These No-BakeEnergyBites are easy to make -- only four ingredients and less than 15 minutes prep time, plus no oven or microwave needed! These bites are made to taste like indulgent edible cookie dough but instead of sugar and butter, we're using nutritious ingredients.
7pitted (~1/3 cup)Deglet Noor dates(I like Sunsweet brand, you can find these in any grocery store by dried fruit) Note 2
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1/4cup (41g)miniature chocolate chips.
Optional: tiny pinch fine sea salt
Instructions
PULSECASHEWS: Add the cashews to a very high-powered food processor or blender (you'll need a miniature blender jar; I use the "twister jar" and my Blendtec) and pulse until crumbly, but not powdered.
ADDDATES: Add in all of the dates and pulse until the mixture begins to turn into a thick dough. Add in the vanilla (if desired, add the pinch of salt in here too) and pulse again until combined into a very thick and smooth mixture. (Take time to thoroughly blend to avoid unpleasant sharp chunks of cashews.)
ADD CHOCOLATE CHIPS: Remove from the blender or food processor and transfer to a bowl. Allow the dough to slightly cool -- it usually heats up quite a bit from being blended. Once cooled, gently stir in the chocolate chips.
FORM BALLS: Tightly kneading the mixture, roll into small bite-sized pieces -- we get about 10-12 balls from this mixture.
STORAGE: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge. Snack on them pre-or post-workout or whenever you're craving a sweet treat or snack! We like these best straight out of the fridge! To freeze: Space the No-Bake Energy Bites on a lined plate or tray in the freezer. Once firm (about 1-2 hours), transfer to an airtight bag or freezer container. They’ll last up to 6 months in the freezer. Tothaw: Simply pull one out and let it stand for about 15-30 minutes. You could also pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. (When they're completely frozen they are hard to eat, but don’t feel like you need to completely thaw them before eating — we enjoy them still a bit frozen– they’re delicious that way!)
Video
Notes
Note 1: Cashews: I highly recommend roasted and salted cashews in these balls. If using raw cashews, the energy bites are lacking in flavor.Note 2: Dates: The dates should be soft (old and hard dates won't blend correctly). If they aren't soft, soak them in water for 30 minutes and then thoroughly dry.