Description
These no-bake energy bites feature a rich chocolate-espresso dough made with dates, almonds, and pecans, stuffed with a creamy almond butter center and finished with a dark chocolate drizzle. A perfect healthy snack or treat!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Energy Bite Base:
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup raw pecans
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates, packed (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons natural, drippy almond butter
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- 2 ounces good quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Process Nuts and Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the almonds, pecans, cocoa powder, cinnamon, espresso powder, and salt. Pulse until the nuts are processed into very fine crumbs.
- Make Dough: Add the pitted Medjool dates and vanilla extract to the food processor. Pulse a few times to break up the dates, then process continuously until the mixture starts to clump together and forms a sticky dough. This may take a minute or two; scrape down the sides as needed.
- Form Base Balls: Roll the dough into 12 equal-sized balls (about 1-1.5 inches each).
- Stuff with Almond Butter: Take one ball and slightly flatten it in your palm. Create a small indentation in the center and fill it with a tiny spoonful (about 1/2 teaspoon) of almond butter. Carefully fold the dough edges over the almond butter, squeezing gently to seal it inside, and roll it back into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining balls and almond butter. Place the stuffed balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments at 50% power, stirring well between each interval, until the chocolate is just melted and smooth.
- Drizzle Bites: Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the stuffed energy bites using a fork or spoon.
- Chill to Set: Place the drizzled bites in the freezer for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
- Store: Transfer the finished energy bites to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Dates: Soft, sticky Medjool dates work best. Make sure all pits are removed. If your dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain well before using.
- Nuts: You can substitute other nuts like walnuts if preferred.
- Almond Butter: Use a natural, drippy almond butter (ingredients should just be almonds and maybe salt) for the filling. Other nut or seed butters can work.
- Chocolate: Use good quality dark chocolate. Ensure it’s dairy-free/vegan if needed. The coconut oil helps make the drizzle smoother and set nicely.
- Storage: Refrigeration is recommended to keep the bites firm. They can also be stored in the freezer for longer storage.