Trail Mix Energy Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Trail Mix Energy Bites are a delicious and nutritious snack perfect for on-the-go energy. Made with wholesome ingredients like black beans, nuts, and dried fruits, they offer a satisfying blend of protein, fiber, and natural sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup no-salt-added canned black beans, rinsed
• ½ cup dried pitted Medjool dates, chopped (about 8 dates)
• 3 tablespoons smooth natural peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup walnuts
• ¼ cup raisins, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup dried apricots, chopped
• ¼ cup unsweetened dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup chia seeds
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the black beans, chopped dates, peanut butter, and salt in a food processor. Process until fully combined and smooth, about 45 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
2. Step 2: Add walnuts, raisins, apricots, cranberries, and chia seeds to the food processor. Pulse about 8 times in 1-second intervals until the mixture comes together but still has some small chunks. Scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into 16 balls, each about 2 tablespoons. Place them on a large plate.
4. Step 4: Pour the shredded coconut into a shallow bowl. Roll each ball in the coconut to coat evenly, pressing gently to help it adhere.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately or transfer the energy bites to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and use pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts.
• If you prefer a sweeter bite, add an extra tablespoon of chopped dates or a drizzle of honey to the mix.
• Try rolling the balls in cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts instead of coconut for a different coating.

Storage

Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can be eaten cold or allowed to come to room temperature before serving. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh dates instead of dried Medjool dates?

Dried Medjool dates work best as they provide the right texture and natural sweetness. Fresh dates are too moist and may make the mixture too wet.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can finely mash the beans and dates with a fork or potato masher and then mix in the other ingredients by hand, though the texture will be less uniform.

Trail Mix Energy Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

These Trail Mix Energy Bites are a nutritious, no-bake snack packed with protein, fiber, and natural sweetness. Made from black beans, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, they provide sustained energy, perfect for a quick snack or on-the-go fuel. Coated in shredded coconut, they offer a delicious texture contrast that makes them irresistible.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 energy bites 1x
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Mixture

• 1 cup no-salt-added canned black beans, rinsed
• ½ cup dried pitted Medjool dates, chopped (about 8 dates)
• 3 tablespoons smooth natural peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon salt

Trail Mix Add-ins

• 1 cup walnuts
• ¼ cup raisins, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup dried apricots, chopped
• ¼ cup unsweetened dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup chia seeds

Coating

• 3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base Mixture: Combine black beans, pitted Medjool dates, smooth natural peanut butter, and salt in a food processor. Process until fully combined, about 45 seconds. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides ensuring an even blend.
2. Add Nuts and Dried Fruits: Add walnuts, raisins, dried apricots, dried cranberries, and chia seeds to the processor. Pulse the mixture about 8 times in 1-second pulses. The mixture should come together but still have small chunks for texture. Scrape down the sides as needed to incorporate all ingredients.
3. Shape the Energy Bites: Using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per bite, shape into 16 evenly sized balls. Arrange the balls on a large plate or tray.
4. Coat With Coconut: Place shredded coconut in a shallow bowl. Roll each energy bite in the coconut until evenly coated, gently pressing the coconut onto the surface so it sticks well.
5. Serve or Store: Serve the energy bites immediately, or transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

• For a nut-free version, substitute walnuts with pumpkin seeds and peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
• These energy bites can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months; thaw before eating.
• Use fresh Medjool dates for the best natural sweetness and texture.
• Ensure to rinse canned black beans well to reduce sodium content.
• Feel free to vary dried fruits or nuts according to preference or availability.

Keywords: trail mix energy bites, no-bake energy balls, healthy snacks, black bean snacks, peanut butter energy bites, vegan energy bites, gluten-free snacks