Thursday, February 18, 2016

Nut Free {No Bake} SunButter Energy Bites

There are a number of recipes I've made so frequently over the years that I no longer measure them. Just get out the bowl and start eyeballing the ingredients needed. 

Our Allergy Friendly {No Bake} SunButter Energy Ball Bites are one of those recipes.

Each time I share about them or pack them in a lunch I post on Facebook or Instagram, I get messages or comments asking for the recipe. And each time I tell myself, "Next time I'll measure!" ... but I never do. 

WELL, I FINALLY DID! While Snapchatting last night about dinner and knowing I needed to make more of these bites, I made sure to measure so I could *finally* share them here. 

They're gluten free and top 8 allergen free (that means they're nut free and great for school snacks)! 



There are a ton of energy bites recipes out there. What I think makes ours a wee bit different is that I prefer to slightly grind my rolled oats first. This gives it more of a smooth bite but still leaves some small oat pieces for texture. 

I also add ground flax meal for extra nutrition and a mixture of Enjoy Life Foods Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips (which are top 8 allergen free) and currants. You could really do any dried fruit you prefer - raisins, chopped dried apricot, chopped dried apples, dried cranberries, etc.


We prefer the mix of Mini Chocolate Chips and currants for added sweetness and texture. If you're not familiar with currants, they're dried black grapes and full of nutrients. Much like a raisin in taste and texture but smaller in size.

We also use SunButter Sunflower Seed Spread to keep them allergy friendly and nut free. You can use any spread you prefer, however. Just make sure it's smooth. Many people store their SunButter in the fridge (we don't because we go through them so quickly! Hehe) so you may need to let it sit out to soften or open a new jar to get the right consistency if yours is lacking the oils.


It's really a great snack that takes only 15 minutes to prepare and a few minutes of time in your freezer to set before you move to a storage container.

I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge but you can also freeze part of the batch to enjoy later.

They're honestly one of Little Miss' favorite things to take for snack at school or have packed in her lunch box. 

They also make a great grab & go breakfast item. Packed with fiber and omegas, which is especially important for those who are gluten free, but a healthy bite for anyone to enjoy!


Nut Free {No Bake} SunButter Energy Bites
Recipe Yields 25-28 Bites

Ingredients (listed in order by steps):
  • 1 Cup of slightly ground gluten-free rolled oats*
  • 1/4 Cup of ground flax meal
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 Cup of Mix-Ins (I use 1/2 Cup of Mini Chips and 1/2 Cup of currants)
  • 1/2 Cup of SunButter**
  • 1/4 Cup of honey
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla


Directions:
  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a medium size mixing bowl, lightly stir together the oats, flax meal, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Add preferred mix-ins (chocolate chips & dried fruit) and stir together again.
  4. Add the wet ingredients - SunButter, honey, and vanilla.  
  5. Using a silicone baking/ mixing spoon, start to work the ingredients together until well combined. 
  6. If the batter is too dry, add a wee bit more honey. If the batter is too wet, add a wee bit more oats or flax meal.
  7. Once combined, start forming the "batter" into bite size balls using your hands. Try to keep them around 1" in diameter.
  8. Place them each on your parchment line baking sheet, spreading them so they don't touch.
  9. Once complete, place the baking sheet into the freezer for about 20 minutes or so, until the balls are firm. 
  10. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.


Notes:
Slightly ground gluten free rolled oats - Refer to photo in the post for visual. Using gluten free rolled oats, quickly pulse them in a food processor or coffee grinder. Just long enough to break down some of the pieces. Don't turn them completely into a flour! You'll need 1 Cup after they've been slightly, not 1 Cup before being ground/ pulsed.
** SunButter - Refer to note in post for further clarification. Consistency should be smooth, not straight from the fridge. It may be best to open a new jar if there are no oils left.

Photobucket








10 comments:

  1. O these are fantastic little bitess!!! I always have bites in the freezer!

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  2. OMG these are so good! I can't wait to travel with you more, solely because I know you'll bring these along!

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  3. These look so yummy and easy to make! I'm definitely trying these out on the kiddos, but their lunchboxes could never be as cool as your daughter's. You're a lunchbox champ, Keeley!
    ~jules

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  4. So beautiful, Keely. I see nutty versions of energy bites and I am so glad I don't have to figure out how to make a nut free version!

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  5. These are the perfect snack for traveling! Thanks for the recipe!

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  6. The perfect on-the-go snack! I have been anxiously waiting for you to share your recipe since you gave that teaser on Snapchat. :)

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  7. Bites like this are one of my favorite snacks and your version reminds me how delicious and easy they are! I need to try this one.

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  8. Never tried try would be for me!

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  9. Love how you added the flax for some added nutrition. We will have to make these soon!

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Let me know your thoughts!

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