No-bake energy bites made with just granola and dates are considered the best by many due to their simplicity, nutrient density, natural sweetness, and versatility. They are a convenient and health-conscious snack option that can satisfy your sweet cravings while providing sustained energy and essential nutrients.
Simplicity: The minimal ingredient list makes these energy bites incredibly simple and quick to prepare. You don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated cooking techniques, which is especially convenient for busy individuals or those with limited cooking skills. Nutrient-Dense: Granola provides whole grains, fiber, and a variety of nutrients, while dates offer natural sweetness, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and magnesium. This combination packs a nutritious punch in a small package. Natural Sweetness: Dates provide natural sweetness without the need for added sugars or sweeteners. This makes the energy bites a healthier alternative to many store-bought snacks that may be high in refined sugars. Energy Boost: Thanks to the carbohydrates from the granola and dates, these energy bites can provide a quick and sustained source of energy. They are a great choice for a pre-workout snack, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a convenient on-the-go option. Fiber and Satiety: Both granola and dates are rich in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. This can aid in portion control and prevent overeating. Customization: While the basic recipe is just two ingredients, you can easily customize these energy bites to your taste by adding optional ingredients such as nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract. Portable and Convenient: No-bake energy bites are portable and don’t require refrigeration, making them an ideal choice for travel, school lunches, or outdoor activities. They are also less prone to melting or spoiling in warm conditions compared to some other snacks. Kid-Friendly: The natural sweetness of dates makes these energy bites appealing to both kids and adults. They can be a nutritious and tasty way to encourage children to consume healthier snacks. No Cooking Required: As the name suggests, these bites are no-bake, so they’re perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. This also reduces the risk of overcooking or burning. Cost-Effective: Making these energy bites at home can be more cost-effective than buying pre-packaged energy bars or snacks, especially if you purchase ingredients in bulk.
Why make these energy balls?
The fact that we use granola means we don’t need many ingredients. Granola itself is made with oats, nuts, and dried fruits. But, often it also had a few other healthy ingredients like flax seeds, chia seeds, coconut, etc. Also, these energy bites can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week, but we doubt they will last that long! This batch is perfect for use for a week and yet I often double the batch and keep them in the fridge for longer so you can grab them during the day. And the taste of sweet dates along with the fiber from the oats is perfect for healthy snacking for both kids and adults during the day especially the afternoon sweet craving. It also makes a great treat to substitute dessert. You can also use store-bought granola or homemade granola!
Ingredients and substitutes
Dates – This is the glue that keeps it all together!! But if you do not like dates you can use either almond butter or peanut butter. You can then add some dried fruits such as cranberries and raisins for sweetness. Granola – This is where this gets interesting every single time you make these bites. I make many different flavors of granola using old-fashioned oats. Basic homemade granola, cranberry almond granola, almond blueberry granola, toasted coconut granola, maple pecan I like to call pecan pie granola, dates, and sunflower seed granola. So every time it’s a new version of these energy bites. Spices – I think cinnamon is the most preferred in our home but you can add pumpkin spice or gingerbread spice if you prefer. Optional ingredients – you can also throw in a few chia seeds, chocolate chips, nut butter, honey if you like it sweeter,
No-bake energy bites
Soak dates – Place the dates in a heat-proof bowl and pour some boiling water about 2 inches over the dates. Soak for 10 minutes then drain them well. Pit the dates and discard any loose dry skin.Pro tip – soaking the dates will ensure they become smooth when put in the food processor.
Granola – Add the granola (and spices) to the food processor and pulse until breadcrumb consistency. Remove into another bowl for a few minutes. Dates – To the same food processor add the dates and pulse until smooth. Combine – Return the crushed granola to the food processor and pulse until combined. Transfer the content to a bowl and make sure everything is well combined.Pro tip – The food processor can leave large chunks uncombined.
Balls – take about 2 tablespoons worth of mixture and shape into a smooth ball. At this time you can also add any other dry ingredients such as flours, or wet ingredients such as nut butter to the mixture and combine well. (see variations for ideas)Pro tip– you can use a cookie scoop to make sure all balls are similar in size. A golf size ball makes a perfect single serving.
Store – Place the energy balls in a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them air dry for 30 minutes to an hour before you store them in an airtight container.Pro tip – airdrying them in a tray will prevent them from sticking. Storage – these will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can even freeze them in freezer-safe bags for up to a month.
Variations
Peanut butter bites – add 2 to 4 tablespoons of peanut butter to the dates along with the crushed granola. Oatmeal bites – add an additional cup of toasted rolled oats to the mixture. Maple syrup energy bites – you can reduce some of the dates and add an additional 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. Coconut bites – add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the mixture and stir to combine. Make sure to store them in the refrigerator. Almond, cashew bites – add 1/2 cup almond butter or cashew butter to the mixture and combine well before you shape into balls. Granola seed balls – use granola that conatins sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even sunflower seed butter to the mixture. Flax bites – some granola contain whole or ground flaxseeds but you can also add ground flax seeds to the mixture before shaping into a ball. Protein balls – add 1/2 cup protein powder to the mixture before shaping into balls. Chocolate bites – add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the mixture to make chocolate energy bites! Gluten-free balls – of course, use gluten-free granola or oatmeal to make glutenfree bites. Wet ingredients – such as grated carrots, can be added to the energy bites but these must be stored in the fridge, do not have a long shelflife and need to be consumed without 2 to 3 days.
More snacks
Homemade Yogurt Parfait Sugar-free Granola Bars Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins Best Ever Zucchini Muffins or Carrot Cake Muffins Blueberry Banana Smoothie, or Banana Dates Smoothie Baked Potato Chips or Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
Frequently asked questions
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