In the last year I’ve grown tired of packaged energy and cereal bars. Even the ones that have a short ingredient list of “real food” ingredients. So when a friend pinned this recipe on Pinterest, my interest was piqued.
Usually I make a batch on the weekends and then keep them in the fridge. They are sweet with honey but have never given me a sugar crash as they are filled with protein and fiber. I also like to experiment with various superfoods, like chia seeds and cocoa nibs, in addition to the chocolate chips and dried cranberries or cherries. I use local honey when I can. As an added bonus for the milkers out there, the rolled oats are also a great galactagogue.
My husband munches on them, too, but I eat most of them. I grab three or so to eat in the car on the way to work in the morning with my coffee. They are substantial enough that I have plenty of energy to work out, too, before a full morning of work. I also find them very helpful to have on hand when I am home with baby and find myself all of a sudden starving. I can better focus on preparing food for her if I pop one in my mouth. Instant nourishment! :)
Raw Energy Bites Recipe
Recipe from gimmesomeoven
- 1 cup rolled oats or old-fashioned oats
- ⅔ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup peanut butter, almond butter and/or sunflower seed better
- ½ cup ground flaxseed
- ½ cup total of add-ins (dried cranberries, cocoa nibs, chocolate chips, chia seeds)
- ⅓ cup honey, preferably local
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. This will make it easier to work with.
- Once chilled, roll into two-bite sized balls or whatever size you would like. If it still isn't "sticking" together, add a little more honey or peanut butter. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Notes:
I don’t usually measure ingredients too closely, especially sticky messy nut butters and honey, but I highly recommend doing so for this recipe. The proportions definitely need to be right in order for the batter to stick together. The previous poster has some great ideas for substitutions, but recommends keeping the honey as it is the “glue.”
Captain Obvious points out that these are NOT a good snack for babies under one year!
