Wait–you mean you DIDN’T want me to post super ugly fuzzy brown balls instead of a festive 4th of July recipe today?!
My bad. I thought you’d be over all the strawberry and blueberry cheesecakes by now.
Soooo my food processor decided to make the terrible decision to stop working. Tear. It’s really quite odd. I mean it still spins, but super slowly… basically too slowly to chop anything up. Leave it to my handy dandy food processor to break right when I want to whip up something snackable and sweet (without lots of sugar). Remember my sugar probs? Dates to the rescue. They’re nature’s candy! Stuff one with almond butter and thank me later. I had to soak mine in a bowl of warm water for a couple hours so they would be soft enough to blend up in my Magic Bullet, but if you have a normally functioning food processor or fabulous blender, then you shouldn’t have to soak the dates.
I made a similar version of these last week and I absolutely died for them right out of the freezer; so feel free to store them there or in the fridge. Let’s talk stats. These little bites of energy pack a serious nutritional punch. Each tasty bite has less than 100 calories, nearly 3 grams of protein and 2.6 grams of fiber. Did I mention they have no added sugar? Energy and nutrition bars on the market today are filled with high fructose corn syrup, artifical sweeteners and preservatives. Blech. They’re more like candy bars with a bit of protein. These babies, on the other hand, are bursting with wholesome ingredients that taste pretty darn delish, too. They may not be the prettiest little things, but I promise you’ll recognize every single ingredient on the list.
Eat one before a workout or as an easy mid-day snack. Eat two for breakfast with some eggies or a green smoothie. Ohhhhh the possibilites.
Just call ’em nature’s coffee.
Chocolate Chia Peanut Butter Bites
Prep Time:
Yield:
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PinIngredients
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 3/4 cup pitted dates (about 13 dates)
- 2/3 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- dash of salt
Instructions
- Pulse walnuts in blender or food processor until they reach a fine crumb. Pour walnut crumbs into a medium mixing bowl.
- Blend dates until they reach a paste-like consistency. Add to bowl.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the mixing bowl and stir until well combined.
- Form into about 13 bites. Store bites in refrigerator or freezer.
These look very yummy! Is there anything I could substitute for the oats? Thanks!!
Hmmm maybe almond meal? Hope it works out!!
OH my goodness…. thank you for this!!! Making them tonight.
Welcome! They’re pretty yum, especially right out of the freezer.
You make the best healthy desserts. Your site is my go-to site when it comes to good ‘treat’ ideas. Some other sites have good ideas but when I put them into action, the end result is blah, whereas your recipes actually turn out really flavorful! Also, your personality really shines through your writing. Stay true! : )
★★★★★
Your comment made my day, Beth! You’re too sweet. I’m overjoyed that you’re enjoying the healthy dessert recipes. Let me know if you try anything else that you like! Thanks so much for reading!
these look like little munchkin bites.. love the addition of chia seeds… and of course dates to make them sweeter. nicely done.
The chia seeds add a fabulous texture (plus tons of nutrition, of course)!
So glad I found you through pins on pintrest… so many yummy and healthy recipes here… can’t wait to start trying them!
Aww thanks, Rose! So glad you found me too 🙂
I love nut balls like these! Dates and nutbutter….perfect combo!
Thanks, Kim! It’s def a killer combo in my book.
Yes…I love energy bite! I can’t wait to try this recipe out. They look awesome!
I know you love a good energy bite 🙂 These are right up your alley girlfriend.
hehehe…they certainly are! 😉
Blueberry and strawberry cheesecake may tout the US flag colors but the chocolate and peanut butter combo has “America” written all over it…I’d say this is rather ideal for July 4th tomorrow…or any other day of the year ;)!
Couldn’t have said it better myself! They’re so totally patriotic, too 😉
Who needs 4th of July recipes when you can have chocolate AND peanut butter?! These sound tasty :).
Agreed! Ugly brown balls for the win!
These look delicious 🙂
Oh they SO are!