Heat the oven: Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a big bowl, mix together the oats, raisins, cranberries, nuts, sesame seeds, and baking powder.
Get the wet ingredients ready: In a different bowl, crush the banana and combine it with the yogurt. Mix this with the dry ingredients and stir well. If the mix is too dry, add a little water until it becomes sticky and easy to shape.
Make small balls by shaping the mixture with your hands, about the size of a golf ball. Cover each ball with coconut flakes by rolling them in it.
Baking instructions: Put the balls on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and feel firm when touched.
Cool down the balls a bit before serving them. Have it as a nutritious snack or a morning meal!
Ideas for how to serve or present food:
Have them for a fast breakfast when you're in a hurry.
Add a little honey or nut butter on top for more taste.
Enjoy with a smoothie or a cup of coffee for a satisfying snack.
Tips for Cooking:
You can replace the banana with applesauce or pumpkin puree for a new taste.
You can use other dried fruits like dates or apricots instead of cranberries and raisins.
To make the nuts crunchier, toast them before mixing them in.
Benefits for your health:
Full of fiber: Because of the oats, raisins, and cranberries, these energy balls help with good digestion.
Full of good fats: Nuts and sesame seeds have healthy fats that are good for your heart.
Natural Sweetness: Bananas and dried fruits bring sweetness to the dish without requiring extra sugar.
Protein Boost: The yogurt provides protein, making these energy balls a well-rounded snack.
Information about food and nutrition:
Someone who doesn't eat meat.
You can make it without dairy by using yogurt made from plants.
No gluten (if using oats certified as gluten-free).
Storage: Keeping things in a safe place.
Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for a maximum of 3 days.
Keep in the refrigerator for a week.
You can freeze it for a maximum of 3 months. To enjoy it, defrost and heat in the oven for a few minutes to make it crispy again.
Reasons to enjoy this recipe:
Simple and fast: Needs little preparation and uses basic pantry items.
Healthy: These energy balls are a healthy snack that you can eat on the go at any time of the day.
You can choose the dried fruits, nuts, and seeds you like to mix together.
Portable: Ideal for preparing meals in advance or taking as a quick snack in lunch boxes.
Final thoughts:
These Baked Oat and Fruit Energy Balls are a great homemade snack that is healthy and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. They contain natural flavors from fruits and nuts, and the coconut flakes give them a delicious tropical touch. If you need a fast breakfast or a snack to boost your energy, these energy balls will keep you full and energized. Moreover, you can easily personalize them by changing the ingredients according to what you have available.
10 Common Questions:
Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but it might feel a bit smoother. Rolled oats make the texture chewier.
Can I make these energy balls without using any animal products?
Replace regular yogurt with a plant-based option such as almond or coconut yogurt.
Can I leave out the coconut flakes?
You can choose whether or not to add the coconut flakes. You can coat the balls with crushed nuts or seeds instead.
Can I put these energy balls in the freezer?
Of course! They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost them at room temperature or heat them in the oven.
Can I include protein powder?
Yes, you can add a spoonful of protein powder to increase the protein content. Simply change the quantity of water or yogurt to maintain the mixture moist.
Are these energy balls suitable for children?
Yes, they are a good snack for children. You can also personalize them by adding dried fruits that your children like.
Can I prepare them without nuts?
Yes, use seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts to make a version without nuts.
For how much time do they endure?
They can be kept for around 3 days at room temperature, 1 week in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer.
Is it okay if I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt is great to use because it adds extra creaminess and protein.
What happens if the mix is too dry or too wet?
If it's too thick, add more yogurt or a little bit of water. If it's too wet, add more oats until the mixture can keep its form.