Story and photos by Karyl Henry, KarylsKulinaryKrusade.com
It’s the start of the new year, which means healthy eating and exercise resolutions are in full swing. I used to join the madness every year and then, like most other people, I started to fade a few weeks in. So instead, I try to balance my diet with healthier options all year long.
However, what I don’t have are healthy snack options. When I worked at OSU, I could control my snacking because I only had what I brought with me. But now that I work from home, it’s much harder, and I tend to grab unhealthy snacks from my pantry. Plus, now that I’m getting ready to start training for the OKC Half Marathon, I need something for after my longer runs. The latest trend is homemade energy bars and bites, but I never jumped on board…until now. I found lots of varieties on Pinterest and decided to do a mashup creation with Fruity Monster No Bake Energy Bites. They are hearty, flavorful, and have a touch of sweet.
INGREDIENTS FOR FRUITY MONSTER NO BAKE ENERGY BITES
Fruity Monster No Bake Energy Bites are nutrient dense, and delicious.
- Rolled oats – I use a combination of Old Fashioned Oats and Quick Oats (high in protein and potassium)
- Coconut Flakes
- Flax Seed (high in Omega-3, fiber and potassium)
- Ground Chia Seeds (high in protein, fiber, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium)
- Creamy Peanut Butter (high in potassium)
- Raw Honey
- Pure Vanilla Extract
- Chocolate Chips
- Dried Cranberries
- Dried Mission Figlets (high in fiber, potassium and iron)
- M&M Minis
My original plan was Monster No Bake Energy Bites, which has M&M Minis and no fruit. But when I went into the pantry to get the peanut butter, I saw the dried cranberries and dried Mission figlets. I mixed three separate batches to see which I would like best: Monster, Fig, or Cranberry. And then I took a bite with it all mixed together, and knew I hit the jackpot.
EASY PREP FOR FRUITY MONSTER NO BAKE ENERGY BITES
Fruity Monster No Bake Energy Bites are so easy to make:
- Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, and mix well.
- Rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Scoop 1 Tablespoon sized servings, and roll into balls.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge, or freeze.
OPTIONS FOR FRUITY MONSTER NO BAKE ENERGY BITES
The great thing about Fruity Monster No Bake Energy Bites is that you can make these your own.
- Switch it up and use different types of dried fruit.
- If you don’t like coconut, then leave it out.
- Use Gluten Free Oats to keep Fruity Monster No Bake Energy Bites gluten free.
- Instead of honey, use Agave Syrup or Maple Syrup. I have not tried these substitutions, so you may need to adjust amounts accordingly.
STORING AND FREEZING FRUITY MONSTER NO BAKE ENERGY BITES
If you’re going to eat the Fruity Monster No Bake Energy Bites within one week, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. And keep them at the front of the fridge, at eye level! That way when you’re craving an afternoon snack, they’re at your fingertips.
To freeze Fruity Monster No Bake Energy Bites, line a baking sheet with Parchment Paper, and space the bites on the baking sheet. Place in the freezer until solid, and then store Fruity Monster No Bake Energy Bites in a sealed Ziploc Bag.
Fruity Monster No Bake Energy Bites from KarylsKulinaryKrusade.com
Prep Time: 15 mins
Resting Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 24 bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Old Fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 2/3 cup coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup M&M Minis
- 1/3 cup raw honey
- 1 Tablespoon ground chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together.
- In another bowl, add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla. Mix together until combined.
- Add peanut butter mixture to dry mixture, stirring well to fully incorporate. Allow to rest in fridge for 30 minutes.
- Remove mixture from fridge. Roll into balls about 1 inch in size.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.