Dark Chocolate Energy Bites

Healthy snack bites made with cocoa, nuts, seeds and dates. No processed sugars.

I've been seeing these everywhere recently. Everyone raves about how healthy, simple, and tasty these types of energy bites are. I've always been skeptical until I tried them myself. They really are great. Yes, they are simple, healthy, and delicious. There is no baking involved in this snack just blitz in a food processor and you can have these ready in 15 minutes or fewer. The bites are made up of unprocessed sugar from dates, protein and fiber from nuts and seeds, and healthy fat from coconut oil. They, of course, don't taste exactly like candy but for all the health benefits are a delicious snack that will help curb sugar cravings and keep you full. A great option for mid-day or late night snacking. I made these for a friend who has stopped eating refined sugar and she raved about how delicious and sweet they are.

Put down the candy bar for #healthy Dark Chocolate #EnergyBites [Tweet this]

Energy bites are very versatile too. Don't feel like rolling them into balls? Press the mixture into a square or rectangular pan and then cut into squares or bars. My husband loves to take the bars with him while hiking for quick and easy fuel. You can vary the flavors too. Just be creative. Something as simple as using roasted instead of raw nuts will enhance the flavor. Vary when you add and how long you process each ingredient for different textures. Use different kinds of nuts, seeds, flavorings, and dried fruit...half the fun is experimenting. I add finely ground coffee or espresso powder to the mix sometimes for a little wake-me-up caffeine. When I'm making these for hiking I try to add more calories with healthy fats from nut butter and coconut oil. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Get creative w/ #DarkChocolate #EnergyBites [Tweet this]

Dark Chocolate Energy Bites

Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 20-30 balls

Ingredients:

10 dates, pitted (if dry soak in warm water for a few minutes then drain)
1/2 cup almonds (raw or roasted whatever you have)
1/2 cup pecans (as above)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (as above)
2 Tbsp flax seeds
1 heaping Tbsp dark cocoa powder
1 Tbsp Chia seeds
1 heaping Tbsp coconut oil

Start with the dates. Chop in a food processor until they form a sticky ball. Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until chopped and mixed to your satisfaction. If it's not sticky enough add a few more dates, too sticky add more nuts and/or seeds.

Scoop out a spoon full at a time and roll into balls. Alternatively, dump into a parchment lined square pan and press out until flat, then cut into squares or bars.

Makes 20-30 balls depending on the size. A great sweet treat when you want a snack and great fuel to help get you through the day (or a hike...no need to buy expensive and not very tasty energy bars)

Vary ingredients for more flavors and nutrition.

Enjoy.