Description
Sweetened primarily with dates and a small amount of maple syrup, these no-bake energy bites are perfectly sweet and have the loveliest chewy texture. The recipe is inspired by the ones served at Good Eats in Skeneateles, and I find them completely irresistible.
Notes:
- Dates: The Medjool dates I have been using are on the soft side, but if the ones you buy feel firm or dry, you can soften them by soaking them for 5 minutes in boiling water. Also, other varieties of dates will work.
- Almond Butter: Any nut butter you like will likely work here. I’ve used peanut butter with success but prefer almond butter. I like the Whole Foods 365 brand for its short ingredients list: almonds.
- Tools:
Ingredients
- 1 cup (208 grams) Medjool dates, about 10, see notes above
- 1 cup (105 grams) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup (35 grams) unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.2 grams) flaky sea salt
- 1 teaspoon (2.3 grams) cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (129 grams) unsweetened almond butter, see notes above
- 2 tablespoons (40 grams) maple syrup, plus more to taste
- 2 teaspoons (8 grams) vanilla, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Place the dates in a food processor and purée until the dates form a ball, 15 to 20 seconds.
- Add the oats, almonds, and coconut, then purée again until you have a uniform, coarse mixture, about 30 seconds.
- Add the salt, cinnamon, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla, and purée again until the mixture is smooth, about 60 seconds. Taste. Adjust with more salt, maple syrup, or vanilla to taste. Purée again. The mixture should be smooth and shiny.
- Using a #50 scoop (roughly 1.5 tablespoons) or a scale, portion the dough into roughly 22-23 small balls (each weighing roughly 25 grams). Once portioned, ball up each using the palms of your hands.
- Chill the balls for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store in the fridge. At this point the energy bites can be frozen in an airtight container for as long as 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American