RECIPE VIDEO
Vegan |WFPB | Quick | Easy | Gluten-Free | Refined Sugar-Free | Nut-Free | Ready in 10 Minutes or Less
I just have a thing for the combination of chocolate and orange. Adding citrus to chocolate raises the (chocolate) bar. When that tasty combo can be ready for consumption within 10 minutes, I call that success.
Energy bites - or bliss balls, cookie dough, whatever you like calling them - 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 pack loads of yummy flavor, nutrition, and a quick energy boost into 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 so you have plenty on-hand. These babies disappear fast!
chocolate orange energy bites RECIPE
Vegan |WFPB | Quick | Easy | Gluten-Free | Refined Sugar-Free | Nut-Free | Ready in 10 Minutes or Less
YIELD: About 22 one-inch energy bites
PREP TIME: 7 minutes
MIX TIME: About 2 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 9 minutes until ready to eat!
CHILL TIME: At least 30 minutes before storing
RECIPE CATEGORY: Snack or any time
PRIMARY TOOLS: A medium pan and cooktop; food processor
COOKING METHOD: Toasting and mixing
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!
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)
METHOD
1. TOAST: Heat a medium pan over medium heat. Once hot add oats, stirring regularly until just becoming fragrant and slightly golden. (Careful: toasting too long will make the oats bitter.) In a hurry? It's ok to skip the toasting. Pour golden oats into food processor bowl.
2. MIX DRY INGREDIENTS: Add the dates, chia seeds/hemp hearts, cacao powder, zest, and vanilla powder. Pulse until well mixed.
3. MIX IN LIQUID: Add the orange juice and process until a dough ball forms.
4. SCOOP: 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.
5. FREEZE: Freeze the energy bites for at least 30 minutes so they don't stick together when stored.
6. STORE: Place the bites in a container and store in the fridge, while they last.
7. ENJOY!
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