Recipe Time: Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites

These energy bites are a homemade, tastier alternative to energy bars from the grocery store (many of which are packed with sugar and artificial ingredients). They’re great a great pre-workout snack and pack easily for a hike. Or grab a few for breakfast, paired with a steaming cup of Joe or my frothy Matcha Latte.

The recipe below is adapted from several others. Once you’ve made them a few times, play with other ingredients you like.

Photo: twopeasandtheirpod.com

Ingredients

• 5 dates, pits removed and coarsely chopped

• 5-6 T almond and/or sunflower butter

• 1 medium apple, i.e. Granny Smith or Pink Lady, cut into chunks

• 2 T chia seeds or flax seeds

• 1.5 tsp. ground cinnamon

• a few pinches of sea salt

• 1/2 C dry, old-fashioned oats*

• 1 C coconut flakes, toasted

• 1 C pumpkin seeds, toasted 

• (optional) 1/4 C dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Combine the dates, nut butter, apples, chia or flax seeds, cinnamon and salt in a food processor. Pulse until smooth and combined.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the oats, 1/2 the coconut flakes, the pumpkin seeds and chocolate chips, if using. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate 30 min.

Once cooled, use a spoon to help shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, then roll them through the remaining coconut flakes. (Or line a small baking pan with parchment paper, and press the mixture into one even layer, cool 30 min., then cut into bars.)

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 3 weeks.

Makes ~24 energy bites

*Paleo or low-carb? Substitute 1/3 C almond flour for 1/2 C oats.