Aren’t we all looking for a great snack that’s healthy, tastes good and is not a lot of hassle to pull together? For me, these two recipes fit the bill! I love energy bites. They are easily made in advance of a busy week, travel easily and have a nice blend of fats, carbs and proteins to satisfy your cravings. Here are two recipes for energy bites that you can add into your rotation.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Energy Bites
This recipe satisfies that craving for something sweet and gives a nice little boost of energy in that afternoon energy slump.
Yields – 12-16 1 inch balls
- 1 cup whole grain rolled oats
- ⅔ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate)
- ⅓ cup honey
- Pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Optional – 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to make mixture easier to handle. Form into 1 inch balls. Store in refrigerator.
Sweet Potato and Oat Energy Bites
This version is a great option for those who have a nut allergy or want to sneak in a few vegetables. The sweet potato adds some sweetness and a nice punch of vitamins and minerals.
Yields – 12-16 1 inch balls
- 1 cup whole grain rolled oats
- ⅔ cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
- 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
- ⅓ cup honey
- Pinch salt
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup dried cherries or dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans
Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to make mixture easier to handle. Form into 1 inch balls. Store in refrigerator.
If you find your mixture isn’t forming together well, add some more honey or nut butter (or sweet potato to the mixture). It should be moist and hold together fairly well before placing it in the refrigerator.
