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- 1 cup pitted dates - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup creamy almond butter - 1/2 cup almond flour - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if desired) - 1/4 cup chopped almonds - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - A pinch of sea salt Using pitted dates gives these bites a natural sweetness. They also add fiber and energy. Unsweetened shredded coconut brings a rich flavor and texture. It also adds healthy fats. Almond butter is creamy and smooth, providing a good source of protein. Almond flour keeps these bites gluten-free while adding more nutrients. Dark chocolate chips are the perfect treat, and you can use dairy-free options. Chopped almonds add crunch and extra protein. Pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors, making them pop. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the taste. Each energy bite offers great nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients: - Calories: About 100 per bite - Protein: Around 3 grams - Fat: Roughly 5 grams, mostly healthy fats - Carbohydrates: About 12 grams - Fiber: Approximately 2 grams These bites are a great snack choice. They are full of energy and help you feel full. Plus, they contain no refined sugars, making them a smart pick for health. Enjoy these bites when you need a quick energy boost or a sweet treat! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make your Coconut Almond Joy Energy Bites, start with the right tools. You need a food processor and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - First, place the pitted dates, shredded coconut, creamy almond butter, almond flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt into the food processor. - Pulse this mix until it blends well and turns sticky. Make sure there are no big pieces of dates left. This blend gives you a great base, packed with natural sweetness and healthy fats. Dates bring energy, while almond butter adds creaminess and protein. Now, it’s time to form the bites. - Use a tablespoon to scoop out the mixture. - Roll each scoop into a ball using your hands. Make sure they are about the size of a golf ball. This size is perfect for a quick snack. Once you finish rolling, place each ball on your prepared baking sheet. Space them out so they don’t touch. To get the right texture, chill the energy bites. - Put the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to eat. When you’re ready to serve, consider a decorative bowl. You can add a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top for a fun look. These bites make a great snack, full of flavor and energy. Enjoy them anytime you need a boost! You can easily change flavors in your energy bites. For a tropical twist, add pineapple or mango bits. Want more crunch? Toss in chia seeds or sunflower seeds. Different nut butters work well too. Use cashew or peanut butter if you prefer. You can also switch up the chocolate. Try white chocolate or even carob chips for a fun surprise. Store your energy bites in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge to stay fresh. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag. They stay good for up to three months in the freezer. Need to swap some ingredients? No problem! If you don’t have almond butter, use sunflower seed butter. If you want a nut-free version, use pumpkin seed butter. For a different sweetener, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Just remember to adjust the amount of dry ingredients if you do. This keeps the right texture for your bites. Pro Tips Use Fresh Dates: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, soft pitted dates to ensure your energy bites are sweet and sticky. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to mix in different nuts or seeds according to your taste preferences—walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds work great! Experiment with Flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a unique flavor boost that complements the coconut and chocolate. Storage Tips: Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-lasting snacks. {{image_4}} You can easily add different flavors to your Coconut Almond Joy Energy Bites. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. A few drops of almond extract can boost the almond taste. You might also try adding dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots, for a chewy twist. If you love spices, a dash of nutmeg can add depth. If you want to change the sweetness level, you have options. Maple syrup or agave can replace pitted dates. Just use less, as they are sweeter. Honey is another great choice for sweetness. Remember, if you use liquid sweeteners, balance it with a little extra almond flour to keep the texture. These energy bites are already vegan and gluten-free, but you can tweak them further. Use coconut flour instead of almond flour for a nut-free option. For sweeteners, choose maple syrup or agave to keep it vegan. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free to keep them vegan-friendly. Always check labels for gluten-free certification if needed. To keep your Coconut Almond Joy Energy Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out. Place the container in the fridge. The cool temperature helps maintain the bites' flavor and texture. You can also layer parchment paper between the bites to prevent sticking. If you want to save some bites for later, freezing is a great option. Place the energy bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying. When stored properly in the fridge, these energy bites last about one week. If you freeze them, you can enjoy them for several months. This makes them a perfect snack for busy days or meal prep. Keeping track of the dates helps ensure you enjoy them at their best! Yes, you can use other nut butters in these energy bites. Almond butter gives a rich flavor. Peanut butter works well too, but it changes the taste. Cashew butter offers a creamy texture with a mild taste. Always choose a nut butter you enjoy. This keeps the energy bites tasty and fun! To make these energy bites healthier, consider these tips: - Use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips. - Add extra nuts or seeds for more fiber. - Swap out some almond flour for ground oats. - Reduce the amount of sweetener if you can. These changes keep the bites nutritious while still delicious. If you don't have pitted dates, try dried figs or prunes as substitutes. Both provide natural sweetness and a sticky texture. You can also use applesauce for moisture, but it may change the texture a bit. Adjust the amount to keep your energy bites firm. This way, you can still enjoy them! In this article, we explored the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making energy bites. You learned how to customize your recipes, store them properly, and enjoy tasty variations. Keep in mind that you can easily adapt these bites to fit your needs. Making these treats can be fun, healthy, and fulfilling. With a few simple steps, you can create quick snacks anytime. I hope you feel inspired to try making your own energy bites today!

Coconut Almond Joy Energy Bites

Delicious and nutritious energy bites made with dates, coconut, almond butter, and chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup creamy almond butter
  • 0.5 cup almond flour
  • 0.5 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 0.25 cup chopped almonds
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • a pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the pitted dates, shredded coconut, almond butter, almond flour, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until everything is well combined and has a sticky texture, ensuring there are no large pieces of dates left.
  • Next, add the dark chocolate chips and the chopped almonds into the food processor. Pulse the mixture a few more times—just enough for the chocolate and almond pieces to be evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.
  • Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll each portion into bite-sized balls between your palms. Continue this process until all the mixture has been rolled into energy bites.
  • Arrange the energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other.
  • For a firmer texture that holds better, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the bites to set.
  • Once chilled, enjoy your energy bites as a nutritious snack or a quick energy boost to power through your day!

Notes

Serve in a decorative bowl and garnish with shredded coconut for a tropical look.
Keyword energy bites, healthy, snack