Step 1: Get the ingredients ready.
Cut the dried fruits and nuts into small pieces: Start by chopping the dried apricots and walnuts finely. You want them to be small so they can be evenly spread in each bite, but still provide some texture.
Mash the banana: In a small bowl, use a fork to crush the banana until it turns into a smooth paste.
Melt the dark chocolate: Break the chocolate into small pieces and heat until it becomes liquid. You can heat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, or use a double boiler. After the ingredients are melted, mix in a teaspoon of vegetable oil to make it smoother.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a big bowl, combine the oats, raisins, walnuts, and apricots. Mix them until they are evenly spread.
Step 3: Put the banana and melted chocolate together.
Mix the mashed banana with the dry ingredients. The banana will hold the ingredients together and add a natural sweet taste.
Add the melted dark chocolate to the mix, making sure it covers everything. The chocolate helps hold things together and makes the flavor stronger.
Step 4: Form the Energy Balls
With clean hands or a small spoon, shape the mixture into small balls, each about 1 inch in size. Put each ball on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
After forming all the mixture into balls, put the tray in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours so the bites can become firm.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy.
Once they have cooled down, the no-bake energy bites are ready to be enjoyed. Offer them as a fast snack or have them available for when you require extra energy.
Tips for Cooking:
Replace the dried fruits and nuts: You can change the raisins and apricots for other dried fruits such as cranberries, dates, or figs. You can also use almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts.
Types of chocolate: If you like a bit more sweetness, you can choose semi-sweet or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate. However, using dark chocolate makes this snack healthier and reduces the amount of sugar.
To make the bites tastier, consider adding a bit of cinnamon, a touch of sea salt, or a drop of vanilla extract to the mixture before forming them.
If you are preparing this recipe for someone who cannot eat gluten, make sure to use gluten-free rolled oats.
Storage: Keeping things in a safe place.
Refrigerator: Keep these energy bites that don't need baking in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. The low temperature will keep them in shape and firm.
Freezer: To store the energy bites for a longer time, put them in a container or bag that can be kept in the freezer. They will endure for two months. You can eat them straight from the freezer or wait a bit for them to thaw before eating.
Room temperature: These snacks can be kept outside for a day or two, but it's better to put them in the fridge to keep them fresh and avoid them becoming too soft.
Nutritional Information (For Each Energy Bite):
Calories: 110 calories
Protein content: 2 grams
Carbs: 15g
Fat content: 5 grams
Fiber content: 2 grams
Sugar content: 9 grams
Sodium: 20 milligrams
Iron: 1 milligram
Preguntas frecuentes:
Can I make these energy bites without nuts?
Of course! Just leave out the walnuts and use pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead for a version without nuts.
How can I increase the protein content of these bites?
You can put one or two tablespoons of your preferred protein powder, such as whey or plant-based protein, to increase the amount of protein.
What other fruit can I use in place of a banana?
If you don't have a banana or don't enjoy its taste, you can use applesauce or a nut spread (such as peanut butter or almond butter) to hold the ingredients together.
Are these energy bites suitable for vegans?
If the dark chocolate you use doesn't have dairy, this recipe is vegan.
Can I substitute steel-cut oats for rolled oats?
It is recommended to use rolled or quick oats for this recipe. Steel-cut oats are too hard for making no-bake bites.
