Peanut Butter Energy Bites
These Peanut Butter Energy Bites are easy to make with only 5 ingredients. Packed with rolled oats, nut butter and naturally sweetened with maple syrup for the perfect healthy snack on the go! Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, refined sugar free with grain-free, paleo, low carb and keto options!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter , almond, cashew butter OR sunflower / pumpkin seed butter work as well (heated slightly until liquid-y)
- 1/4 cup coconut flower nectar syrup , can also sub with pure maple syrup, organic agave syrup, date syrup or honey (if not vegan). For low carb, you can sub with Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup or a 2-3 drops of pure liquid monk fruit.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract , optional but highly recommended for balancing the sweetness
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats , or grain-free, you can try subbing with 1 cup of these square-shaped coconut flakes and 1 cup of sliced almonds, both roughly chopped.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut , swap with ground flax seed, oat flour or protein powder instead if you are not a fan of coconut - you might have to adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt , optional but highly recommended for balancing the sweetness
- 1/3 cup mini dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped chocolate chunks* , plus more for studding, if desired. We like Lily's Sweets, Pascha's or Enjoy Life
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds or ground chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- *raisins or dried fruit cranberries instead of or half with chocolate chips
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, mix together heated nut butter, liquid sweetener and vanilla (if using) until smooth.
-
Stir in shredded coconut, oats, and salt and mix until well combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Add any optional add-ins if desired.
-
Wet hands slightly and form dough tightly into 1" - 1.5" balls. If the dough doesn't stick together add 1-2 teaspoons (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. Press additional chocolate chips evenly around the dough, if desired.
-
Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
**Form into bars instead
You can form these into cookies or granola bars by flattening the dough in an 8x8 square pan if you prefer not to roll them out.
How to store and freeze:
Store in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
To thaw: Allow to sit out for about 5-10 minutes at room temperature before serving.