Are you ready for a treat that doesn't require turning on the oven?! Sometimes you just want something healthy and sweet without heating up the whole kitchen. These Peanut Butter Energy Bites are a perfect little treat, snack, or even dessert after dinner!
I have been making Peanut Butter Energy Bites longer and more consistently than other any treat. Since I told the kids a week ago that I was going to make this recipe for the blog they have questioned me at least once a day to see if they were ready to eat! My recipe has only changed a little over the years. I have lowered the amount of sweetener in the recipe so it still binds together nicely but isn't as sweet.
There isn't a long ingredient list so make sure you choose quality ingredients. Let's look at what goes into the Peanut Butter Energy Bites.
Organic Rolled Oats: Bob's Red Mill is a brand I can trust and can find here in Okinawa. I also buy them in bulk from the health food store. Oats are rich in carbs and fiber and also higher in protein than most other grains.
Coconut Flakes: I also use Bob's Red Mill coconut flakes because I can keep a lot on hand for this recipe and homemade granola. Plus it doesn't have any added sugar like the "baking coconut" does. If you can find bulk coconut that is a great option, too! The health benefits of coconut are almost limitless but I like it in Peanut Butter Energy Bites because it is a healthy source of carbs and protein.
Peanut Butter: Not all peanut butter is equal! There are huge quality differences in nearly every peanut butter you find on the shelf in the store. I'm not going to try and get you to switch from your favorite brand, but just pay attention to the added sugar and added oil (there shouldn't be any!) I purchase my favorite brand, Smooth Operator, from Amazon but you might be able to find it at a store near you!
Organic Ground Flaxseed: Another one I trust to Bob's Red Mill! Flaxseed also has a high amount of health benefits. I love that it's another way to get Omega-3s, fiber, and protein.
Raw Honey or Organic Maple Syrup: You can't go wrong with either one, just make sure it's a good source. Raw honey will give you the most health benefits. While it's best to source your honey from a local farmer, this one is a great option if that's not possible. As for the maple syrup, Grade B will give you the most benefits and best flavor, but if you can't find Grade B choose an organic maple syrup.
Mini Chocolate Chips: I only use Enjoy Life's mini chocolate chips and I love that I can buy them at the store here. They are totally allergen-free so it makes them a great option for any dietary restrictions.
Organic Chia Seeds: I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but I also use Bob's Red Mill Chia Seeds. It's a given that I can find them at the store here but any organic brand would be great! Chia seeds also have those important Omega-3s and since they are gelatinous they can help you feel fuller longer.
Vanilla Extract: I've been making my own vanilla extract for a long time now (and it deserves its own blog post!). I would avoid any vanilla extract that has added sweeteners or flavors. If I ever need to purchase vanilla extract already made it would most definitely be this one from Frontier.
Himalayan Salt: You can almost 100% guarantee that if I'm making a recipe that calls for salt it will be course ground Himalayan Salt. (I use a salt grinder so it's fresh every time.) I prefer the flavor and I love that it has minerals I can't get from other food sources. Did you know that because of the minerals in Himalayan Salt it provides you with electrolytes and helps you to rehydrate! (This also deserves its own blog post!)
Are you ready to whip up this easy treat for your family?! Peanut Butter Energy Bites are also great if you keep them in the freezer and they only take a few minutes to thaw before eating. Just make sure that you keep them refrigerated because they will be a crumbly mess at room temperature. If you find that your mixture is a little too crumbly try adding a couple tablespoons more of honey or maple syrup.
And remember to save the free printable to your Pinterest dessert board and your phone so you can have the recipe handy for grocery trips and "baking!" Tag me in your pictures if you make these!
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