Energy ball, energy bites, protein balls – whatever you chose to call them, they are the perfect snack!
Loaded with healthy and energizing ingredients, energy bites are an amazing healthy alternative to high sugar protein and granola bars.
There are many variations so you can always find something to tempt your taste buds. In this recipe, I’ve used peanut butter as the base and hidden a dollop of jelly in the middle, reminding me of my favorite peanut butter and jelly combination!
Some tips for making energy bites:
- You will need a food processor. A blender won’t do the trick (I’ve tried believe me!).
- You can easily substitute any nut butter for the peanut butter! I just like the traditional peanut butter and jelly combo here.
- To form the balls, place a small amount in your hand and make an indentation with your pinky finger. Fill that with a small amount of jelly. Then place a small amount of the energy bite mixture on top and form into a ball.
- I always put my energy bites into the freezer on a plate right after making them. I leave them for an hour in order to let them take and keep their shape.
- Then I place in a large reusable bag and keep in the freezer for a few months! I take them out and let them come to room temperature as needed. They are also PERFECT for kids’ lunches!
I ended up rolling some of the balls in cocoa powder, some in oats and some in vanilla protein powder, but this is completely optional!
Enjoy!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 16 large dates, pitted (make sure they are soft and fresh)
- 3/4 cup natural peanut butter (the drippier the better)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2-3 tbsp jelly (you may not need this much – just enough for a small dollop in each ball)
- any additional mix-ins or ingredients to roll the balls in!
Instructions
- Place the pitted dates, peanut butter and maple syrup in a food processor. If the dates are dry, soak them in warm water first to plump them up. Mix on the low setting until dates are broken up into small pieces the the mixture resembles small crumbs. It will most likely come together in a large sticky ball.
- Follow the steps in the recipe description in order to make the balls with a dollop of jelly inside.
- Roll in extra ingredients if you chose.
- Place on a large plate in the freezer or fridge to set.
- Note: This made approximately 16 energy bites for me!
