When you're craving peanut butter and jelly but don't want a whole sandwich, these PB&J Energy Bites are here for the rescue. Healthy, easy, vegan & delish!
Nostalgia is a funny thing, isn't it? There are so many different situations that can take you back in time, but nothing affects me more than food.
Hence the PB&J reference.
When we were little, we used to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all the time for an afterschool snack. We'd come home, pull out some of our “seedy bread” (that's what we called the whole grain bread our parents bought) and whipped up some sammies with organic peanut butter and Smucker's raspberry jelly.
It was one of my all-time favorite things and this flavor combo always takes me back. So today we're recreating that classic combo and putting it into these healthy, vegan PB&J energy bites!
When I came up with the concept for these bites, I wasn't quite sure how to I was going to get the jelly combo. You can't find dried raspberries, dried strawberries could work but are also hard to find, dried grapes = raisins (NO thanks).
I settled on two variations: dried organic blueberries and dried cherries!
I'm partial to the blueberry ones because I think they're a bit sweeter, they have a more classic taste, and I like the way they make the balls look. But cherries are also delicious!
How to make PB&J Energy Bites
If you haven't made one of my energy bite recipes before, you're going to love how easy they are. You basically just dump everything into the food processor, let it do its job, roll them into balls and done.
One trick I've found is that you should always blend your fruit and nuts together first so that it resembles a fine, sandy texture andĀ then add your liquids. That way you won't be left with big chunks of nuts or dates ā everything will be equally dispersed in each bite.Ā (also…don't forget to pit those dates!)
The food processor I use is this one (it's an 11-cup) and it works like a charm!
I would definitely say these PB&J energy bites are on a little out thereĀ for me. I usually stick with my chocolate bites, but since I always have a massive stash in my freezer, it's nice to be able to change things up.
If you're not a chocolate fan or are maybe just looking something a little untraditional, these are your jam. (<ā pun intended ????)
They're fruity, they're nutty, they're a bit lower in sugar and calories than your standard bite, they're high in fiber and yes, they def taste like PB&J!
Here's why I think you're going to love these energy bites!
- They're quick to make
- Require just 7 ingredients
- Are totally portable & easy to bring with on the go
- Double has a delicious dessert
- Packed with all your macros – carbs, protein & fat
- Perfect for pre- or post-workout!
And honestly, I could go on and on ????
I've been loving having an energy bite with my match each morning. It's the perfect pre-workout snack for me! I feel energized, but not too full, my hunger is kept at bay a little and I just love having a sweet little treat to start the day.
Can't wait to hear what you think of them!
More energy bite recipes to try:
- Turtle Cookie Energy Bites (my favorite)
- Snickerdoodle Energy Bites
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Energy Bites
- How to Make Energy Balls: The Ultimate Guide
PB&J Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 4 Medjool dates pitted
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries or cherries
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 1/3 cup gluten-free oats
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons water or maple syrup for something sweeter
Instructions
- Add dates, blueberries, peanuts and oats into a food processor. Process on high until crumbly.
- Add in peanut butter and coconut oil and blend again until a dough starts to come together. If that's not happening, stream in water (or maple syrup) one tablespoon at a time until a sticky dough forms.
- Remove the lid and form the mixture into balls.
- Transfer to a plate, enjoy immediately, or for an even better texture, cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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When you're craving peanut butter and jelly but don't want a whole sandwich, these PB&J Energy Bites are here for the rescue. Healthy, easy, vegan & delish!
