No Bake Energy Bites

I have to tell you first and foremost…these little bites are addicting!  I got this recipe from someone at work a few weeks ago and now I want to make them all the time.   You know the Lays potato chip slogan, “Bet you can’t eat just one”?  Well, forget potato chips, I can’t eat just one of these bites!  I made my first batch and as soon as they were gone I made another batch.  I ran out again mid week and I had to cut myself off.  I decided to make more yesterday because they really are a nice post workout snack or mid morning snack.  No nutrition facts came with this recipe, but they have all natural ingredients and are naturally sweetened with honey so I know they are pretty good for you.  I capped myself at 2 per day…otherwise, my batch would probably only last 2 days!

These are very versatile and you can add many items.  I love peanut butter so I made the peanut butter and jelly version.  As I’ve already mentioned, I think these are amazeballs, but it’s not just me who thinks so.  Two of my friends tried them a couple weeks ago and agreed.  One even commented it tasted like cookie dough.  Yesterday, I had my husband and his friend taste test them as well.  They both really liked them, but thought they were a little difficult to eat without a glass of milk.  (That never crossed my mind because the thought of drinking a glass of milk makes my stomach turn)  Anyway, maybe eat them like a lady and don’t toss the entire ball into your mouth.  Make it a two biter and I have no problems with “sticky” peanut butter mouth.  Boys…I tell ya.  J

 

No Bake Energy Bites-Peanut Butter and Jelly

1 1/2 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter (I always buy and use the all natural)

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground wheat germ

1 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients and place bowl in refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.  Form into balls.  After forming into balls press your pinky finger in the center.  Place ¼ teaspoon strawberry jam in the indention.  Gently pinch the indention to seal the opening.  It wouldn’t be a PB&J if the jelly didn’t ooze out!  (Try to buy jelly with the most fruit content you can to avoid a bunch of added sugar)

A few notes…Josh doesn’t like coconut so I left that out and put in just a smidge more oatmeal.  Honestly, that could be why he thinks these are a little dry-coconut would add moisture.  I also didn’t have wheat germ so I put flax seed in because that’s what I had on hand.  I left a few plain without any jelly and those are very good as well.  If you are big on dessert and want to use this as a healthier option you could put some mini chocolate chips in.  Or, maybe go more for a granola bar type theme and add some almonds/pecans and dried cranberries.  Get creative!

All the ingredients mixed up



I used a cookie portioner to scoop them out




Once you have your ball, push your pinky in the center to make a small indention




Place a little jelly in it



Reshape/close up the ball.  There will be a little jelly still showing



Peanut Butter & Jelly Energy Bites (with a few left plain)



And, just because it’s Monday I’ll share this version of the recipe with you too. (Also, because I have a certain follower who I know will want to try these.  You know who you are-let me know what you think!)  I have not tried this adaptation because I do not know if I will ever be able to purchase Nutella again.  Nutella takes me to a very bad place. I blame Nutella, Cheddar Jack Cheez-it’s and Husker Power (weight lifting) for my freshman year dorm meltdown in front of my mirror when my jeans were so tight around my thighs I thought I’d have to wear dresses for the rest of my life.  After that dramatic crying session I banned Nutella from being one of my food groups and quit cold turkey.  I just had it again for the first time a year and a half ago while in Vegas.  I waited eight years to take another bite of that deliciousness and let me tell you, that crepe at the Paris hotel was worth it!  Don't worry, I didn’t relapse, I just ate that one crepe, so I should probably allow it back into my life now that I understand what the word moderation means. I just can’t bring myself to buy a container of it.  Yet.  I’ll get there. I did some research and while Nutella does have a lot of sugar, which is what I try to avoid, it has all natural ingredients and very few ingredients so in small doses it fits my requirements for food I allow myself to eat.  Just remember, if you make this version of Energy Bites they aren’t as healthy/low sugar as the original or peanut butter and jelly ones so definitely treat this version as dessert.

No Bake Energy Bites-Chocolate Cranberry

2 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup hazelnut spread (aka Nutella)

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup ground wheat germ

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1 tsp vanilla

Follow same ingredients as PB&J recipe, but no filling is added.