Healthy Energy Bites from Granola & Dates (No-Bake)

These no-bake energy bites are made with only two ingredients, and they’re packed with protein, healthy fats, and energy-boosting oats. So, these energizing “bites” are perfect for busy people on the run. You can take them along as a quick and nutritious snack.

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No-bake energy bites made with just granola and dates are considered the best by many due to their simplicity, nutrient density, natural sweetness, and versatility. They are a convenient and health-conscious snack option that can satisfy your sweet cravings while providing sustained energy and essential nutrients.

Why make these energy balls?

• The fact that we use granola means we don’t need many ingredients. Granola itself is made with oats, nuts, and dried fruits. But it often also had a few other healthy ingredients, like flax seeds, chia seeds, and coconut.
• Also, these energy bites can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week, but we doubt they will last that long!
• This batch is perfect for a week, but I often double it and keep it in the fridge for longer, so you can grab them during the day.
• And the taste of sweet dates, along with the fiber from the oats, is perfect for healthy snacking for both kids and adults during the day, especially the afternoon sweet craving. It also makes a great treat to substitute for dessert.
• You can also use store-bought granola or homemade granola!

Ingredients and substitutes

• Dates – This is the glue that keeps it all together!! But if you do not like dates, you can use either almond butter or peanut butter. You can then add some dried fruits such as cranberries and raisins for sweetness.
• Granola – This is where this gets interesting every single time you make these bites. I make many different flavors of granola using old-fashioned oats. Basic homemade granola, cranberry almond granola, almond blueberry granola, toasted coconut granola, maple pecan, I like to call pecan pie granola, dates, and sunflower seed granola. So every time it’s a new version of these energy bites.
• Spices – I think cinnamon is the most preferred in our home, but you can add pumpkin spice or gingerbread spice if you prefer.
• Optional ingredients – you can also throw in a few chia seeds, chocolate chips, nut butter, and honey if you like it sweeter.

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No-bake energy bites

• Soak dates – Place the dates in a heat-proof bowl and pour some boiling water about 2 inches over the dates. Soak for 10 minutes, then drain them well. Pit the dates and discard any loose dry skin.
  Pro tip – Soaking the dates will ensure they become smooth when put in the food processor.

• Granola – Add the granola (and spices) to the food processor and pulse until a breadcrumb consistency. Remove to another bowl for a few minutes.
• Dates – Add the dates to the same food processor and pulse until smooth.
• Combine – Return the crushed granola to the food processor and pulse until combined. Transfer the content to a bowl and make sure everything is well combined.
  Pro tip – The food processor can leave large chunks uncombined.

• Balls – take about 2 tablespoons worth of mixture and shape into a smooth ball. At this time, you can also add any other dry ingredients, such as flours, or wet ingredients, such as nut butter, to the mixture and combine well. (see variations for ideas)
  Pro tip – You can use a cookie scoop to make sure all balls are similar in size. A golf-sized ball makes a perfect single serving.

• Store – Place the energy balls in a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them air dry for 30 minutes to an hour before you store them in an airtight container.
  Pro tip – Air-drying them in a tray will prevent them from sticking.
• Storage – These will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can even freeze them in freezer-safe bags for up to a month.

Variations

• Peanut butter bites – Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of peanut butter to the dates along with the crushed granola.
• Oatmeal bites – add an additional cup of toasted rolled oats to the mixture.
• Maple syrup energy bites – You can reduce some of the dates and add an additional 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey.
• Coconut bites – Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the mixture and stir to combine. Make sure to store them in the refrigerator.
• Almond or cashew bites – Add 1/2 cup almond butter or cashew butter to the mixture and combine well before you shape into balls.
• Granola seed balls – Use granola that contains sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even sunflower seed butter in the mixture.
• Flax bites – Some granolas contain whole or ground flaxseeds, but you can also add ground flaxseeds to the mixture before shaping it into a ball.
• Protein balls – Add 1/2 cup protein powder to the mixture before shaping into balls.
• Chocolate bites – Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the mixture to make chocolate energy bites!
• Gluten-free balls – Of course, use gluten-free granola or oatmeal to make gluten-free bites.

More snacks

• Homemade Yogurt Parfait
• Sugar-free Granola Bars
• Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
• Best Ever Zucchini Muffins or Carrot Cake Muffins
• Blueberry Banana Smoothie, or Banana Dates Smoothie
• Baked Potato Chips or Crispy Baked Potato Wedges

Frequently asked questions

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