Snack-o-holics, rejoice! Petite and portable, these all-natural energy bites are the perfect fuel for on-the-go munching. Store-bought granola bars can take a toll on your grocery budget and may contain unpronounceable preservatives. So why not make your own homemade nutty noshes? Next time you need an afternoon pick-me-up or a post-workout nibble, try one of these 12 no-bake energy bites recipes.
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12 No-Bake Energy Bites Recipes
1. Coconut Chocolate Energy Truffles
Make a date to whip together these date-stuffed snacks — stat. Rolled in chocolate and shredded coconut, these decadent truffles are a healthy snack disguised as dessert. With four grams of protein in just two bite-sized balls, you’ll feel full and avoid experiencing the sugar crash you’d get from an artificially sweetened treat. Photo and Recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life By Daily Burn
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2. Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites
Consider these your oatmeal cookie substitute, sans all the sugar. The oats (either steel cut or rolled — your pick!) provide super filling fiber and a dose of protein. The raisins, almond butter and flax seed also help keep you satisfied. Top ’em off with a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon mixed into the batter for an extra yummy flavor. Photo and Recipe: Mindy Starr / Creative Juice
3. Apple Pie Energy Balls
No time to slave in the kitchen? No problem. These fall-flavored goodies take only five minutes to stir together. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor and voila! You’ve got yourself some tasty treats. Pro tip: If the batter feels especially sticky, wet your hands before working with the dough. Photo and Recipe: Carmen / Every Last Bite
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4. Blueberry Lemon Energy Bites
Like peanut butter and jelly, blueberry and lemon are simply better together. Get a mega-dose of omega-3 fatty acids thanks to the hearty-healthy cashews in this recipe. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some shredded coconut and lemon zest before serving to make these nibbles look extra-fancy. Photo and Recipe: Andrea / Dishing Up the Dirt
5. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls
This five-ingredient recipe will satisfy any cookie monster’s munchies. Each scrumptious nugget has a whopping five grams of protein (thank you, protein powder) so you’ll feel full until dinnertime. The best part? They taste just like raw cookie dough. Photo and Recipe: Lee Hersh / Life By Daily Burn
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6. Pumpkin No-Bake Energy Bites
Allergic to nuts? These autumnal morsels are an ideal way to fuel up this fall. Pepitas, dates, pumpkin puree and rolled oats provide a sweet blend of fiber, zinc and vitamin A. If you’d rather make bars, spread your mixture into a pan and cut it into squares. Photo and Recipe: Ali / Gimme Some Oven
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7. Raw Chocolate Energy Bites
Made with cacao nibs and cocoa powder, this recipe is a chocoholic’s dream. Just be sure to add in the chopped dates slowly so you don’t overload your food processor. Bonus: You can share them with your favorite gluten-free friends. Photo and Recipe: Christina / Create Nourish Love
8. Coffee and Chocolate Energy Bites
Most energy bite recipes require a food processor, but not this one. Simple ingredients plus a few tablespoons of ground coffee will give your morning (or afternoon) an extra jolt of energy. Hello, caffeine! If your mixture turns out too dry, add a few tablespoons of coconut oil. Photo and Recipe: Brittany / Blissful Britt
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9. Key Lime Coconut Energy Bites
Quench your craving for sweets with this tropical treat. Almonds, dates, cashews, lime and coconut come together for an explosion of exotic flavor. Store them in the fridge, where they’ll keep for several days. Photo and Recipe: Ashley / Spoonful of Flavor
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10. Mango Energy Bites
These aren’t completely bake-free, as the recipe calls for toasting the nuts in the oven. But believe us, it’s worth it for these deliciously sweet treats. The dried, unsweetened mango is obviously the must-eat ingredient, but you’ll also love the dates and coconut flavors. Make them once, eat ’em all week. Photo and recipe: Dana / Minimalist Baker
11. Superfood Energy Bites
Go green with these verdant pods. Spirulina, maca and hemp will supply a wide range of minerals. Be sure to coarsely grind rolled oats in a food processor so your finished bites have a smoother texture. Photo and Recipe: Sophie / Wholehearted Eats
12. Nut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Bites
A Daily Burn 365 trainer-approved snack! Prince Brathwaite shares his favorite recipe in the video above, which combines your nut butter of choice (like almond or peanut), honey, chocolate chips, oats and coconut flakes. That’s just five ingredients total. Whip these up in less than 30 minutes for an on-the-go treat that offers fiber and good-for-you fats, whenever you need some substance. Photo and recipe: Life by Daily Burn
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Originally posted August 2014. Updated January 2017.