Fuel your day with these Banana Energy Bites – a nutritious snack for on the go with a mix of almond butter, maple syrup, banana, and more. Satisfy cravings with these wholesome bites!
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Updated February 2024
Banana Energy Bites Recipe: A Delicious and Nutrient-Packed Snack
Are you on the lookout for a healthy and energizing snack that’s not only easy to make but also satisfies your sweet cravings? These Banana Energy Bites are the perfect solution. Packed with wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness, these banana energy balls are a delightful treat for any time of the day.
Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and a nutritional powerhouse, these banana protein bites are the perfect snack pre or post workout or any time. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and natural sugars, they provide a sustainable energy boost without compromising on taste. Plus, they are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, vegan and can easily be made grain-free or nut-free if you have any allergies or dietary concerns. Whip up a batch and enjoy a guilt-free treat that fuels your body with goodness.
Why You Should Make These Energy Bites: A Nutrient-Packed Delight
- Sustainable Energy Boost: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and natural sugars, these bites provide a sustained energy release without the typical sugar crash.
- Customizable to Your Preferences: With various ingredient options, these bites cater to individual taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Almond butter, banana, oats, and nuts contribute essential nutrients, making these bites a wholesome snack choice.
Find more of our favorite energy bites we make over and over:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Creamy Almond Butter: A versatile and nutritious base that adds a creamy texture. Opt for your favorite nut or seed butter for a personalized touch.
- Maple Syrup (or your preferred sweetener): Provides a natural sweetness that complements the other ingredients. Choose from vegan honey, agave, or any liquid sweetener that suits your taste.
- Extremely Ripe Mashed Banana: Brings a natural sweetness and a hint of banana flavor. Easily replaceable with unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree for a unique twist.
- Protein Powder: We like NuZest Just Clean or Sprout Living Pea Protein but you can use your favorite. We have not tested this with a Whey protein powder since we wanted to keep this recipe vegan but feel free to do so if it fits with your dietary preference.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a touch of warmth and sweetness.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of salt elevates the flavors and balances the sweetness in the bites.
- Gluten-Free Rolled Oats (or alternative): Adds a hearty texture and serves as the main binder. For a grain-free option, consider coconut flakes and sliced almonds.
- Chopped Cashews (or your preferred nut or seed): Introduces a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bites.
Instructions: How to make Banana Energy Bites
Creating these delectable Banana Oat Energy Bites is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to enjoy a burst of flavor and energy in every bite:
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients, ensuring everything is at room temperature for easy mixing. If needed, slightly heat the almond butter for smoother blending.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the slightly heated almond butter, maple syrup (or your chosen sweetener), and the mashed banana. Stir the mixture until it achieves a smooth and consistent texture.
- Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add in the vanilla extract, sea salt, gluten-free rolled oats (or alternative), and chopped cashews (or your chosen nut or seed). Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The oats and nuts should be evenly distributed.
- Shape the Dough: To form the energy bites, wet your hands slightly. Take portions of the dough and tightly shape them into 1″ – 1.5″ balls. If the dough is too crumbly, add water or melted coconut oil (half a tablespoon at a time) until it holds together. Alternatively, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping for easier handling.
- Store for Later Enjoyment: Place the formed banana oatmeal energy bites in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for immediate consumption. If planning for the future, these bites freeze well, offering a convenient make-ahead option.
- Serve and Enjoy: Whether you’re snacking solo, adding them to yogurt, or boosting your morning oatmeal, these energy bites are ready to be enjoyed. Revel in the nutrient-packed goodness and the delightful blend of flavors.
Tips for Success: Mastering the Art of Healthy Banana Energy Bites
- Perfect Texture with Heated Nut Butter: Ensure your nut butter is slightly warmed for easy mixing and a consistently smooth texture.
- Customize Sweetness to Your Liking: Tailor the level of sweetness by adjusting the quantity of maple syrup or your chosen sweetener.
- Mess-Free Shaping with Wet Hands: Wet your hands slightly when forming the dough into balls to prevent sticking and ensure uniform shapes.
