Dark Chocolate Energy Bites with California Walnuts

By Paty Winters
Total Time
20 Mins
Serves
8
Serving Size
2
Meal
Snack
Course
Snack

DESCRIPTION

Craving a sweet, better-for-you snack? These no-bake darkchocolateenergy bites store in the refrigerator or freezer for grab-and-go convenience. Plus, they’re packed full of nutrient-dense ingredients, including California walnuts, so they’re both delicious and nutritious!

Prep Time
20 Mins
Cook Time
0 Mins
Total Time
20 Mins
Calories
225
Total Fat
10.1
Saturated Fat
2.6
Trans Fat
0
Polyunsaturated Fat
3.2
Monounsaturated Fat
.9
Cholesterol
0
Sodium
18.3
Carbohydrates
30.8
Dietary Fiber
3.5
Total Sugars
.5
Added Sugars
0
Protein
5
Vitamin D
0
Calcium
11.7
Iron
2.1
Potassium
128.4

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
  • 3 Tbsp cacao powder
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted, coarsely chopped
  • 3 Tbsp walnut butter
  • 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 3 Tbsp California walnuts, toasted, chopped
  • 6 Tbsp mini bittersweet cacao chips, divided (use 3 Tbsp melted for decorating, optional)

Preparation

  1. Process oats in the bowl of a food processer until finely ground and transfer to a medium mixing bowl. Add cacao powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir to combine.
  2. To the same food processer bowl, add dates, walnut butter and maple syrup. Pulse until it forms a thick paste, scraping down sides as needed.
  3. Add paste to the oat mixture and mash together with a spatula until it resembles a crumbly dough, then continue working the dough with clean hands until it forms a cohesive dough.
  4. Add walnuts and cacao chips to dough and knead until incorporated.
  5. Using a small ice cream/cookie scoop, divide dough into 16 portions and roll each piece into a ball with your hands.
  6. Decorate with a drizzle of melted cacao chips, optional.
  7. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 30 days.