No-Bake Almond Date Energy Bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup, packed pitted Medjool dates (about 10 dates)
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut, for rolling (optional)

Instructions

1. If your dates feel firm or dry rather than soft and sticky, place them in a small bowl, cover with warm water, and let them soak for 10 minutes, then drain well and pat dry before using.
2. Add the pitted dates to a food processor and pulse 15 to 20 times, until the dates break down into a sticky, mostly smooth paste with only small flecks remaining.
3. Add the rolled oats, almond butter, honey, ground flaxseed, salt, and vanilla extract to the food processor with the date paste.
4. Pulse 10 to 15 times, stopping to scrape down the sides once, until the mixture comes together into a thick, sticky dough that holds its shape when pressed between your fingers.
5. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and fold in the mini chocolate chips with a spatula until evenly distributed.
6. Pinch off about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it firmly between your palms into a smooth ball roughly 1 inch wide; if the dough feels too sticky to roll, wet your hands slightly with water.
7. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form about 18 balls, placing them on a plate or small baking sheet as you go.
8. If using, spread the shredded coconut on a small plate and roll each finished ball in the coconut to coat the outside.
9. Refrigerate the energy bites, uncovered, for at least 20 minutes, until firm to the touch, so they hold their shape when picked up.
10. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Tips

Why You'll Love This

• No oven, stove, or cooking of any kind required
• Naturally sweetened with dates and a touch of honey instead of refined sugar
• Great make-ahead snack for lunchboxes, hikes, or pre-workout energy

Nutrition

Nutrition values are estimated per serving based on the ingredients used.