Energy Bites with Medjool Dates

I’m always looking for a healthy snack. Something quick, easy, and delicious. These Energy Bites With Medjool Dates are the perfect solution. They are a great snack to have around and they can give you a little boost in between meals.

These Energy Bites are naturally sweet, have only 5 to 7 ingredients, contain protein to keep you satisfied in between meals, are full of fiber and are super easy to make. All you need is a food processor.

Honestly, I love having these for a little sweet dessert after dinner too. I’m one of those people who love a cup of coffee after dinner (no the caffeine doesn’t bother me late at night) and these pair so well with it. Reaching for the natural sweetness and whole ingredients these Energy Bites With Medjool Dates provide is so much better than grabbing a processed dessert.

Two best flavors!

When deciding which flavors to do first, I went off of what I like.

The first flavor is Cranberry Almond. They have a similar taste to my Cranberry Coconut Granola Bars Recipe and those are one of my favorite snacks. These bites have dates, cranberries, almonds, cashews and vanilla. The flavors go so well together! They are delicious!

The second flavor is Chocolate Peanut Butter….because well…..who doesn’t love that combo! Using Hershey’s cocoa and a creamy peanut butter make these Energy Bites irresistible. I also add cashews or peanuts, dates, honey and vanilla. You will be surprised how good they are!

Medjool dates

Let’s talk about the most underestimated ingredient in the sugar world……..medjool dates. I have only started using them this past year or two and I am IN LOVE! They are versatile, easy to deal with, and such a great choice to add natural sweetness to anything you like.

I buy dried medjool dates in the bulk section at my grocery store. They aren’t very expensive at all and they keep really well. I buy 2-3 cups at a time and keep them stored in a glass bowl with an airtight lid.

This is a similar environment to how they are kept in the store. I’ve never had any problems with them drying out. I would recommend using them within a few months of buying them to make sure they still taste fresh.

They do tend to be sticky but if stored this way they are easy to handle. Plus, most of the time I’m throwing them directly from the bowl into a food processor.

They are a strange looking fruit; oblong in shape and dark red/brown in color. They contain one single seed. Always make sure to buy the pitted version because they are a time saver. A lot of people think they are dried figs but that isn’t the case. Dates come from the date palm tree and figs come from a fig tree.

Nutrition

Dates do contain a high level of sugar. The difference is this is a natural, low-glycemic sugar. That means it won’t spike your blood sugar like other refined ones will (granulated, brown etc).

Of course sugar is still sugar when it comes down to the grams you should have a day so limit your intake. One or two dried dates is recommended as a serving. Similar to nuts, they are a healthy addition to your diet but in moderation. That’s what makes these Energy Bites so good! They are the perfect size.

On the plus side, dates are a powerhouse full of healthy vitamins and minerals, fiber, and a little protein. They can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels, digestive issues, bone health (because they are rich in calcium) and energy levels. You can see why they are a key ingredient in these Energy Bites! For more information on dates, check out this post HERE.

The perfect snack

The great thing about having these Energy Bites With Medjool Dates on hand is that you always have a healthier snack option. They are quick and easy to put together, you can make a bunch of them at a time, and make any flavor you want. I hope you enjoy these Energy Bites!

Feel free to share them on social media when you make them and be sure to tag me @motivate.educate.repeat on Instagram or use the hashtag #MotivateEducateRepeat. I would love to see your creations.

For another healthy snack idea, try my Cranberry Coconut Granola Bars HERE.

Recipe tips:

-Make sure to buy pitted, dried medjool dates. They contain a hard seed and will possibly ruin your food processor if you try and mix them whole.

-Store medjool dates in a glass bowl with lid or any other airtight container. I keep mine at room temperature like other dried fruits.

-Process until mixture starts to come together and will hold when you pinch between two fingers. Leave small bits of nuts like shown in the picture. This adds great texture and keeps them from becoming the consistency of a cake pop.

-Wet hands when rolling into balls to prevent sticking.

-Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

-Store Energy Bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep up to two weeks for best flavor.

Energy bites with medjool dates

CRANBERRY Almond

1 Cup Dried Medjool Dates

1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries

1/2 Cup Raw Almonds (unsalted)

1/2 Cup Raw Cashews (unsalted)

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Pinch of Kosher Salt (about 1/2 tsp)

Pour all ingredients into a large food processor. Blend on pulse mode until mixture begins to come together but there are still small bits of nuts visible. Roll them into 1-2 inch balls depending on what you prefer. Place them onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Will keep up to 2 weeks for best flavor.

Chocolate Peanut butter

1 1/2 Cups Dried Medjool Dates

1/2 Cup Raw Cashews or Peanuts (unsalted)

2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder (I use Hershey’s)

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

2 Tbsp Honey

1 1/2 Tbsp Creamy Peanut Butter

1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

Pour all ingredients into a large food processor. Blend on pulse mode until mixture begins to come together but there are still small bits of nuts visible. Roll them into 1-2 inch balls depending on what you prefer. Place them onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Will keep up to 2 weeks for best flavor.