Ingredients
- Almond Butter: Creamy or crunchy, provides healthy fats, protein, and a rich nutty flavor. Choose a natural almond butter with minimal added sugar and salt for the healthiest option.
- Rolled Oats: The base of our energy bites, offering fiber for sustained energy release and a chewy texture. Use rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) rather than instant oats for better texture and nutritional value.
- Honey (or Maple Syrup): A natural sweetener to bind the ingredients and add a touch of sweetness. Honey offers antioxidants, while maple syrup is a vegan alternative with a distinct flavor.
- Chia Seeds: Tiny but mighty, chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, adding a nutritional boost and a slight crunch. They also help to bind the bites together.
- Flax Seeds (Ground): Another powerhouse of omega-3s and fiber, ground flax seeds enhance the nutritional profile and contribute to the binding of the energy bites. Ground flax seeds are easier to digest and their nutrients are more readily absorbed.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the energy bites. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Optional Add-ins: Customize your energy bites with ingredients like mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or protein powder for added flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits.
Instructions
Making these Quick Almond Butter Energy Bites is so simple, it barely qualifies as cooking! Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a batch ready in minutes:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Mixing Bowl
First things first, gather all your ingredients. Having everything measured and ready to go will make the process even faster. Grab a large mixing bowl – any bowl will do, but a medium to large size will give you enough room to mix comfortably without ingredients spilling over.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In your mixing bowl, add the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. If your almond butter is particularly thick, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to soften it slightly, making it easier to mix. Don’t overheat it though, you just want it a little more pliable.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, and ground flax seeds to the bowl with the wet ingredients. If you are using any optional add-ins like mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts, you can add them at this stage as well.
Step 4: Mix Thoroughly
This is where you get your hands (or a spoon!) involved. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Initially, it might seem like the mixture is a bit dry, but keep mixing. The almond butter and honey will start to coat the dry ingredients, and the mixture will come together. You should aim for a slightly sticky, dough-like consistency. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, you can add a tiny bit more almond butter (a teaspoon at a time) or a very small splash of milk (dairy or non-dairy) to help bind it. If it’s too wet, add a little more rolled oats.
Step 5: Roll into Bites
Once the mixture is well combined, it’s time to roll them into bite-sized balls. Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Don’t worry about making them perfectly round; rustic-looking energy bites are just as delicious! If you want uniform sizes, you can use a small cookie scoop.
Step 6: Optional: Roll in Toppings (For Extra Flair!)
This step is completely optional but adds a nice touch and extra flavor or texture. You can roll the energy bites in extra toppings like:
- Shredded Coconut: For a tropical flavor and a slightly chewy coating.
- Chopped Nuts: Like almonds, peanuts, or pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: For a chocolatey dusting.
- Sesame Seeds: For a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- Extra Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds: For a boost of nutrition and visual interest.
Simply place your chosen topping in a shallow bowl and roll the energy bites in it until they are coated.
Step 7: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
While you can eat the energy bites immediately, chilling them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes is recommended. Chilling firms them up, making them less sticky and easier to handle. Plus, they taste even better cold! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Your Quick Almond Butter Energy Bites are ready to be devoured! Grab one (or two!) whenever you need a healthy and delicious energy boost. They are perfect for snacks, pre- or post-workout fuel, or even a healthier dessert alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g