These banana bread energy bites make for a delicious and nutrient packed snack. They’re bursting with real banana flavor, sweetened only with dates, filled with nutrient rich-good for you ingredients, and taste amazing! Perfect for a healthy morning treat, after work/school snack, or pre-work out boost!
banana bread energy bites make for a delicious treat!
I’m always on the hunt for delicious, filling, and nutrient rich snacks. I need a delicious but healthy treat when I wake up hungry or my afternoon sweet tooth hits. Or as a great energy boost before a workout. Granola bars always seem like the perfect solution, but many store-bought kinds contain tons of sugar and other unwanted ingredients. That’s why I prefer making homemade energy balls; you can create a well-balanced and wholesome treat using real ingredients that still tastes amazing!
These banana bread energy bites are a new fav! They taste just like a delicious slice of banana bread but are easy to make, no baking requirement, gluten-free, vegan, and refined-sugar free. Yaas!
what is an energy bite?
Energy bites, also known as bliss balls, protein balls, or energy balls, are essentially bite sized treats made from energy-boosting ingredients. They are filled with nutrient-rich ingredients like nuts, nut butters, fruit, oats and seeds, that are packed with healthy fats and protein and intended to keep you full, satisfied, and energized. They also only take about 10 minutes to make so are a quick, powerhouse treat!
ingredients in banana bread energy bites
These banana bread energy bites are made with tons of nutrient rich ingredients:
- fresh, mashed banana, helps sweeten these protein energy bites plus makes it taste like a slice of banana bread.
- fresh pitted dates, these energy bites are sweetened only with dates (and the fresh banana). Dates are are an unrefined all natural sweetener filled with nutrients and vitamins. Dates also act as the binder to help the energy bites keep their shape.
- rolled oats, adds a hearty nutty taste plus fiber and whole grains.
- walnuts, are wonderful source of protein to help you feel full longer. Also contain dietary fiber and nutrients to help with heart and brain health!
- ground flaxseed, has a high fiber content, which aids in digestion. Also high in omega-3 fats and tons of vitamins, making this a super food!
- hemps seeds, delivers a blast of essential nutrients to make this treat even better for you!
- chia seeds, add texture (a nice little crunch) while also adding vitamins and minerals.
- cinnamon, cinnamon and banana go wonderful together, plus the cinnamon adds warm, cozy flavors that make this treat perfect for winter.
- dark chocolate, adds a delicious depth of flavor that compliments the banana. Dark chocolate also contains less sugar than milk or semi-sweet chocolate plus is chalked full of antioxidants.
how to make banana bread energy bites
This couldn’t be easier. You simply need a food processor, cookie scoop or spoon, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and a microwave safe bowl.
Add the pitted dates, mashed banana, rolled oats, 1 cup walnuts, hemp seeds, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt to a food process and process until well-incorporated and it produced a sticky batter. Add in the 1/3 cup walnuts and pulse until just combined but chunks of walnut are still present. Fold in chia seeds.
Using a small cookie scoop or large spoon, divide the batter and roll into about 16 balls. The batter will be slightly sticky. Place in fridge to set for at least 30 minutes.
Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on 60% powder, in increments of 45 seconds, until chocolate is fully melted and smooth, Drizzle over balls and place in the fridge for 10 minutes or until hardened.
Balls should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week (or in the freezer for up to 30 months).
substitutions and adds in
These energy bites are easily customizable to your liking. You can sub the walnuts for any nut you have on hand. You can omit the chia seeds if you do not like them or do not have them in your pantry (but the flaxseed and hemp seeds are a must as they act as binders). You can also spice these ups by adding in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or other warm spices, like chai spice!
other delicious healthy treats
enjoy!
These banana bread bites make for a delicious, easy, and nutrient rich snack that tastes just like banana bread!
If you make these banana bread energy bites, please leave a comment below. I absolutely love to hear from you guys and your thoughts on my recipes. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or pin it on pinterest so I can see your creations!
Banana Bread Energy Bites
A delicious, easy, and nutrient-rich snack that tastes just like banana bread!
Ingredients
- 6 large and pitted dates
- 1 small ripe mashed banana about a heaping 1/3 cup
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 + 1/3 cups unsalted walnuts divided, almonds, pecans, or nut mix works too
- 2 tablespoons hemp seed
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
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Add the pitted dates, mashed banana, rolled oats, 1 cup walnuts, hemp seeds, flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt to a food process and process until well-incorporated and it produces a sticky batter. Add in the 1/3 cup walnuts and chia seeds pulse until just combined but chunks of nuts are still present.
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Using a small cookie scoop or large spoon, divide the batter and roll into about 16 balls. The batter will be slightly sticky. Place in fridge to set for at least 30 minutes.
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Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on 60% powder, in increments of 45 seconds, until chocolate is fully melted and smooth, Drizzle over balls and place in the fridge for 10 minutes or until hardened.
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Balls should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week (or in the freezer for up to a month).
Recipe Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. You can store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
