Easy no-bake energy bites (gluten, dairy, and sugar-free recipe)

Easy no-bake energy bites

To catch up on our no/low sugar series, check out these previous posts:

• Why my family is cutting out refined sugar
• 7 simple ways to reduce sugar in your diet
• Different types of sugars & sweeteners: A basic guide

One day last spring, my daughter’s kindergarten group had to present a skill to the rest of the class. The boys didn’t exactly think outside of the box. Every single one of them brought Legos. Oh yes, could you explain in great detail one more time just exactly how you created that ninja-pirate-laser-crocodile ship?

Don’t get me wrong, I think little boys are absolutely awesome. But I have to say, the girls dominated show-and-tell that day, especially the little girl who did a cooking demonstration with this recipe for no-bake energy bites. So simple, even a five year old can make them! And so delicious, no one was turning down seconds.

With September’s school around the corner + August’s heat still hanging out, this is the perfect timing for this great snack recipe that doesn’t require turning on the oven.

These bites are kind of like eating peanut (or other nut) butter oatmeal cookie dough balls. They are sweet and soft, satisfying that sweet tooth without using any refined sugar. And instead of ingredients like flour, butter, and eggs they are made with old-fashioned oats, nut butter, coconut, honey, and Chia seeds. Good stuff!

The ingredients can be mixed together quickly with a bowl and spoon, but I prefer to just pulse them a few times in my food processor. Then I scoop the dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet and stick it in the refrigerator until firm. Transfer to a storage container in the fridge or freezer and you have a healthy snack for grabbing on the go! I packed a container of these last week for a day spent at the county fair. It was perfect to have when that first inevitable, “I’m hungry!” hit. I also love having them in the refrigerator for those days when I am working in the house or around the yard and want a quick pick-me-up without having to go to the trouble to make something.

You could make a super hero space car out of Legos, but I guarantee this recipe is faster and tastes better.

No-bake Energy Bites

Makes 12-13

Ingredients

1 c. old-fashioned oats
2/3 c. flaked coconut
1/2 c. ground flaxseed
1 T. Chia seeds
pinch of salt
1/2 c. nut butter
1/4-1/3 c. honey (depending on desired sweetness)
1 t. vanilla extract

1. Place oats, coconut, ground flaxseed, Chia seeds, and salt in a bowl or food processor. Stir or pulse to combine. Add the nut butter, honey, and vanilla extract, stirring until all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Using a size-40 scoop, place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator until firm. Transfer (in a single layer) to a plastic storage bag or in layers separated by parchment paper in a storage container. Store in the refrigerator or freezer.

I have been singing the praises of the simple scoop as one of the most inexpensive, versatile kitchen tools for years. I own three sizes and use them for everything from muffin batter to cookie dough. Then I stumbled onto something called a “disher” on Amazon. This Vollrath Stainless Steel Disher (Amazon) has received rave reviews on its construction and durability. All for a low price point. I’m intrigued. Does anyone own a disher? I think I need one in every color now.