Prune & Almond Energy Bites
These no-bake Prune & Almond Energy Bites are a delicious, fiber-rich snack designed to boost your energy and support digestive health without any added refined sugars.
For 12 servings
Measure all ingredients and ensure prunes are pitted. If your prunes are very dry, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly before use.
In a food processor, combine the rolled oats and raw almonds. Pulse several times until they are coarsely chopped but not yet a fine flour. This provides a nice texture.
Add the pitted prunes, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, sea salt, and optional chia seeds to the food processor. Pulse again until the mixture starts to come together and the prunes are well incorporated.
Add the maple syrup and almond butter. Process continuously, scraping down the sides as needed, until a sticky, uniform dough forms that holds together when pressed between your fingers.
If the mixture appears too dry and crumbly, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and process until the desired sticky consistency is achieved. The dough should be firm enough to roll but not overly wet.
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each bite. Roll firmly between your palms into smooth, 1-inch balls. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly dampen them with water.
Optional: For added flavor and visual appeal, roll the formed balls in shredded coconut, cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, or sesame seeds.
Place the finished energy bites on a plate or in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up, which makes them less sticky and improves their texture.
Store the Prune & Almond Energy Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 1 month for longer storage. Thaw frozen bites for a few minutes before enjoying.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To prevent sticking while rolling, lightly dampen your hands with water or use a small amount of coconut oil. Chilling the mixture for 10-15 minutes before rolling can also help.
- 2For an extra protein boost, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) to the food processor along with the dry ingredients.
- 3If your food processor struggles with the prunes, chop them roughly by hand before adding them to the machine. This helps the blades process them more easily.
- 4Adjust the sweetness to your preference: if you prefer less sweet, reduce the maple syrup by half; if you like it sweeter, add another teaspoon or two.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut & Seed Swaps
Substitute almonds with walnuts, cashews, or pecans. For seeds, try adding flax seeds, hemp seeds, or sunflower seeds for different nutritional profiles and textures.
Flavor BoostersFlavor Boosters
Introduce other spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or a pinch of ginger. A little orange zest can also brighten the flavor profile beautifully.
Sweet Add insSweet Add-ins
Fold in mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or finely chopped dried apricots after processing the main mixture, just before rolling.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Digestive Health
Prunes are well-known for their high fiber content, which aids in promoting regular bowel movements and overall digestive wellness. The soluble and insoluble fibers contribute to a healthy gut.
Sustained Energy
The combination of natural sugars from prunes, complex carbohydrates from oats, and healthy fats from almonds provides a steady release of energy, preventing sugar spikes and crashes, making them an ideal pick-me-up.
Bone Health Support
Prunes contain several nutrients beneficial for bone health, including vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium. Regular consumption may help in maintaining bone density, especially in postmenopausal women.
Frequently asked questions
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these Prune & Almond Energy Bites will stay fresh for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
