Almond Butter Energy Bites
I’ve given up on energy bars because I eat very little refined sugar, and I’ve spent far too much time in the energy bar section of my local natural food store reading bar labels and asking myself: why does every pre-made energy bar have “brown rice syrup” as one of the first 3 ingredients, taste far too sweet, AND cost $3 for a tiny little bar?? No me gusta. As a result, I usually bring homemade kale salad or straight up nuts and dried fruit to the crag, unless I have enough time to throw together a hummus-veggie wrap before I leave.
I started playing around with some simple, healthy ingredients and have been making little nut bites in the mornings: I put them in tupperware or repurposed small plastic tubs (like the kind you get at Whole Foods), and I’m loving them for breakfast, taking out to the crag, eating after workouts, or general snacking! Energy bar dilemma solved, and it’s super easy and so much more delicious!!
Here are my 2 best recipes at the moment….you can certainly use these as a launch point and get creative!
Now if you don’t want to be annoyed and waste any time whatsoever, and you’re not making these in Moab in July or Hawaii, make sure you set your jar of coconut oil in a small saucepan of hot or warm water while you’re getting the other ingredients out so it’s melted when you’re ready for it.
Chocolate Bites
1 cup whole oats or Bob’s Red Mill Five Grain (grind them up in a food chopper–you don’t have to, but I think it’s worth the extra 4 seconds)
3 T coconut oil
4 T almond butter (I buy raw almond butter from the bulk grinder at my local health food store)
1 T maple syrup
2 T cacao nibs
1 T and 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt
Mix everything together in a small bowl and then put it in the fridge for 5 minutes (so the coconut oil can stiffen up a little). Use the smallest spoon you have, scoop up some of the mix and then press it down with your palm, pressing it into the spoon. Drop the little ball out. This makes about 18 very small balls. Store in the fridge until it’s time to go!
Nut Bites
1 cup whole oats or Bob’s Red Mill Five Grain (grind them up in a food chopper–you don’t have to, but I think it’s worth the extra 4 seconds)
3 T coconut oil
4 T almond butter (I buy raw almond butter from the bulk grinder at my local health food store)
3 tsp maple syrup (reduce this if you want them more salty tasting)
1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt
1 T sesame seeds
1 T pumpkin seeds
1/2 T sunflower seeds
Same beta as the chocolate bites:
Mix everything together in a small bowl and then put it in the fridge for 5 minutes (so the coconut oil can stiffen up a little). Use the smallest spoon you have, scoop up some of the mix and then press it down with your palm, pressing it into the spoon. Drop the little ball out. This makes about 18 very small balls. Store in the fridge until it’s time to go!
do you cook the oats first? Is this healthy, Steph, to eat raw oats like this?
Also curious, why maple syrup in the recipe and not something like raw dates?
Seems less processed. What do you think? Thanks, vegan sister.
Also, I’m guessing there is wheat, rye, and other grains in your Bob’s RedMill.
Are these all pre-cooked? If not, do you cook the cereal before adding it to
the final recipe? Thanks.
Hi Michelle, rolled oats are steamed and toasted, so I’m not sure if they are considered “raw” or not. I’ve never heard of anyone not wanting to eat uncooked oats or rolled grains, but it could be a consideration–I would say give a try and see if you like it!
I’m a fan of maple syrup! But you can absolutely tinker and make your own substitutions–would love to know how it turns out!