These trail mix energy bites are made with dates, nuts, peanut butter, chia seeds, shredded coconut, and dried cranberries. They are addictively delicious, make the perfect snack, breakfast, or even dessert, and just happen to be vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar free.
Trail Mix Energy Bites
I’m a HUGE fan of energy bites! They are simple to prepare, made with good for you ingredients, and taste delicious. Plus, there are tons of different flavor combinations you can try.
Today, I’m bringing you one of my favorite flavors, peanut butter trail mix. Ir’s all the things you love in trail mix found in a bite size, addictively delicious, healthy snack! Plus, they are packed full of protein and natural ingredients!
These are perfect to have on hand for a quick snack before a work out, an afternoon pick-me up, a needed sweet treat after dinner, or just simply for breakfast. I’m literally eating one right now as I’m writing this post. I just can’t get enough of em’!
Main Ingredients
These energy bites are made with all natural, good for you ingredients:
- dates
- walnuts
- pecans
- peanut butter, all natural
- chia seeds
- shredded coconut
- dried cranberries
- cinnamon
- salt
How to make energy bites?
These bites comes together in a food processor. I first add the dates and blend them until they form a thick, sticky paste. The dates act as your binder and hold the balls together.
Next, I add in the nuts, peanut butter, and spices and pulse until the nuts are broken down and the mix resembles a wet sand. The nuts give these bites a needed crunch. The peanut butter also acts as a binder and gives that delicious salty, nutty flavor only peanut butter can provide. The cinnamon provides an extra boost of flavor.
Finally, fold in the remaining ingredients. The dried cranberries provide a tart flavor and chewy texture. The chia seeds add extra health benefits and extra crunch. The coconut also adds texture and a little more sweetness.
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out portions of the mixtures and roll into balls. Repeat this step until all of the mixture is used and you have about 12-15 energy bites.
Place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the fridge to set up, about 15 minutes. Once hardened, transfer to airtight container and store in fridge, for up to 2 weeks.
It’s as easy as that! Another reason to love energy bites – they are super simple to make 🙂
How to store trail mix energy bites?
As mentioned above, I recommend storing the trail mix energy bites in the fridge in an airtight container. They will last about 2 weeks.
Another great option is to store them in the freezer. They will last about a month. I would just recommend taking them out of the freezer a few minutes before eating so they soften.
Finally, you can store these at room temperature but they will only last about a week.
If you prefer a softer texture when enjoying the energy bites, you can just take them out of the fridge/freezer a few minutes before enjoying and they will come back to room temperature.
Other flavor combinations
Another thing to love about energy bites are they are totally customizable. You just need to base recipe – 1 cup dates, 1 cup nuts, and a 1/4 cup nut butter – and then you can add whatever ingredients you prefer after that!
If you love chocolate chips in your trail mix, you could totally folds those in too when you add the dried cranberries and shredded coconut.
If you are not a peanut butter fan, you can use almond butter or cashew butter.
You can use any nuts that you have on hand. To be honest, the reason I used pecans and walnuts is because that’s what was in my fridge. Cashews would be amazing too!
Have fun and make these energy bites you own.
Also, I plan to have other flavors on the blog soon. My next one will be brownie batter energy bites….stay tuned!
Other healthy snack ideas
If you make these trail mix 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, cuz sharing is caring!
Trail Mix Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates
- ½ cup walnuts
- ½ cut pecans
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- Pinch sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
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In a food processor, add the dates and blend until it forms a thick paste. Add in nuts, peanut butter, and spices and blend until it forms a wet sand like mixture. Stir in chia seeds, coconut, and dried cranberries.
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Using a small cookie scoop (or tablespoon measuring spoon), scoop out the mix and form into ball and place on baking sheet. Repeat process until all of the mixture is used.
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Put baking sheet in fridge and allow for the energy bites to set up, about 30 minutes. Enjoy!
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Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe Notes
Store these in an airtight container in fridge for up to 2 weeks or freezer for up to a month.
