Energy bites are a favorite snack in my household. I’ve even turned my immediate family on the east coast onto energy bites, because I’m always whipping them up when I visit as a healthy snack to have around.
And as a big fan of keeping things interesting in the kitchen and in life in general, I’m always coming up with new energy bite combinations. Today I’ve got a new one to share: chocolate cake batter chia energy bites!
Made with oats, plant-based protein powder and chia seeds, these vegan, gluten free bites pack a nutritious punch. They get their cake batter flavor thanks to the combo of cashew butter, cinnamon, vanilla and cocoa, and are sweetened with dates and maple syrup.
They’re the perfect little bite to hold you over until a meal or give you some quick on-the-go healthy fuel.
In fact, these energy bites are a big hit with my hubby, who keeps snacking on a few while he patiently waits for dinner to be ready.
Chocolate Cake Batter Chia Energy Bites {vegan + gf}
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup / about 20 pitted dates
- 2/3 cup dry oats I use old fashioned*
- 1 scoop chocolate plant-based protein powder
- 3 TBSP pure maple syrup
- 2 TBSP cashew butter
- 2 TBSP chia seeds
- 2 TBSP mini chocolate chips**
- 1 TBSP cocoa powder
- 1/2 TSP vanilla extract
- 1/4 TSP cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor. Pulse until a thick dough-like mixture forms.
- Scrape down the sides of the food processor, then add in the mini chocolate chips. Pulse again for about 10 seconds.
- Remove the dough for the processor, rolling the batter into 12 bite-sized balls.
Notes
**Ensure that the chocolate chips are vegan if wanting to make these bites entirely plant-based.
Nutrition
Looking for other energy bite recipes? Fitness Magazine just published an article featuring vegan energy bites for pre- or post- workout fuel, and a recipe from yours truly was included! Check it out here.
Tell me… What are some of your go-to snacks?
A few other beloved snacks in my household are apples + hummus with veggies or crackers.
I just made balls too! I’m drafting the blog post right now… then got distracted by your balls. Hee hee!
I love the cake better idea! I need to coming the two recipes… mine have bourbon. 😉
Um YES I need to try your bourbon balls…tee hee hee!
I love the sound of these, and will be making them this weekend.
Awesome to hear! I made another batch of them last week.
Oh my gosh these look fabulous. I would eat that whole bowl full.
Thanks, Abby! Yes, it’s so easy to eat a bunch of them at once… though I try to use portion control!
I love energy bites! They’re perfect before morning workouts 🙂 I haven’t tried a chocolate flavored one, so I’m excited to try these soon!
Ooooh I highly suggest that you get on trying chocolate energy bites! I just made chocolate PB ones yesterday. Mmm!