November 22, 2016
updated
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These Pecan Pie Energy Bites make a healthy snack that tastes just like dessert! Pack them into a lunch for a delicious, gluten-free treat.
When the holidays are in full swing, it’s time to pull out all of your favorite snacks and desserts. One of my holiday staples is pecan pie. Nothing beats cutting into a slice of sweet, sticky pecan pie. While it makes an exceptional dessert, these pecan energy bites are a much healthier way to enjoy those same flavors.
Recipes like these prove you can enjoy your favorite foods and still eat a healthy, balanced diet.
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Pecan Pie Energy Bites Ingredients
These pecan bites have all the holiday spices and flavor we love like vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Here’s what you’ll need to make this no-bake snack happen:
- Raisins: add fiber. You can swap them for dates.
- Pecans: add more fiber, vitamins, protein, and healthy fats.
- Unsweetened coconut flakes: add a delicious flavor with no added sugars!
- Vanilla extract: for flavor and aroma.
- Cinnamon: for a classic holiday-like taste.
- Nutmeg: cinnamon’s best friend!
- Ground ginger: add a spicy, peppery touch.
- Salt: enhances the other flavors.
With no added sugar, this is a perfect clean eating recipe you can enjoy in a lunch box or when the 3 p.m. slump comes along, guilt-free. They are also Paleo-approved, gluten-free, grain-free, and vegan; what a bite!
How to Make Pecan Energy Bites
You’ll need a food processor or high-speed blender to make the dough. It should stick together and be easy to scoop out with a spoon.
- Soak
Place raisins in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 10 minutes; drain. - Blend
Pulse the raisins and nuts in a food processor until they are finely ground and have formed a paste. Stir in the coconut flakes, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Pulse a few times and refrigerate for 30 minutes. - Form
Using a spoon and your hands, scoop and shape the dough into 16 small balls. Refrigerate in an airtight container to store and enjoy.
Easy, right?
More Energy Bites Recipes
We can’t stop at just one energy bite. Here are more ideas you can make for parties or pack for school lunches. Each recipe makes up to 16 and can be stored in the refrigerator so you can grab and go as needed.
Pecan Pie Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins or dates
- 1 cup pecans
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place raisins in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 10 minutes; drain.
- In a food processor, place raisins and pecans; pulse until they are finely ground and have formed a paste. Add coconut flakes, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Pulse a few times until combined. Remove food processor base and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Using your hands, form dough into 16 small balls. Refrigerate in an airtight container to store and enjoy.
Bianca
Can these be frozen?
MOMables-Laura
Yes, place the bites in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Ashley
Look delicious! Will be making these this weekend. If you are using dates do you also need to soak them in the hot water first?
Stephanie Schneller
maybe for a few minutes but dates are much softer than raisins. Enjoy!