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These peanut butter energy balls are so simple to make, easy to modify, and absolutely delicious! With kids, it can be tough sometimes (or all the time) to find healthy snacks that they don't complain about. These peanut butter energy balls are small but offer a powerhouse of nutrients in one bite. The best part is you can make them ahead and have them to snack on all week!
After lots of trial and error, these are the best peanut butter bites yet! I have sent this recipe to almost all of my clients and they love how easy they are to make and the fact that they are nutritious.
How to make peanut butter balls
It is so easy! Anthony makes these after work often and stores them in the freezer, they are perfect high protein snacks for the kids. They can just grab and go.
You can literally use whatever you have in the pantry, roll into bite-size pieces, and freeze, making a quick vegan gluten-free snack.
These energy balls have only 5 ingredients and take between 5-10 minutes. I personally love the sweetness that the dates give them and the oatmeal gives them such a nice texture.
What if you are allergic to peanuts
I love peanut flavor so much that I simply cannot imagine being allergic to peanuts. That said, I was pretty sick at one point in my life and seemed to be sensitive to most foods, peanuts being one of them.
If you can have tree nuts, almonds or pecans are great. Almond butter is amazing!
You can use seeds instead or even toss in gluten-free vegan pretzels chopped up for crunch.
Is there a way to add healthy fats to this
YES! Add in some coconut oil. Coconut oil is a staple in our home as it is an incredible source of healthy fat.
After digestion, MCTs travel to the liver where they are immediately used for energy. The theory is that this quickly absorbed form promotes satiety and prevents fat storage.
From Harvard Nutrition Source
Storage instructions
These don't usually last very long in our house. I highly recommend that you double or triple the recipe and keep some in the freezer.
- Refrigerate: place in an air-sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2-7 days.
- Freeze: place in an air-sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Pair with
I am going to get a little Nutritional Clinical Practitioner on you here... Water!
Please enjoy this amazing gluten-free vegan snack with plain old water. Boring maybe but healthy non the less and most people simply are not getting enough.
If you really what to up your health game, add sea salt and freshly squeezed lemon to your water.
You can also enjoy a cup of organic coffee or tea. If you need your coffee, ensure that you are buying organic as the coffee bean is known as one of the 'dirtiest" food we consume.
As for tea, I recommend that you have either an herbal or green tea with these energy balls.
More vegan gluten-free recipes
Variations
- Instead of peanut butter, you can use almond butter or another nut butter.
- Add in shredded coconut to add texture.
- I like these sometimes with dried cranberries to give extra sweetness.
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups dates pitted
- ¼ cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup gluten-free oats
- ¼ cup 70% dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Put all ingredients (except chocolate chips) in a food processor. Mix until blended and forms a ball similar to the consistency of dough.
- Spoon mixture into a mixing bowl and add dark chocolate chips.
- Mix thoroughly with your hands to fully incorporate the chocolate chips.
- Form into bite sized balls, roll until smooth and put into fridge for 30 minutes or until firm.