- Chill for Easy Handling: If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before shaping for easier handling.
Variations: Tailor Your Bites to Your Taste
Feel free to experiment with different nut or seed butters, swap the sweetener, or try alternative nuts to suit your preferences. The possibilities are endless!
- Nutty Bliss: Experiment with different nut or seed butters like cashew, peanut, or sunflower seed butter for a unique twist.
- Sweet Alternatives: Swap out the maple syrup for vegan honey, agave, or even explore sugar-free options like Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup or allulose.
- Fruit Fusion: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a burst of sweetness and added vitamins.
Serving Suggestions: Enhance Your Snacking Experience
- Yogurt Parfait Power-Up: Pair these energy bites with your favorite yogurt for a satisfying and nutritious parfait.
- Oatmeal Booster: Top your morning oatmeal with these bites to add a delightful crunch and natural sweetness.
- Solo Snacking: Enjoy them on their own as a quick and guilt-free pick-me-up during a hectic day.
Storage, Make-Ahead, and Freezer Info: Snack Anytime, Anywhere
Store your Banana Energy Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a quick and convenient snack. Alternatively, freeze them for a longer shelf life. They make for a perfect grab-and-go option for busy days.
- Airtight Container in the Refrigerator: Store your banana protein balls in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for easy access to a quick and wholesome snack.
- Freezer-Friendly Goodness: These bites freeze well, making them perfect for batch preparation. Pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months, then grab a few whenever you need a nutritious snack on the go.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Spend a little time on meal prep by making a larger batch and having a stash ready for the week ahead.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Can I use regular rolled oats instead of gluten-free ones? A: Absolutely! Adjust based on your dietary preferences; regular rolled oats work just as well.
Q: Can I make these nut-free for allergy concerns? A: Certainly! Substitute the nut butter and chopped nuts with seed butter and seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Q: How long do these banana energy balls stay fresh in the freezer? A: When stored properly, these bites can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Ensure they are in an airtight container to maintain their quality.
More easy snack recipes you will love:
No Bake Banana Breakfast Cookies
Fuel your day with these Banana Energy Bites - a nutritious snack for on the go with a mix of almond butter, maple syrup, banana, and more. Satisfy cravings with these wholesome bites!
- 1/3 cup creamy almond butter , slightly heated for easier mixing. You can also use another nut butter (cashew, peanut, hazelnut etc.) or seed butter (sunflower , pumpkin etc.) of your choice.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup , you can also use vegan (or regular) honey, agave or any other liquid sweetener of your choice (Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup, allulose etc.)
- 1/4 cup extremely ripe mashed banana , if you're allergic to bananas or not a banana fan, you can also sub with unsweetened applesauce or even pumpkin puree but you may need to adjust the sweetener amount
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats (if you need a grain-free option, sub with 1 cup roughly chopped coconut flakes and 1 cup roughly chopped sliced almonds, you want to roughly chop them until they resemble the size of oat flake)
- 2 tbsp plant-based protein powder , we like NuZest Just Clean or Sprout Living Pea Protein but you can use your favorite. We have not tested this with a Whey protein powder since we wanted to keep this recipe vegan but feel free to do so if it fits with your dietary preference.
- 1/4 cup chopped cashews , you can also sub with another nut or seed of your choice
- In a large bowl, mix together heated nut butter, maple syrup (or honey if not vegan) and banana until smooth.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined.
- Wet hands slightly and form dough tightly into 1" - 1.5" balls. If dough doesn't stick together add 1/2 tablespoon water (or melted coconut oil) at a time until dough comes together or place dough in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to forming dough balls so it's easier to handle.
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
How to store:
Airtight Container in the Refrigerator: Store your Banana Energy Bites in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for easy access to a quick and wholesome snack.
Freezer-Friendly Goodness: These bites freeze well, making them perfect for batch preparation. Pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months, then grab a few whenever you need a nutritious snack on the go.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Spend a little time on meal prep by making a larger batch and having a stash ready for the week ahead.
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