Vegan Energy Bites – Recipe

Vegan Energy Bites

by Emily Nieken

Looking for an easy, all natural snack to grab on the go? Easy to make, these vegan energy bites are the perfect pre- or post-workout snack. Not only are they delicious and filling, but they are totally customizable too. Try swapping in raisins instead of dried cranberries. Allergic to nuts? Try using sunflower butter instead of peanut butter and add in any kind of seed to replace the pecans. To make these gluten free, simply use gluten-free oats. The possibilities are endless. This simple snack is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, and vegan. Whip up a batch of these today and enjoy a healthy grab-and-go snack!

What you’ll need to make vegan energy bites:

1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup unsalted, smooth peanut butter
1/3 cup date paste*
2 tbsp agave syrup or pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1 ½ cups rolled oats
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup ground flax seed
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries

How to make vegan energy bites:
1.) Place chia seeds in a small bowl with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for 5 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb the water to create a gel.
2.) Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine peanut butter, date paste, agave syrup, vanilla, and salt.
3.) Add in the chia seed gel, oats, coconut flakes, ground flax seed, pecans, and dried cranberries and mix well.
4.) Refrigerate for 30 minutes, and then roll into small balls using your hands.
5.) Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 1 week. Vegan energy bites can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

*To make date paste, pour 1/4 cup of boiling water over 1 cup of pitted dates and let them sit for 10 minutes. Place the dates and water in a blender or food processor. Blend the dates to create a smooth, thick paste.