Date Energy Bites
Last summer when I was pregnant, I went through a handful of rather queasy months. I never got very sick, but from mid-morning through the afternoon it was always a little touch and go. I found that sometimes even though it was the last thing I wanted to do, if I ate just a little bitย I would feel better. As a result, I began keeping snacks in my purse in case I needed to nibble on something while I was away from home. I picked up some Larabars at the grocery store and got totally hooked on them; I still keep a couple in my purse! If youโre not familiar, they are simply pureed dates with nuts and some salt and additional flavors. Not surprisingly, the peanut variety was my favorite. I loved that they include only a few basic ingredients and no preservatives.
These energy bites are modeled after those bars and the flavor combinations are virtually limitless.
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The pureed dates form the base for these snack bites, but beyond that, I encourage you to play around with different nuts and dried fruits. I love cashews, but you could also use peanuts, almonds, pecans, etc.; the same goes for dried fruit, as well. I think that the dried cranberries provide a nice tangy balance to the sweet dates, but you could also use dried blueberries, cherries, mangoโฆ whatever youโd like!
While Iโm no longer nauseous throughout the day, meals and snacks are hard to come by some days, so having something healthy that I can easily grab and eat with one hand is crucial. These are the perfect solution and I plan to keep a stash in the refrigerator for emergency snacking!
Four years ago: Broccoli Salad
Seven years ago: Cheddar Corn Chowder
Date Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 14 pitted dates
- 1ยฝ cups (193.5 g) unsalted cashews, or the nut of your choice
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons water
- ยฝ cup (60.61 g) dried cranberries, or other dried berry of your choice
Instructionsย
- In a food processor, puree together the dates, cashews, flaxseed and vanilla extract for 1 minute.
- Add the water and dried cranberries and process until the mixture forms a ball, about 1 minute.
- Scoop heaping tablespoons, roll into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer until set, then transfer to a resealable bag and store in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 1 month.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
These are the best energy bites! So easy to make!
I made these date bites this morning. They are delicious!
I bet with that sweet baby kicking around your crib, these come in handy!
Iโm literally exhausted after long nights study. Energy bites is all I can ask for. Love the idea of adding dried fruit. Nutrition and vitamin can keep me alive. Long live the bites.
The cashew Larabars are my favorite flavor! The homemade variety looks delicious.
Thank you for featuring this simple and healthy snack! Have a feeling you would love the โdonut holesโ featured on the barre3 blog. They are a cousin of Larabars and your date energy bites, made with dates, nuts, unsweetened cocoa, vanilla & salt, then rolled in unsweetened coconut. They will become your new go-to purse snack : )
Perfect little versions of Lara Bars. Although, I might have to add in some chocolate chips!
Hi Michelle,
I just came across a special quote for moms about little boys that I would love to forward to you. I canโt attach it here but if there is another address I could sent it to, please let me know.
Larabars are one of my favorite right now when I need something quick at work.
Thank you for making something that is gluten and dairy free! I love reading your blog every day and have been the past few years, however, in the last 2 years I have found I can no longer have dairy or gluten. So seeing all your fabulous recipes every day, Iโm happy this one I can actually have!
I love making these as well! My favorite is the Coconut Cream Pie variety which comes out so good when you use unsweetened coconut, coconut oil, some cashews, dates, and salt. The possibilities are really endless with these! I still find myself buying a Lara Bar on occasion, but I love the ability to make them at home too! Iโve also sometimes added a prune or two in there which adds a different flavor โ works really well if you are doing a chocolate variety.
Do you mind if I ask what amount you use for coconut, coconut oil and cashews? This sounds like my kind of combo ;)
I love Larabars! The Peanut Butter Cookie and Apple Pie are my two favorite flavors. These date bites are right up my alley as I love anything with dates.
sounds delicious!!!
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