Remember the excitement of unwrapping an Almond Joy as a kid? That delightful burst of coconut, almonds, and chocolate mingling together was a tiny paradise in every bite. Well, here’s a twist—these energy bites capture that same indulgent flavor but with a wholesome, guilt-free spin. Imagine savoring the same rich, nutty taste, but now it’s your grown-up snack, ready to power you through the day or perhaps just a Netflix binge.
Steps
- In a medium bowl, mix together creamy peanut butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, old-fashioned oats, ground flax seed, honey, unsweetened shredded coconut, and chopped almonds until well combined.
- After thoroughly mixing, refrigerate the mixture for 15 to 30 minutes to make it firmer and easier to handle.
- Once chilled, shape the mixture into balls, approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons each, using your hands.
- Store the energy bites in the refrigerator for up to a week or place them in the freezer for up to three months to enjoy later.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter as an alternative)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (mini size preferred, or dark chocolate chunks)
- 1 cup old fashioned oats (or rolled oats; use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
- 1/4 cup ground flax seed (can be substituted with hemp seeds, chia seeds, or extra oats)
- 1/4 cup honey (or substitute with agave or maple syrup)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (sweetened can also be used)
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2424kcal | Carbohydrates: 168g | Protein: 72g | Fat: 180g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 60mg | Potassium: 2748mg | Fiber: 60g | Sugar: 60g | Calcium: 936mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- How do I store Almond Joy Energy Bites?
- Store these energy bites in an airtight container; they will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
- What can I use if I don’t have ground flax seed?
- You can substitute ground flax seed with chia seeds, hemp seeds, additional oats, or unsweetened shredded coconut.
- How many calories are in each energy bite?
- Each Almond Joy Energy Bite contains approximately 200 calories. The calorie count is primarily due to the peanut butter, which provides a good dose of energy.
- What should I do if the mixture seems too dry?
- If the mixture feels dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can mix in extra peanut butter, honey, or maple syrup to help bind the ingredients.
- Can I customize these energy bites?
- Yes! You can customize them by adding ingredients like dark chocolate chips, cranberries, chopped nuts, protein powder, cocoa powder, or chia seeds.
Tips
- Refrigerate the mixture for 15-30 minutes before rolling into balls. This makes the process smoother and less sticky. If you still face difficulty, try wetting your hands slightly or adding a tablespoon or two of water to the mixture.
- If you prefer not to roll the mixture into balls, press it into a parchment-lined square dish and refrigerate. Once set, cut into squares for a convenient no-bake energy bar alternative.
- Consider substituting ground flax seed with chia seeds or hemp seeds if you do not have flax seed on hand. Alternatively, you can add more oats or shredded coconut as a replacement.
- If the mixture appears too dry when combining the ingredients, add a splash of water or an extra scoop of peanut butter, honey, or maple syrup to help bind everything together.
Equipment
- Medium Mixing Bowl – If you don’t have a suitable bowl for mixing ingredients.
- Parchment Paper – Useful if you decide to make energy bars instead of bites.
- Airtight Container – For storing the energy bites in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups – If precise measurements are needed and not already available.
- Cookie Scoop or Small Ice Cream Scoop – To help shape the bites evenly.
