How to Make No-Bake Energy Bites

5 from 9 votes

Energy Bites are no-bake cookies made with healthy ingredients like nuts, seeds, coconut, and dried fruit. They’re so easy to make in a food processor, and they are great for travel snacks or packable lunches.

no bake energy bites

I have a sweet tooth, I always have, but I’ve traded in the packaged treats for homemade versions using real food ingredients. (You can read more about my health journey here, including my nearly 20-year battle with binge-eating on candy.)

In addition to being a healthy and satisfying snack, energy bites are easy to make, and are great for kids and adults. They’re no-bake, meaning that you simply combine the ingredients, roll them into balls, and chill to set. You can even make a double batch and freeze one for later.

Ideally, you will have a food processor to make your Energy Bites. This will allow you to quickly combine ingredients like seeds and dates into your cookie “batter.”

no bake energy bites in food processor

A basic food processor runs about $50 for a small version up to $300-$400 for higher-end models. If you choose a small version that is less than 4 cups, then you might have to make smaller batches or process your ingredients in two batches. The best option is a food processor that is at least 7 cups. I recommend either the Cuisinart or the Breville Sous Chef.

In addition to a food processor, you are going to need ingredients! I recommend NOW Foods brand for nuts, seeds, and flavorings like cocoa powder, Nature’s Delight medjool dates, and Bob’s Red Mill for gluten-free flours.

Here’s my basic No-Bake Energy Bite recipe:

No bake energy bites
5 from 9 votes

The Energy Bites Formula

By: Andrew
Since Energy Bites are usually raw, meaning they do not need baking, they use ingredients that are safe to eat without baking. Here is my basic Energy Bites recipe, which can be easily modified based on your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.
Prep: 40 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 Energy Bites

Ingredients 

  • 1 1/2 cups nuts and seeds, your choice
  • 1/2 cup oats, or your favorite gluten-free flour
  • 1 cup Medjool Dates, about 10 large dates, pitted
  • 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil, to bind the cookies together
  • 1-2 teaspoons flavoring, cocoa powder or cinnamon, your choice

Instructions 

  • Combine the ingredients in the base of a food processor and process on high until completely mixed, about 1 minute total. 
  • Use your hands to form the mixture into a ball with a diameter of approximately 1-inch. You'll have enough mixture to make about a dozen energy bites. 
  • Place the energy bites in the fridge to set, about 30 minutes. 
  • Serve cold or at room temperature. Leftovers will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. 

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 204mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 20IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 0.9mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

Get Creative!

With this basic formula, you can see how versatile Energy Bites are and how many different flavors you can make. Also, they are naturally gluten-free and vegan, and can be adapted to meet the needs of people who might have food allergies. Feel free to get creative, especially after you’ve made the recipes in my free e-book and have a feel for what you like.

Download my free e-book with recipes for energy bites, and get recipes for:

  • Chocolate Orange Hemp Bites
  • Date-Hemp Bites
  • Peanut Butter Protein Bites
  • Peppermint Bites
  • Pumpkin Pie Bites

Enjoy!

no bake energy bites

About the Author

clean-eating-every-day-by-carrie-forrestCarrie Forrest is the creator of Clean Eating Kitchen, a blog featuring gluten- and dairy-free recipes. Carrie has a masters degree in public health nutrition. Most importantly, she is a woman who is using real food and healthy living habits to heal from chronic migraines, autoimmune disease, hormone imbalance, and anxiety. Carrie is also the host of the brand-new Clean Eating for Women podcast. You can find her on Facebook at “Clean Eating Carrie” , Pinterest, and Instagram @carriecleaneating.

A photo of Andrew Wilder leaning into the frame and smiling, hovering over mixing bowls in the kitchen.

Welcome to Eating Rules!

Hi! My name is Andrew Wilder, and I think healthy eating doesn’t have to suck. With just three simple eating rules, we'll kickstart your journey into the delicious and vibrant world of unprocessed food.

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6 Comments
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Bestcookhouse
January 1, 2022 5:20 am

How long do protein balls last in the fridge?

Peanut Butter protein balls need to be refrigerated and will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge in an airtight container. If you choose to freeze yours, you can expect them to last about 30 days in the freezer. visit: bestcookhouse.com

Bryson Fico
May 30, 2021 6:29 am

5 stars
We love the energy bites. They are delicious, easy to make, healthy and the perfect to to snack for cycling and hiking.

Sandy D
October 22, 2018 1:38 pm

I loathe coconut; would butter or olive oil work as a substitute?

Cindy
October 3, 2017 12:46 pm

Well, she’s collecting names and addresses, but the ebook doesn’t download. Must a a computer thingy…