Cocoa Energy Bites

Cocoa Energy Bites

Energy bites are a no-cook, easy recipe that offers complex carbohydrates, heart-healthy fats and protein. Typically energy bites contain oats, dried fruit and some combination of nuts and seeds or nut and seed butter, but you can customize the recipe based on your preferences. To make energy bites, look for rolled or old-fashioned oats and unsweetened dried fruit. In a nut-free home, incorporate seeds and seed butter. Keep energy bites in the fridge for a quick snack (maybe post-workout) or for a sweet and satisfying bite after a meal.

Makes 20 bites

Add 1 cup rolled or old-fashioned oats, ½ cup chopped dried cranberries, ¼ cup mixed nuts and/or seeds (cashews, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pecans, pumpkin seeds), ¼ cup sunflower seed butter (can substitute a nut butter), ¼ cup maple syrup and 1-½ tsp cocoa powder to a food processor. Pulse until combined, leaving some chunks of nuts/seeds and fruit. Using your hands, roll the mixture into about 20 bites. If the bites are not sticking together well, add more sunflower seed butter. Place the bites onto a lined sheet pan and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Pro tip: roll the energy bites in unsweetened, shredded coconut before refrigerating them for even more flavor and texture.