Servings: 28 energy bites 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter (drizzly consistency)
- 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil (may sub butter – not dairy-free/vegan)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups old-fashioned oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed (or additional oats)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Pinch of fine salt
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (use dairy-free for vegan and dairy-free, such as Enjoy Life Foods)
- Optional: replace the flax meal with 1/4 cup protein powder or collagen for a boost of protein
Instructions
- If you prefer to make the energy bites with a chunkier texture, skip to Step 2. This optional step helps to achieve a smoother texture in the energy bites. Add the oats to a food processor or blender. Pulse 10–15 times or until some of the oats are broken into very small pieces and others remain relatively intact.
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, coconut flakes, ground flaxseed (or protein powder), chia seeds, and pinch of salt.
- Add the peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extra and stir with wooden spoon or with clean hands. Mix in chocolate chips.
- Roll dough into 26-28 small round bites. If the dough doesn’t come together add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until it starts sticking together. You may or may not need to add water. It will depend on the consistency of the peanut butter used.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
Recipe update (1/14/21) – the recipe directions have been update to make the recipe even easier. If you are looking for the original directions, you can find them here:
- Mix 1 Tbsp. of chia seeds with 3 Tbsp. of water and set aside to form a gel. (Recipe update – see below in notes)
- In a small saucepan over low heat combine coconut oil, peanut butter, honey (if using maple syrup – no need to heat), and vanilla. Stir until just melted then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- If you prefer to make the energy bites with a chunkier texture, skip to Step 4. This optional step helps to achieve a smoother texture in the energy bites. Add the oats to a food processor or blender. Pulse 10–15 times or until some of the oats are broken into very small pieces and others remain relatively intact.
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, flaxseed meal (or flour), coconut flakes, and remaining 1/2 Tbsp. chia seeds.
- Add cooled peanut butter mixture, (maple syrup if using), and chia gel to oat mixture and stir with wooden spoon, in a mixer or with hands (hands work best). Note: the dough needs to be mixed very well before to come together.
- Mix in chocolate chips. Make sure dough is not warm otherwise chocolate chips will melt.
- Roll dough into 26-28 small round bites. If the dough doesn’t come together add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until it starts sticking together. You may or may not need to add water. It will depend on the consistency of the peanut butter used.
- Store in covered container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 Bite (without protein)
- Calories: 125
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Carbohydrate: 11g
- (Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g)
- Protein: 4g