No Bake Energy Bites

By Jena Branco, Marketing Coordinator, Brand & Marketing Communications, SECL

With only a few ingredients, these no-bake energy bites are delicious, super easy to make, portable when you’re on the go, and loaded with nutrients!

So what are Energy Bites? Energy bites are sweet, no bake treats, usually made with nuts and other healthy ingredients mixed in a food processor, formed into a ball, chilled, and enjoyed. Energy bites go by a variety of names; energy balls, protein balls, bliss balls, date balls and vegan truffles, to name a few.

Energy bites are really good for you too. They are full with nutrients made with super and whole foods, high in plant protein, healthy carbs, good fats, and fiber. Basically, they are the guilt-free, energy hit and the perfect snack!

Try them soon, once you do, you’ll be making these all the time!

How to Make Energy Balls

  • In a food processor, mix all ingredients together. Pulse until it forms into a sticky dough.
  • Roll into bite-sized balls, make sure your hands are clean, or use a mini-scoop
  • Decorate the energy balls (if you want). Roll in coconut, finely chopped nuts, cocoa powder, or even drizzle melted chocolate on top.
  • Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator
  • Store in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 5 days (if it lasts that long)

Notes:

  • Remove pits from the medjool dates. Be sure your dates are pit-free before adding to the food processor.
  • Use fresh medjool dates. If possible, soft/fresh medjool dates are ideal for this recipe. However, if you only have access to dry/hard dates, no worries. Soak the dates in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain the water completely. Pat the dates dry with a paper towel and use.
  • Use shredded coconut. Make sure you are using shredded coconut, otherwise known as desiccated coconut, instead of coconut flakes.

Below I have provided a few of my favourite Energy bite recipes for you to try and enjoy.

Salted Caramel Coconut Bliss Balls

This recipe was adapted from Choosing Chia. These bliss balls are healthy, easy, and are refine sugar-free! This recipe are suitable for raw, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Despite the sweet flavour, no refine sugar is added, instead, it’s naturally sweetened with the medjool dates.

Ingredients

  • 12 Medjool dates, pits removed
  • 1 cup Almonds, raw
  • ¼ cup Shredded Coconut, unsweetened (plus extra for rolling)
  • ¼ tsp Himalayan Pink Salt or Sea Salt

Makes approximately 15 – 17 energy balls (129 kcal per ball).

Coconut Walnut Energy Balls

These coconut walnut energy balls require no baking. I like to double the recipe, as these don’t last too long around my family.

Ingredients

  • 15 Medjool dates, pits removed
  • 1½ cups Walnuts, raw
  • ½ cup Shredded Coconut, unsweetened
  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • ¼ tsp Himalayan Pink Salt or Sea Salt
  • ¼ cup Shredded Coconut, unsweetened, for rolling

Makes approximately 15 – 20 energy balls (136 kcal per ball).

Pistachio & Cranberry Energy Balls

These pistachio and cranberry energy balls are sweet, yet healthy! With only 3 ingredients, this makes for an easy paleo and vegan snack.

Ingredients

  • 14 Medjool dates, pits removed
  • 2 cups Pistachio, raw
  • ½ cup Cranberries, dried and unsweetened
  • 2 tsp of Hot Water
  • ¼ cup Finely Chopped Pistachio, raw, for rolling (optional)

Makes approximately 15 – 20 energy balls (132 kcal per ball).

Pistachio Matcha Date Balls

Enjoy the health benefits of matcha green tea in this date ball recipe. Although matcha is an acquired taste, they are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Cashews, raw
  • ¼ cup Pistachios, raw
  • 12 Medjool dates, pits removed
  • ¼ cup Shredded Coconut, unsweetened
  • 2 tsp Green Tea Matcha Powder
  • 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
  • ¼ cup Finely Chopped Pistachio, raw, for rolling (optional)

Makes approximately 15 – 20 energy balls (125 kcal per ball).

Coconut Lemon Chia Energy Balls

This gluten-free treat is sweet, refreshing, and of course, nutritious! If you are vegan, substitute the raw honey with maple syrup.

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons Lemon Juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds
  • 1½ cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
  • ½ cup Flaked Coconut, unsweetened (plus extra for rolling)
  • 4 tablespoons Raw Honey or Maple Syrup

Makes approximately 20 – 24 balls (41 kcal per ball).