Nut Free Energy Bites (seed-free, coconut-free option)

These nut free energy bites can also be made seed-free and coconut-free, perfect for those with allergies.

I have to admit, sometimes I feel a little behind on the times when it comes to newer rules and regulations in schools.

My kiddo is four (sob! How is he already FOUR?!), and is now attending pre-school. Next year will be the big jump to kindergarten and I'm sure I have a lot to learn.

I hadn't realized how many schools are nut-free, until I had many Lunch Prep Challenge participants ask me for nut free alternatives to my No Bake Energy Bites 7 Ways. And I was surprised at how challenging it is to find nut free energy bite recipes!

So today I'm excited to share with you my nut free energy bites, a few different ways.

The base version of these nut free energy bites is super duper simple, and has just four ingredients: medjool dates, maple syrup, cocoa powder and rolled oats.

I soaked my dates in boiling water for 10 minutes to get them nice and moist before blending everything together.

The resulting energy bites are chocolatey, sweet, and delicious. I recommend that you use this base recipe to get creative and toss in ¼-1/2 cup of add-ins!

You can get creative with add-ins for this base recipe:

• mini chocolate chips
• dried cranberries, cherries or blueberries
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract for a 'thin mint' version
• citrus zest, orange or lime may go particularly well with the chocolatey flavors of the base recipe

Even though the 4-ingredient version of these nut free energy bites were darn good, I was missing a little texture that you get by adding nuts. So for round 2 of these energy bites, I added a bit of shredded coconut into the food processor, then rolled them in a bit more.

I know that some people who are sensitive to nuts are also sensitive to coconut, so if you are, then stick to the base recipe. But if you can tolerate coconut, then I say definitely go for this version!

These coconut energy bites are seriously amazing. You get a bit more texture in the energy bites from the shredded coconut, and another dimension of flavor. Ben says they taste just like a lammington, which is an Aussie coconut-chocolate treat.

And for our third version, I was craving pumpkin...so I made these nut-free pumpkin energy bites.

I added some pumpkin seeds to the food processor, which helps give these energy bites a bit more texture, and also tossed in some chocolate chips towards the end. They absolutely make these energy bites! Highly recommend them.

Again, some people still have seed intolerances, in which case, stick to the original (base) recipe. But if you can tolerate seeds, these nut-free pumpkin energy bites are a great alternative!

Tips for perfect nut free energy bites

• You will need a food processor for this recipe, and I recommend this simple model that I've owned and loved for three years now
• I also highly recommend a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to make rolling a little easier
• The full recipe makes 20 energy bites, but it can be cut in half or you can freeze any extra energy bites for easy snacking
• Looking for more healthy (no nut) meal prep snacks? Check out these Greek Yogurt Fruit Dips, these Cheesy Spinach Quinoa Cups or these Brown Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, or this round up with 36+ Healthy Snack Recipes

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

Nut Free Energy Bites (seed-free, coconut-free base recipe)

5 from 11 votes

Prep Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

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These nut free energy bites can also be made seed-free and coconut-free, perfect for those with allergies.

20

Ingredients

Base Recipe

• ▢ 2 cups medjool dates pitted (roughly 20 dates)
• ▢ 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ▢ 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ▢ 1 ½ cup rolled oats divided

Nut-Free Chocolate Coconut Energy Bites

• ▢ 2 cups medjool dates pitted (roughly 20 dates)
• ▢ 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ▢ 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ▢ 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ▢ ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut

Nut-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

• ▢ 2 cups medjool dates pitted (roughly 20 dates)
• ▢ ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
• ▢ 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ▢ 2 cups rolled oats divided
• ▢ ½ cup pumpkin seeds
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon cloves
• ▢ ¼ cup chocolate chips

Instructions 

Base Recipe

• In a large bowl, cover the dates with 2 cups of boiling water and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
• Remove dates from water, shaking off excess, and place in a food processor fitted with a steel blade.
• To the food processor add 2 tablespoons of the water along with the maple syrup, cocoa powder, and 1 cup of rolled oats.
• Process until smooth, scraping down sides. If mixture doesn't process, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it does. Add the remaining ½ cup of rolled oats and pulse until it's mixed in.
• Put the food processor in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before rolling into 1 tablespoon sized balls.

Chocolate Coconut Energy Bites

• In a large bowl, cover the dates with 2 cups of boiling water and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Remove dates from water, shaking off excess, and place in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. 
• To the food processor add the maple syrup, cocoa powder, 1 cup of rolled oats, and ½ cup of shredded coconut. Process until smooth. If mixture doesn't process, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it does. 
• Scrape down sides and add the remaining ½ cup of rolled oats. Pulse several times until mixed in.
• Place food processor into the fridge and chill the mixture for at least 10 minutes.
• Roll into 1 tablespoon sized balls, and toss to coat in remaining ¼ cup of shredded coconut. 
• Store in the refrigerator  

Nut-Free Pumpkin Energy Bites

• In a large bowl, cover the dates with 2 cups of boiling water and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Remove dates from water, shaking off excess, and place in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. 
• To the food processor add pumpkin puree, maple syrup, 1.5 cups of rolled oats, ¼ cup of pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. 
• Process until smooth, scraping down sides. If mixture does not process, add in water 1 tablespoon at a time until it gets going.
• Add the remaining ½ cup of rolled oats, ¼ cup pumpkin seeds, and the chocolate chips. Pulse 5-10 times until mixed in evenly. 
• Place food processor in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to chill. Roll into 1 tablespoon sized balls.
• Store in the fridge.

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Tips:

mint chocolate chip energy bites- base recipe with 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1energy bite, Calories: 96kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Sodium: 1mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 17g

Author: Denise Bustard

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

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