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    Home » snack

    Vegan Chocolate Orange Energy Bites

    Jump to Recipe
    pinterest graphic showing the making of and a plate of energy bites
    pinterest graphic showing chocolate energy bites

    A favorite flavor combination, these vegan chocolate orange energy bites (or energy balls, or bliss balls, or cookie dough balls, or whatever it is you like to call them) are quick and easy to make. It's so nice to have a batch on-hand for those hangry moments. Plus, they're gluten-free, plant-based, vegan, refined sugar-free, and oil-free!

    chocolate energy balls on a white plate with a stack of oranges behind this for later

    I just have a thing for the combination of chocolate and orange.  Adding citrus to chocolate raises the bar.  When that tasty combo can be ready for consumption within 10 minutes, I call that success. It's true that, to hold their shape, it's best to chill them first. But nothing is stopping you from grabbing one beforehand; no matter its shape, it will be delicious.

    Energy bites are so wonderful because they are easy to make, to grab while running out the door, to pack for lunch or a long bike ride, to get that snack and move on to the next thing.  They're filled with yummy flavor, nutrition, and a quick energy boost - all inside a little portable package.  They are a crowd-pleaser, generally satisfying all age groups (those under three and over one eating tiny pinches at a time).  In short, they are a little round real-food superhero for those moments when we need a boost.

    As usual, I recommend doubling the recipe for these energy balls so you have plenty on-hand.  These babies disappear fast!

    Ingredients

    Just seven ingredients are needed to make Vegan Chocolate Orange Energy Bites:

    • rolled oats
    • medjool dates
    • chia seeds
    • cacao powder
    • orange zest
    • orange juice
    • vanilla powder (extract may be substituted using ½ the amount, since the flavor of vanilla powder is stronger)

    Instructions

    This is an easy one!

    • Just add the dry ingredients to a food processor, and when well-combined add the liquid.
    • Once it all comes together, wet your hands and form balls by the spoonful. I like to make them around an inch or so in size.
    • Place the balls on a baking sheet and chill in the freezer or fridge for at least a half hour. That way, they will hold their shape better as you stack them in a container. Keep the container in the refrigerator or freezer. Remember to make a big batch so they're ready for you when you need a pick-me-up!
    a food processor with energy bite dough inside
    a zested orange and a chocolate dipped spoon next to a tray of bliss balls
    Vegan Rum Balls
    They're chocolatey, they're creamy, they're boozy - they're vegan rum balls! Such a phenomenal, flavor-packed treat that's perfect for the holidays. Made with real whole foods, gluten-free, without added oil or added refined sugar (just what's in the chocolate chips or bar). Not doing alcohol? No problem - there's an alcohol-free version included!
    Check out this recipe
    close up view of a chocolate rum ball with a bite out of it
    a tray of chocolate orange energy bites
    a pyramid of chocolate energy balls on a white plate

    Chocolate Orange Energy Bites

    A favorite flavor combination, these vegan chocolate orange energy bites (or energy balls, or bliss balls, or cookie dough balls, or whatever it is you like to call them) are quick and easy to make. It's so nice to have a batch on-hand for those hangry moments. Plus, they're gluten-free, plant-based, vegan, refined sugar-free, nut-free, and oil-free!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: vegan
    Keyword: bliss-balls, chocolate, energy-balls, energy-bites, orange
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Chill Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Fiber: 3.9g
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    Equipment

    • food processor

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup rolled oats if necessary, make sure the label indicates gluten-free
    • 1 cup medjool dates pits removed
    • 6 tablespoons chia seeds hemp hearts, or a mix of the two
    • 2 tablespoons cacao powder
    • 4 teaspoons orange zest from about 1 large or 2 medium oranges
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla powder
    • 5 tablespoons orange juice from the zested orange

    Instructions

    • Add the oats, dates, chia seeds/hemp hearts, cacao powder, zest, and vanilla powder.  Pulse until well mixed.
    • Add the orange juice and process until a dough ball forms.
    • Using a tablespoon, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a freezer-safe tray or plate.  It helps to have wet fingers to help keep the dough from sticking to your hands.
    • Freeze the energy bites for at least 10 minutes so they don't stick together when stored.
    • Place the bites in a container and store in the fridge, while they last.

    Notes

    Note: Kitchen times are approximate and will depend on various factors, like your personal kitchen speed and how many hands you have working with you. Cooking can become a centering experience that brings family together. I hope you enjoy the ride!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 94.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.7g | Protein: 2.3g | Fat: 2.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 1.8mg | Potassium: 162.4mg | Fiber: 3.9g | Sugar: 8.8g | Vitamin A: 38.5IU | Vitamin C: 4.5mg | Calcium: 52.1mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @beautifulingredient and tag #beautifulingredient!

    More snack recipes:

    • Vanilla Tapioca Pudding (Vegan)
    • Easy Pecan Butter
    • Arugula Pecan Vegan Cheesy Spread
    • Chocolate-Dipped Dried Satsuma Orange Slices
    « Sunny Smoothie Bowl
    The Go-To Lemon Salad Dressing (oil-free) »

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    Welcome to a world of beautiful food!

    I'm Kari, and this is where I celebrate beautiful ingredients and focus on ways to make eating more plants easier. Recipes are centered around whole foods and are vegan, oil-free, refined sugar-free, and mostly gluten-free. And so delicious!



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