No-Bake Chocolate Chia Energy Bites with Almond Butter
These no-bake chocolate chia energy bites are rich, chocolatey, and full of texture. They are slightly sweetened with honey, and a touch of almond butter makes them creamy and tasty.
I love snacks. But I must admit, my idea of a snack up until a couple of years ago was 2 or 3 double-stuffed Oreo cookies with a cup of coffee. Not the smartest choice, for sure.
Two years ago, I started opting for cereal or granola bars. I also loved protein bars dipped in almond or peanut butter. But they’re loaded with sugar, too. Each day, my Pinterest feed is filled with countless better-for-you snack choices, so I decided to take those granola energy balls and put a spin on them.
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How to Make Chocolate Chia Energy Bites
I wanted a rich and deep chocolate flavor I crave, so I started with unsweetened cocoa powder as the base and added rolled oats and chia seeds to give it texture and nutrients ;). The almond butter acts as a binder, but if almond butter is not your favorite, feel free to substitute it with peanut butter.
Step 1. Melt the Almond Butter
First, I recommend melting the almond butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds or so and then mixing the honey in the warm butter until you get a homogeneous mixture. Basically, you’re sweetening the almond butter. I used Barney Smooth Almond Butter. I like it for this particular recipe because it is super smooth, and it doesn’t have a grit texture. Not that I don’t like the grit texture (I actually love it), but you don’t need to add that extra layer of crunchiness to these bites.
I love almond butter so much that I am turning into this ‘almond butter connoisseur.’ My favorite, which I could eat out of the jar and spreads beautifully on warm waffles, is Justin’s Vanilla Almond Butter. Hands down, the best for toast, waffles, or dipping your fruit!
Step 2. Mix the Almond Butter with Dry Ingredients
To put these chocolate chia energy bites together, you must mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl and add the melted butter and honey mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are combined.
Step 3. Roll The Energy Bites
Take a small amount (about 1.5 tbsps.) of the mixture and roll it into a ball, like making meatballs! Finish them off by rolling them over a layer of shredded coconut. I recommend you use sweetened coconut flakes instead of unsweetened ones to balance the bittersweet cocoa powder.
This recipe yields about 12 balls (approximately 1 1/4 -inches), and you can store them in the fridge for up to a week. They will slightly harden a bit in the fridge. If you can wait, let them reach room temperature, or you can pop one in the microwave for 7 to 10 seconds.
Chocolate Chia Energy Bites Recipe Card
No-Bake Chocolate Chia Energy Bites
These no-bake chocolate chia energy bites are nutritious, full of flavor and texture. Slightly sweetened with honey, and a touch of almond butter makes them creamy, and tasty. So tasty, it’s hard to eat only one!
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashion rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp. chia seeds
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp. chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt almond butter (about 45 seconds).
- Mix honey with almond butter until combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients including the chocolate chips if you are using them.
- Add almond butter and honey mixture to dry ingredients and mix well until combined.
- Roll mixture into 1 1/4-inch balls, and roll over shredded coconut.
- Store bites in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week. They will also be good at room temperature for up to 3 days. Enjoy at room temperature. If kept in the refrigerator, I recommend softening them in the microwave for 7 to 10 seconds.
They are super-delicious. My friend offered them to me after warming them a few seconds in the microwave and they tasted so yummy. Soft but crunchy at the same time. Love all the ingredients. Husband tried them and he loved the cocoa mix with the nutty flavor.
I agree. They’re great at room temperature, but if kept in the fridge, a few seconds in the microwave soften thems and makes them creamy and tastier. Thank you!