Chocolate-Walnut Energy Bites

Nicolette Stramara

by | Updated: December 4th, 2016

To bake or not to bake? It’s totally your call. These little bites of whole-food energy are as perfect served warm and toasty as they are on a spoon, straight out of the mixing bowl. Every ingredient is safe to savor raw and was carefully thought out to guarantee you’re getting up-and-go nutrients in their purest, cleanest form. So…to eat now or later?

Chocolate and Walnut Energy Balls Recipe
Gluten-free rolled oats add protein, fiber and iron to the mix.

Chocolate-Walnut Energy Bites

Makes 16 bites
Macros per bite: 82 calories | 2.9 g protein | 14.6 g carbs | 1.9 g fat | 7.8 g sugar | 2 g fiber

Ingredients

¼ cup dates, pitted
¼ cup organic unsalted walnuts
¼ cup gluten-free oat flour
¾ scoop chocolate protein powder
2 tsp. dark cocoa powder
1/3 cup sugar-free pancake syrup
1 cup gluten-free rolled oats

Drizzle (optional): no-sugar-added dark chocolate, melted

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil. Coat foil with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl with water, soak dates for 10 minutes. Drain dates.
  3. In a food processor, add walnuts and pulse into a fine crumble.
  4. Add dates to food processor and pulse until smooth.
  5. Add remaining ingredients, except rolled oats, and blend until completely smooth and well combined. Scrape the sides of the food processor bowl a few times to make sure the mixture is completely incorporated.
  6. Spoon batter into a medium bowl, add oats and stir well. Place in fridge for 30 minutes to set and let flavors come together.
  7. Remove and roll batter into balls, using about 2 tablespoons per ball. Repeat to make about 16 energy bites.
  8. Place rolled balls onto baking sheet and bake 10 minutes.
  9. Serve immediately or store for snacking throughout the week.