Peanut Butter Energy Bites (no bake)

Peanut Butter Energy Bites

When I left university I started a retail job because like many graduates, I struggled to find a job in my field but wanted to keep myself busy with something to do. I didn’t want to sit at home without anything to do because university kept me so busy, so having nothing to keep me occupied would have been hard. I used to do so many steps a day, walking around the 4 floor shop for hours on end and at the start I found it really hard.

After a few however, I noticed that my fitness levels increased so much that an 8 hour shift didn’t faze me at all. My feet didn’t hurt anymore and running up and down flights of stairs didn’t wind me life it used to. I also realised that the meal that I had before work would also affect my productive and overall mood at work.

If I had a heavy meal, I would feel bloated and heavy at work and it was so much harder completing my shift. When I switched to small meals, I would feel great but then after a few hours, I would get hungry and needed some more sustenance. I started to pack fruit to snack on during my breaks but despite feeling great, I would still feeling hungry just a short time later.

‘Energy bomb’

I remember one day I was at a smoothie stand that I would often go to just across from the retail shop I worked in to get a vanilla, matcha green tea smoothie. On the counter was something called an ‘energy bomb’. It was a mixture of nuts, dates, superfood powders and seeds blended together and shaped into balls. I was intrigued so I bought one and saved it for later.

During the work day, when I was feeling hungry, I had the energy bomb and I was pleasantly surprised with the taste. I also noticed that it gave me a long and sustained energy level for a good few hours; I’m assuming because of the nuts. I saw a few recipes for energy bombs/ bites on Pinterest and made some at home too, they were inexpensive, tasty and provide a boost of energy without the sugar crash.

@mysimpleeats

Healthy Peanut Butter Energy Bites #nobake #healthy #health #snack #peanutbutter

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE PEANUT BUTTER ENERGY BITES

• Rich and Nutty Flavour: The combination of peanut butter, almond flour and dark chocolate creates a rich and nutty flavour profile. The natural sweetness of peanut butter pairs well with the slightly sweet and bitter notes of dark chocolate, providing a satisfying and indulgent taste.

• Protein-Packed Snack: Peanut butter and almond flour are excellent sources of protein, making these energy bites a protein-packed snack.

• Healthy Fats for Sustained Energy: Peanut butter and coconut flakes contribute healthy fats that provide a source of sustained energy. These fats, combined with the protein from almond flour, create a balanced snack that can help keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.

• Convenient and Portable: Peanut butter energy bites are convenient and portable, making them an ideal snack for on-the-go. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up at work or before a workout these bites are easy to pack and enjoy anywhere.

• Satisfies Sweet Cravings: The addition of dark chocolate enhances the flavour and also satisfies sweet cravings. Dark chocolate provides a hint of sweetness without being overly sugary, making these energy bites a healthier alternative to traditional sweet treats.

• Simple and No-Bake: These energy bites are typically no-bake and simple to prepare. The ease of making them adds to their appeal, allowing you to whip up a batch quickly without the need for extensive preparation or cooking.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Peanut Butter

Coconut flakes

Almond flour

Dark Chocolate

TOP TIPS ON MAKING THE BEST PEANUT BUTTER ENERGY BITES

1. Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality ingredients. Choose natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils, unsweetened coconut flakes, almond flour and good-quality dark chocolate. Using high-quality ingredients enhances the overall taste and nutritional value.
2. Use Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for natural peanut butter that contains only peanuts and maybe a pinch of salt. The natural oils in the peanut butter contribute to a better texture in the energy bites.
3. Fine Almond Flour Texture: Use finely ground almond flour for a smoother texture in the energy bites. This ensures a more cohesive and uniform mixture.
4. Balance Wet and Dry Ingredients: Achieve the right balance of wet and dry ingredients. If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more peanut butter or a touch of honey. If it’s too wet, incorporate additional almond flour or coconut flakes.
5. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the mixture before forming the energy bites. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle, and it helps the bites hold their shape.

MORE TIPS

• Optimal Bite Size: Keep the energy bites in a bite-sized range for convenience. Aim for a size that allows for a satisfying snack without being overly large.
• Create a Uniform Texture: Ensure that the ingredients are well mixed to create a uniform texture. This helps distribute the flavour’s evenly and prevents one bite from being too peanut-butter-heavy or lacking in coconut and almond flavour’s.
• Add Texture with Coconut: Use desiccated coconut flakes for added texture. The coconut not only enhances the flavour but also contributes a pleasant chewiness to the energy bites.
• Choose the Right Dark Chocolate: Choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content you enjoy. Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa provides a good balance of sweetness and richness.
• Melt Dark Chocolate Gently: When melting dark chocolate for coating or drizzling, do so gently to avoid burning. Use a microwave or a double boiler, stirring frequently until smooth.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with additional add-ins like chia seeds, flaxseeds or chopped nuts for extra nutrition and crunch.

RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Snickers Dates – Snickers Dates – My Simple Eats

Single Serve Cookie – Single Serve Cookie – My Simple Eats

Jam Heart Cookies – Jam Heart Cookies – My Simple Eats

CONCLUSION

These peanut butter energy bites are easy to make, high in protein and perfect for when you’re on the go. They’re healthy and tasty and will keep you energised before the gym or a long day.