Oat Energy Chia Bites
Oat Energy Chia Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup crunchy nut butter
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup chia seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the rolled oats, crunchy nut butter, dark chocolate chips, maple syrup or honey, and chia seeds. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and the mixture holds together when you press a small amount between your fingers. If it feels too dry add a small drizzle of maple syrup and stir again.
- Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, divide the mixture into 30 portions and roll each one between your palms into a smooth 1 inch ball. Place on the parchment as you go.
- Once all the bites are rolled, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator for one hour to set. After refrigerating, transfer them to an airtight container or zip bag and store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
Nutrition
Five ingredients, one bowl, no baking, and about 10 minutes of actual effort before they go into the refrigerator and become the thing everyone reaches for all week.
I have been making these for the kids and myself for close to a decade now. They have gone from toddler snacks to full-grown teenager snacks. They just have not lost their goodness. And these are even things that I could set up and the kids can fully make by themselves without me having to fully supervise too… always a plus!!
The refrigeration time is the only part that requires any patience and even then you are not doing anything, you are just waiting. One hour and they are firm, scoopable, and ready to go into a bag or container for the rest of the week.
What Makes These Work
Crunchy nut butter works better here than smooth. The texture of the bits of nuts throughout the mixture adds to the overall bite and keeps these from feeling too uniform. Any crunchy nut butter works… peanut, almond, cashew, whatever you have or prefer.
The chia seeds are small but they matter. They absorb a little of the moisture from the maple syrup and nut butter as the bites sit in the freezer, which helps everything bind together and hold its shape. Do not skip them or substitute them out.
Maple syrup and honey are both listed as options and either works. Maple syrup gives a slightly more neutral sweetness while honey adds a little more flavor. Both will give you the right texture so it really comes down to what you have on hand.
I will say that I have a preference of the honey over the maple syrup, but that’s just because I like the taste of honey with oats and nut butter.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Start
The mixture should feel sticky and hold together when you press it between your fingers before you start rolling. If it feels too dry and crumbly, add a small drizzle of maple syrup and stir again. A little goes a long way so add it gradually.
Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray before rolling if the mixture is sticking to your palms. It makes the process much faster and cleaner.
Give them the full hour in the freezer before eating or storing. They need that time to firm up properly. Right after rolling they are soft and will not hold their shape as well.
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months or in the fridge for up to one week. They are good straight from the freezer and thaw quickly at room temperature if you prefer them a little softer.
