Can energy bites be made ahead?

Yes, you can definitely make these ahead of time. They store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Can you freeze energy bites?

Absolutely! They freeze nicely for up to 3 months. After they are completely cool, store in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Before serving, remove them from the container and let come to room temperature.

I have a tree nut allergy. What can I replace the nuts with?

You can easily replace the nuts in the energy bites with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Another option is crisp rice cereal (it doesn't need to be toasted). Also, if you’re making these for someone with a peanut allergy, feel free to substitute a different nut or seed butter for the peanut butter.

No-Bake Oat & Nut Energy Bites

No-Bake Oat & Nut Energy Bites

By Jenn Segal

Packed with oats and nuts, these energy bites are the type of wholesome treat you can feel good about giving your family.

Servings: About 40 bites

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 5 Minutes

Total Time: 20 Minutes, plus time to chill in the fridge or freezer

Ingredients

1 cup quick-cooking oats (or old-fashioned oats, pulsed briefly in a food processor or blender to break them up)
½ cup finely chopped pecans
½ cup finely chopped walnuts or almonds
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or wheat germ (okay to substitute more oats or nuts)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Scant ½ teaspoon salt
⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup finely chopped pitted dried dates, from 6 to 8 large dates
¼ cup honey
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup water
¾ cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut, for rolling

Instructions

Place the oats and nuts in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the oats turn slightly golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and stir in the flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt.
Place the pan back on the stove over low heat. Add the peanut butter, dates, honey, vanilla, and water. Stir until evenly combined (you're not "cooking" the mixture; warming it just makes it easier to combine). Using a rubber spatula, scrape the mixture into the bowl with the oats/nuts. Stir until evenly combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cool enough to handle.
Place the coconut in a shallow bowl. Roll the oat mixture into tablespoon-size balls, then roll in the coconut to coat. Place the balls in the refrigerator, uncovered, to set until cold, a few hours (or about 45 minutes in the freezer). The bites will keep in a covered container for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The energy bites can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely and store in an airtight container separating layers with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Before serving, remove them from the container and let them come to room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1 bite
Calories: 87
Fat: 5 g
Saturated fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Sugar: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 2 g
Sodium: 31 mg
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Gluten-Free Adaptable Note

To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.