Delicious no-bake energy bites filled with peanut butter, coconut, oats, and sweetened with Medjool dates. An easy and healthy snack recipe for anytime. A gluten-free and vegan energy ball recipe.
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Looking for more energy bites recipes? Try my Master Mix, Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites and these Dirty Chai Energy Balls.
What are Energy Bites?
Energy bites are little balls made of simple ingredients, usually filled with a nut butter, or nuts, and often sweetened with honey (or Medjool dates). They often will include extra healthy fats from seeds and may or may not contain oats.
The great thing about energy bites (or energy balls) is that there are so many ways to make them with ingredients you have on hand. And they’re a pretty healthy snack!
In this energy bite recipe, we’re combining peanut butter with nuts, oats, coconut and Medjool dates for a fruit-sweetened energy ball that is filled with the perfect coconut-peanut butter flavor.
Ingredients List
The ingredients needed for these peanut butter energy bites is simple. You can also make some changes based on the ingredients you have on hand, or flavor preferences.
- Medjool dates – You can buy fresh Medjool dates in the produce aisle, look for them near an end cap or with the nuts and dried fruit options, usually. You can buy pitted or whole dates, just make sure to pit them before adding into the recipe.
- mixed nuts – I used walnuts and pecans, as they were what I hand on hand. Cashews, almonds, or a mix of those would work too. You want ¾ cup total.
- all natural creamy peanut butter – I always opt for an all-natural, nothing added peanut butter. Look for a jar with just peanuts listed as the ingredients (no extra oils or sugar added).
- rolled oats – Use rolled oats here if possible, as you might dry out the mixture if trying to sub in quick oats. Use certified gluten-free oats as needed to keep this recipe dietary friendly.
- flaked unsweetened coconut – make sure to use unsweetened coconut. You can also use shredded if it’s what you have on hand.
- flaxseed meal – I added in flaxseed meal for some additional healthy fats. You could also sub with chia seeds or hemp hearts.
- vanilla extract – for a little flavor boost.
- fine sea salt – to balance the sweetness from the Medjool dates. If your peanut butter is already salted, feel free to omit.
- water – water is typically needed in date and nut energy ball recipes to help add some moisture to the mixture and help the bites hold together better. Add in one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the mixture is sticky. I used 3 tablespoons of water.
Find the full detailed instructions with measurements in the recipe card below, at the end of this post.
Recommended Tools
For this recipe, since we’re using Medjool dates and nuts, you’re going to want a heavy-duty food processor to help break everything down. A food processor is best because of the long blades and wide bowl base.
I swear by this one!
Other tools that help make this recipe a breeze are:
How to Make Energy Bites in a Food Processor
Using a food processor makes this energy bite recipe so simple! You’ll add the ingredients in a couple of steps and then watch the blades do their magic until the perfect sticky texture is formed.
Break down nuts and Medjool Dates
First break down the nuts, coconut and Medjool dates into small pieces.
Add remaining ingredients
Then add the remaining ingredients and process until the sticky mixture forms.
NOTE: You may need to scrap down the sides of the blender every once in a while to help move things along. And if your dates were on the drier side, you’ll want to add a few tablespoons of water to help the mixture fully come together.
Process until Sticky
When the mixture becomes sticky and you can easily press together with your fingers and it holds, the energy bite dough is ready to be rolled into balls.
Scoop & Roll
I like to use a medium cookie scoop for easier, uniform scooping. You can also easily use a rounded tablespoon.
Feel free to make the ball size of your choice – a medium cookie scoop equals about 1.5 tablespoons, for reference.
Tips for Storing
I like to place the energy bites on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer, pop in the freezer for 20 minutes and then store in a container.
Once the energy bites are chilled, you can store them stacked on top of each other.
Recipe FAQ’s
How long do energy bites last?
You can store these coconut peanut butter energy bites in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, and stored in the freezer in an airtight container up to 3 months.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes – I used a mix of pecans and walnuts but feel free to choose your favorite.
Can I sub the peanut butter for something else?
You can substitute the peanut butter the the nut butter (or seed butter) of your choice. Just make sure it’s a similar consistency to peanut butter (i.e. coconut butter is not a good sub here).
What if my Medjool dates are really dry?
If your Medjool date are dry, soak them in warm water for five minutes, then slice with a sharp knife to remove the pits. When you add them to the food processor bowl and your mixture still feels dry, pulse in 2-4 tablespoons of water, one at a time until the mixture holds together well.
PS. Medjool dates are actually fresh fruit! You can find them in the produce aisle. Don’t buy u0022dried dates.u0022
What if I over-mixed the dough?
If your mixture becomes so sticky that it won’t release from your scoop (or hands) you’re going to want to stir in some quick oats, or a few tablespoons of coconut flour to absorb the extra moisture. That is why it’s best to only pulse in water 1 tablespoon at a time, and not over-process the mixture.
More Energy Bite Recipes You’ll Love
Let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a comment and rating below! It helps others learn more about the recipe too! Xx Ashley
Coconut Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed Medjool dates, pitted (about 12)
- ¾ cup mixed nuts, I used walnuts and pecans
- ½ cup all natural creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup flaked unsweetened coconut
- ¼ cup flaxseed meal
- 2-3 tablespoons water, as needed
Instructions
- Make mixture: In bowl of large food processor add pitted dates, nuts and coconut. Process until nuts have broken down into small pieces and mixture is sticky. Add in oats, peanut butter and flax seed meal; process until mixture comes together, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time towards the end. The mixture may feel somewhat crumbly, but should be moist and hold together once formed into balls. Add a little bit of water and continue to process if needed.
- Roll: Using a rounded tablespoon or medium cookie scoop, shape mixture into balls and place on parchment lined baking sheet. You should get about 20 or so energy balls.
- Chill: Place baking sheet in freezer for 20 minutes before transferring to container of your choice.
- Store in airtight container in fridge up to two weeks, or label and freeze up to three months.
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