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These no-bake Peanut Butter Banana Energy Bites are only 57 calories each and they are easy to make ahead for snacks on the go! Perfect for a healthy treat in a lunch box, after school snack or pre-workout!
I may enjoy sweet treats every now and again, but generally I am snacking on healthy, homemade bites like these ginger peach snack bars, apple crisp energy bites or banana bran muffins. When something a little sweeter is in order, I’ll make a batch of these copycat kind bars or honey granola clusters.
These Peanut Butter Banana Energy Bites are based on my favorite afternoon snack growing up. My mom used to spread peanut butter on whole wheat toast and then top it with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey. The peanut butter and banana are perfectly balanced and you can’t even taste the dates! If you can’t stand dates and are looking for a different base, try these tropical oat bars!
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What are Peanut Butter Banana Energy Bites?
Energy bites are a no-bake snack that use dried fruit, typically dates, as the binder. These peanut butter banana energy bites are easy, portable snacks to keep you full between meals or are a sweet treat afterwards. They can help you power through sports practice or studying or even the toughest leg-day!
Ingredients
- Medjool dates: I prefer the rich, caramel flavor of Medjool dates. They are typically a bit juicier and will create a better binder for bites and bars.
- Oats: Whole rolled oats are the main dry ingredient in these energy bites. They are gluten free and they act as a dry binder for all the wet ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla adds just the right amount of rich flavor to these energy balls!
- Flaxseed meal: Flaxseed meal is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, and it an excellent binder for healthy snacks. The meal absorbs moisture while adding nutrients and a laundry list of health benefits!
- Oat bran: The bran is the outer layers of the oat kernel. It is mostly fiber but also contains vitamins and minerals. I use oat bran to increase the fiber and also bind together the wet ingredients without adding too many additional calories.
- Natural Peanut butter: I use a natural peanut butter in my healthy snacks like these Peanut Butter Banana Energy Bites.
- Honey: Choose a local honey to get all the allergy-fighting benefits! Honey adds just a little bit of extra sweetness but can absolutely be omitted if desired.
- Banana purée: Baking or making no-bake healthy treats with bananas makes use of their natural moisture and sweetness without having to add additional oils or sweeteners.
- Salt: Kosher salt is lass salty than table salt, and it keeps the energy bites from having a flat taste.
- Cinnamon: Saigon cinnamon is my go-to when I’m making these, but if you have another favorite, I’m sure it’ll be great.
Substitutions for Energy Bites
- Vegan: Easily make these bites vegan by omitting the honey. You could substitute with agave if desired, but it’s not necessary.
- Lower Fat: Replace the peanut butter with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter powder and just enough water to make a smooth ball. Add the water last and a teaspoon at a time.
- Oat Bran: If you can’t find oat bran, replace it with wheat bran or more rolled oats.
Variations on Peanut Butter Banana Energy Bites
- High Protein: Add ¼ cup protein powder to the dry mix after pulsing. Add additional water 1 teaspoon at a time until a smooth ball forms. You could also reduce the peanut butter to control the calories and fat.
- Chocolate Chip: Allow the batter to cool slightly and then mix in 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips before rolling. You could also roll the balls in mini chocolate chips!
- Monster Energy Bites: Mix in mini M&M’s, rolled oats and mini chocolate chips for a sweet treat!
How to store Peanut Butter Banana Energy Bites
These Peanut Butter Banana Energy Bites should be stored in the refrigerator because of the banana purée. They will keep for 3 days at room temperature, but they are best stored in the refrigerator or freezer. I also enjoy the texture and flavor more when they are cold.
Peanut Butter Banana Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 8 Medjool dates
- 1 cup Oats
- 1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons Flaxseed meal
- 3 tablespoons Oat bran
- ¼ cup Natural Peanut butter I use Justin's
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- ½ Banana puréed
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- In a food processor process dates, oats, spice, vanilla extract, salt, oat bran, and flaxseed meal until finely ground.
- Add the honey, peanut butter, and banana and process until a smooth ball forms.
- Roll into balls and chill.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Before You Go!
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