Homemade energy bites are my kids’ favorite snack, hands down! We have been making these for years and they’re so tasty for adults and kids alike – please make sure read the safety information below before serving.
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These are also awesome for pregnant mamas, as some data suggests that dates may help with cervical ripening before birth.
Best of all, they are a nice balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates (read: energy) that taste amazing.
I loved having them on hand when I was pregnant and breastfeeding, especially because they’re a quick, satisfying snack that can be eaten with one hand! You can make a large batch and keep them room temperature, in the fridge or frozen – you (adult) can eat them frozen, but make sure to thaw for younger eaters.
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These energy bites are similar to commercially available energy bars and are made of equal parts Medjool dates and nuts or seeds of choice. That's it. Make sure to use a high powered blender or food processor to blend. If using the Vitamix, use the tamper to help the mixture blend well.
Vary the nuts you use: each one provides different nutrition! For non-allergic people, regular exposure to nuts is important for allergy prevention.
What does equal parts nuts/seeds and dates mean?
1 cup cashews + 1 cup pitted dates
or
2 cups peanuts + 2 cups pitted dates
(Make sense?)
A few tips for success with these:
- Use juicy (not dry) pitted dates – if they’re too dry the energy bites will be too. You can also soak dates in hot water for a few minutes to soften them up first. Simply drain and remove excess water before blending.
- Any nut or seed will do – we tend to like the ones that are a little softer/more oily. Almonds work too, but sometimes they’re a little dry.
- If the mix is too dry when you blend it, add more dates.
- You can roll into balls or flatten in a pan and cut into bars.
- Consider stirring in finely shredded coconut, mini dark chocolate chips, chia seeds etc. into the “dough” and mix well before rolling into balls.
SAFETY INFO:
- If serving these to kids under 4 make sure that the nuts are completely blended – no big nut pieces!
- If serving these to babies or young toddlers (a good way to introduce them to various nut allergens), they need to be a very soft paste. Make sure they’re completely squishable between your fingers and are soft. When in doubt wait til they’re older.
Enjoy!