.
To begin, put all of the ingredients into a food processor. I do cut the dates a bit to help out the food processor just a bit.
Pulse the ingredients together for a couple of minutes. The mixture will not form a "dough" per say, but will almost be sandy. Don't worry!
Grab a tablespoon scoop, portion the amount for your bite into your hands and start pressing and rolling. The mixture should come together very easily and continue until you have a round-ish energy bite/ball!
That's it!
recipe frequently asked questions
Is this energy bite recipe gluten and/or dairy-free?
Both! These energy bites are even vegan! Everyone can enjoy them!
What is a chia seed?
A chia seeds are the crunchy, delicious seed of the Salvia Hispanica plant. They are also high in so many wonderful vitamins and nutrients. These little black beauties are full of omega-3s and are a great source of calcium, as well!
What is a hemp heart?
A hemp heart is the soft, inner part of a hemp seed. Mild and slighty nutty in taste, they are high in protein, full of healthy fats, and have a ton of vitamins and minerals that are so good for you. They're also high in omega-3s. They're delicious on their own, in various recipes, and even great sprinkled on salads!
Do these have to be rolled into a perfect ball?
Hahahahahahahaha! Have you guys met me? No. They taste delicious in a round ball or in the shape of a turkey leg.
energy bite storing instructions
If you don't eat all of the energy bites in one sitting, which you'll be tempted to do, you'll need to decide on your storage situation.
In the fridge, these energy bites will stay good for about a week in an airtight container. Never in the history of ever has a batch lasted that long around here.
In the freezer, they will last for up to a month (hahahahahahahahahaha) in a freezer-safe, zip top bag. We much prefer them in the freezer. Let them soften for a few minutes at room temp just before you're ready to eat them. Absolutely divine.
energy bites variations
For every energy bite recipe out there, there are 100 more variations. You really can't go wrong making these and they are so customizable. Here's a few variations for the recipe that we have tried and loved!
- Add chocolate chips. Divine.
- I'm not saying adding peanut butter chips is necessarily healthy, but I AM saying they are delicious.
- Roll the bites in shredded or toasted coconut.
- Add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal for added nutrients.
- Incorporate a scoop of your favorite protein powder. I think a chocolate or vanilla flavor would be fantastic!
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a little crunch at the end.
- If you don't have any cashews, you can substitute with your favorite nut.
tips and tricks
- Moisten your hand with water to prevent the energy bites from sticking to you during the rolling.
- If you use salted roasted cashews, cut back on the amount of kosher salt to prevent the energy bites from becoming too salty.
- When customizing these energy bites you may need to add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut or avocado oil to help replace the moisture.
other great snack ideas
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If you guys make this Energy Bites, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Energy Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 packed cup Medjool dates, pitted and rough chopped
- 1 cup roasted cashews, unsalted
- 2 tablespoon hemp hearts
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- To begin, put all of the ingredients into a food processor. I do cut the dates a bit to help out the food processor just a bit.
- Pulse the ingredients together for a couple of minutes. The mixture will not form a "dough" per say, but will almost be sandy. Don't worry!
- Grab a tablespoon scoop, portion the amount for your bite into your hands and start pressing and rolling. The mixture should come together very easily and continue until you have a round-ish energy bite/ball!
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Energy Bites recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or star rating below. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. It makes my heart so happy! And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Rufus for Real is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I may earn a commission, with no additional cost to you, if you purchase through those links.
Rufus for Real is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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