Cinnamon Roll Energy Bites are a fun and tasty treat that packs a punch of flavor in every bite! Made with oats, nut butter, and sweet cinnamon, they taste just like a cozy cinnamon roll.
These little goodies are perfect for a quick snack when you need a boost. I love grabbing a couple before my morning workout—it feels like a cheat day, but it’s healthy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These provide a nice base for the bites and add fiber. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats!
Pitted Dates: They act as a natural sweetener and binder. If you don’t have dates, try using dried figs or prunes, though they can affect the flavor slightly.
Almonds: Almonds give a nice crunch. You can swap them for other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or even seeds like sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Almond Butter: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seed butter works as a great alternative.
Cinnamon: Essential for that cinnamon roll flavor! For a twist, you could add a touch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a fun variation.
How Do I Get the Right Texture for Energy Bites?
The key to the perfect energy bites is the texture. You want them sticky enough to hold together but not too wet. Start by pulsing the oats and nuts until finely ground without turning it into flour. When adding the dates and other ingredients, blend until the mixture starts to clump together.
- If your mixture is too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time until it’s just right.
- When rolling into balls, squeeze them tightly in your hands to ensure they hold shape.
Chilling in the fridge helps them firm up, making them easier to eat on the go. Enjoy your tasty energy bites! 🍽️
Cinnamon Roll Energy Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup almonds (or other nuts)
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or other nut butter)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Pinch of salt
- Water, as needed to blend
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious and nutritious recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and another 30 minutes to chill. Overall, you’ll have a tasty snack in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Mixture:
Start by placing the rolled oats, almonds, and shredded coconut (if using) in a food processor. Pulse these ingredients until finely ground, but be careful not to turn it into flour—just a nice crumbly texture is what you want.
2. Add in the Sweet and Flavorful Elements:
Next, toss in the pitted dates, almond butter, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (if you’re using it), along with a pinch of salt. Blend everything together until it starts to come together, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. You’re aiming for a sticky mixture that holds together easily. If the mixture seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you get the right consistency.
3. Shape Your Energy Bites:
Once your mixture is sticky enough to press together, take a handful and roll it into 1-inch balls using your hands. The more compact you make them, the better they will hold together!
4. Chill to Firm Up:
Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet or plate and pop them into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the energy bites firm up and makes them easier to grab and go.
5. Store and Enjoy:
After they’ve chilled and set, store your energy bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last about a week—if they last that long! You can also freeze them for longer storage—just let them thaw a bit before enjoying your snack!
Enjoy these Cinnamon Roll Energy Bites as a healthy, grab-and-go snack that tastes just like a comforting cinnamon roll!
Can I Use Different Nuts or Seeds for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the almonds for any nuts you prefer, like walnuts or pecans. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work great as substitutes!
What Can I Use Instead of Pitted Dates?
If you don’t have pitted dates on hand, you can use dried figs, apricots, or prunes as a substitute. Just keep in mind that different fruits may slightly alter the flavor of the energy bites!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying!
