These nut free energy bites are made with dates and seeds and rolled in cocoa powder. They're free from top allergens, making them a great snack option or school lunch addition. This energy ball recipe is paleo friendly, gluten free, dairy free and nut free.
I love making energy bites, protein balls and homemade bars for quick, easy snacks that can pack in a lot of nutrition and at the same time, my kids enjoy them. There are so many flavor combinations and they store well in the fridge or freezer - it's really a great way to house healthy snacks.
These nut free energy bites are made without nuts (as the name says), so they're great for packing in school lunches or enjoying as a snack. They're made with a variety of seeds, sweetened with dates and even contain added protein thanks to the collagen.
Why You'll Love these Nut Free Energy Bites
- allergy friendly - free from top allergens including gluten/wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, sesame, peanuts and tree nuts
- easy to make - just blend the ingredients in a food processor and roll into balls
- no added sugar - only sweetened with dates
- paleo friendly - made with healthy, minimally processed ingredients that you can feel good about
Ingredients
You can find the full recipe in the recipe card below, but here's an overview of the ingredients you'll need:
- pumpkin seeds - I used organic sprouted and salted pumpkin seeds, but raw would be fine too. If your pumpkin seeds are not salted, then you can add a pinch of salt to the mixture.
- raw sunflower seeds - I like using raw sunflower seeds, as most salted ones are cooked in seed oils
- ground flax - you will need to either buy pre-ground flax seeds or grind your own in a coffee grinder. If you add in whole flax seeds they will not get pulverized in the food processor.
- Medjool dates - they sweeten the energy balls and help bind the ingredients. You can use another variety of date or swap the dates for raisins.
- collagen peptides - increases the protein content. You can use a protein powder instead.
- vanilla extract - for flavor
- water - to help wet the dough and bind the ingredients
- cocoa powder - optional for rolling the energy bites
How to Make Nut Free Energy Balls
These energy bites are made in a food processor and then rolled into balls. Here are the steps:
- Add all ingredients except the water and cocoa powder to your food processor.
- Blend to a coarse flour.
- Add in water and blend again. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more as needed.
- Roll the mixture into balls, each about 1 tablespoon in size.
- Optional: roll the balls in cocoa powder.
Tips and Tricks
- Add small amounts of water to get the right texture. You may not need much, if any water to make these energy balls. Start without any and then add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the mixture starts to clump. You'll know it's ready when you can easily roll the mixture into balls.
- Don't skip the dates. Dates are necessary to bind the ingredients. However, you can swap them with raisins (¼-1/3 cup).
- Make into dessert. Instead of rolling in cocoa powder, dip the balls in dark chocolate to make more of a dessert.
Storage
These energy bites can be left out at room temperature for serving or packing in lunches, but are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Enjoy within two weeks if storing them in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer.
More Nut Free Snack Ideas
Nut Free Energy Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
Description
Healthy nut free and allergy friendly energy bites.
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup ground flax*
- 4 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 2 Tbsp collagen peptides
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp water
- 1 Tbsp cocoa powder for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- In your food processor, combine all ingredients except the water and cocoa powder. Blend to a course mixture.
- Add 1 teaspoon of water to the mixture and blend. The dough should be sticky and start to clump together. You'll know it's ready if you can easily roll the mixture into balls. If needed, add another teaspoon of water.
- Roll the mixture into balls, each about 1 tablespoon in size. You should get about 12 balls.
- Optional: Place the cocoa powder in small bowl. Roll each ball in the cocoa powder until fully coated.
- These energy bites are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
, combine all ingredients except the water and cocoa powder. Blend to a course mixture.Notes
*You can either buy pre-ground flax or grind your own flax seeds. I grind my own flax seeds using a coffee grinder.
@RebekahKFit
Yum!!!
Katie
Enjoy!