No-Bake Cacao Superfood Energy Bites
Try this no-bake cacao superfood energy bites recipe
Try this no-bake cacao superfood energy bites recipe
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
- 2 cups organic walnuts
- 1 cup raw cacao powder -i love this brand from truvibe
- 16-18 soft medjool dates pitted - i like the consistency of 18 dates, as the bites are moister - make sure your dates are soft and fresh, hard dates will not work well in this recipe
- 1/2 cup brazil nuts coarsely chopped - you can add in any type of nut
- 2 tablespoons chia seed - chia seeds do not add any flavor but lend a great crunch which my kids love!
- Carbohydrate 57.0028875 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 242.5029875 g
- Fiber 32.2181240129471 g
- Protein 50.0372 g
- Saturated Fat 64.9542025 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (372g)
- Sodium 468.92625 mg
- Sugar 24.7847634870529 g
- Trans Fat 13.80438375 g
- Calories 2434 calories
Step-by-step
- In a food processor, add in the walnuts and process until a crumbly texture is formed (about 15-20 seconds).
- Add in cacao powder and sea salt and pulse to combine.
- With the machine running, slowly add in the dates, a few at a time, through the feed tube, so they can fully incorporate into the mixture. Make sure that the dates are blended into the mixture before you add more. Process until all of the dates are incorporated into the mixture.
- The cacao mixture should resemble brownie crumbs at this point. You can test the mixture by pressing it in-between your fingers. It should easily stick together and you should be able to easily mold it into a ball, if not, then add more dates, but if you use 16-18 dates, your mixture should be perfect!
- Transfer the cacao batter to a medium-sized bowl and add in shredded coconut, chopped brazil nuts and chia seeds. You can't use a spoon to incorporate the coconut, chia seeds and nuts into the batter, so you will need to use your hands!
- Get your hands in there and mix everything together really well!
- Now, you can do whatever you want with this cacao mixture You can roll it into little balls, roll it out and use small cookie cutters to make shapes, or press it into a parchment-lined pan, and then cut it into little bite sized pieces once cooled. You can also divide the batter in half.
- Line the inside of an 8-inch, or 9-inch square baking pan (or whatever pan/dish you choose) with 2 lengths of parchment paper, positioning the sheets perpendicular to each other and allowing the excess to extend beyond the edges of the pan.
- Take the cacao mixture and press it down into the parchment lined pan using your hands or a spatula.
- I always top the cacao mixture with a piece of parchment when molding the it into the pan, as it can be sticky.
- I always sprinkle some unsweetened coconut over the top of the cacao mixture to help with the overall presentation!
- Cover and place the cacao mixture into the refrigerator to cool for a couple of hours, (or freezer to have them cool faster) as the bites taste better when cooled and are easier to cut.
- Once cooled, lift the parchment paper and cacao mixture out of the pan, and cut it into bite sized bars or squares.
- Storage: Wrap the cacao bites up tightly in the parchment paper and then with a layer of tin foil, or store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer. Bars will keep fresh for up to one week.
My Go-To Energy Bites: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon
As a busy mom of three, juggling work, school runs, and household chores, finding time for myself feels like a luxury. Between the endless to-do lists and the constant demands on my time, maintaining my energy levels is crucial. That's where these No-Bake Cacao Superfood Energy Bites come in. They're not just a delicious treat; they're my secret weapon for powering through the day.
Forget sugary snacks that leave you with a crash. These energy bites are packed with wholesome ingredients that provide sustained energy without the guilt. The rich cacao provides antioxidants, the dates offer natural sweetness and fiber, and the nuts and seeds add healthy fats and protein. It's a perfect combination of flavor and functionality, making them ideal for a quick breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a healthy snack for the kids. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make, even on my busiest days.
The Magic of No-Bake: One of the things I love most about this recipe is its no-bake nature. It means I can whip up a batch in minutes, without needing to preheat the oven or spend time monitoring baking times. It’s perfect for those evenings when I'm already exhausted from the day's activities, and the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. This simplicity is a lifesaver when you're short on time but still want to prioritize healthy eating.
Adaptability is Key: Another great aspect of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Want to add different nuts? Go for it! Prefer a sweeter bite? Add a few more dates. Don't have chia seeds? They're easily omitted. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. I've even experimented with adding dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a fruity twist. The possibilities are endless, making it a fun and creative recipe to explore.
More Than Just Energy: These energy bites are not just a source of fuel; they're a delicious and healthy treat that the whole family can enjoy. My kids love helping me make them – the process of mixing the ingredients is like a fun play-dough session. And, of course, they adore the final product! It's a great way to involve them in healthy eating habits from a young age, and it's a special bonding experience we all appreciate.
Perfect for Meal Prep: I often make a large batch of these energy bites on the weekend and store them in the refrigerator. Having them readily available throughout the week makes it so much easier to resist unhealthy cravings and stay on track with my healthy eating goals. They are fantastic for packing in lunchboxes, making them a convenient and healthy snack for kids' school days.
Beyond the Kitchen: These energy bites have become more than just a snack; they're a symbol of my commitment to self-care amidst the chaos of motherhood. Taking a few minutes to prepare something nutritious and delicious for myself and my family is an act of self-love, and a reminder that even amidst the busyness of life, there's always time to prioritize well-being.
In conclusion, these No-Bake Cacao Superfood Energy Bites are more than just a recipe; they're a lifestyle choice, a commitment to healthy eating, and a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients. They're a perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and taste, making them a staple in my household and a secret weapon in my fight against afternoon slumps and the constant demands of motherhood.
