Created with cocoa dusted almonds, flakes of sweetened coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla, and sweetened with dates! These Coconut Almond Energy Bites are a simple no bake treat to enjoy without feeling guilty.
I am slightly obsessed with coffee and chocolate. I drink coffee first thing in the morning, as a snack in the afternoon, and even after dinner for dessert.
It's not exactly the flavor of the coffee itself that I am obsessed with though. It's the taste of the sugar/creamer or flavored creamer that I can't get enough of.
We usually have about 3 or 4 different flavored coffee creamers in the fridge at one time. That is where the other obsession comes in, you know, the chocolate. Those creamers are normally in some form of chocolate.
The thing about that coffee obsession is, you don't realize how many calories you consume unless you write it all down, or use one of those apps that count your calories.
I was shocked that I drink more calories then I actually eat! Yikes! It all comes from that flavored creamer. I drink coffee for the caffeine, to give me that steady stream of energy that I need to keep going all day.
I know I'm not alone. Many people drink coffee for the very same reason. However, for me the caffeine from all that coffee is cutting into my REM sleep.
For Christmas I ask for one of those activity/sleep trackers. Zack got me the exact one that I wanted, it was the one that has the best results when it comes to tracking your sleep.
Wow, I have discovered so much from this thing. I call my new little friend "Harold". Hey, it's always around giving me tips to reach my goals and to sleep better, so I figured why not give it a name. Within the first few weeks I discovered that my sleep was, like I suspected, pretty awful. I was waking up off and on throughout the night many times.
One day "Harold's" tip was to cut back on caffeine after 2pm. Huh? My obsession? Well, with lot's of willpower Pinterest browsing, I skipped my normal routine and I started noticing that my sleep patterns were getting better. Sure, I could drink decaf, but I'd rather not.
Since then I have found two things to replace my coffee/chocolate obsession. I know that your going to love both of these replacements as much as I do!
These Coconut Almond Energy Bites give you that much needed boost in the afternoons to keep you going with natural ingredients, without the caffeine.
With only just a few simple ingredients, you can make these in about 15 minutes, depending on the type of blender/food processor you'll be using.
Coconut Almond Energy Bites ingredients:
- pitted dates
- almonds
- cocoa powder
- vanilla extract
- salt
- Extra cocoa powder and coconut for coating the bites.
- sweetened shredded coconut
How do you make Coconut Almond Energy Bites?
Toss the almonds into your blender or food processor, grind them up. Set aside.
Next place the dates into the blender or food processor, break them down.
Place all of the ingredients into the blender or food processor with the dates. Pulse until everything is broken down. Scraping the sides as needed.
Roll into balls any size you'd like, we like bite size to just pop into your mouth.
Once you form the balls, roll half of them in cocoa powder, and the other half into shredded coconut.
Here are some more of our favorite gluten free treats:
Coconut Almond Energy Bites (V/GF)
Created with cocoa dusted almonds, flakes of sweetened coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla, and sweetened with dates! These Coconut Almond Energy Bites are a simple no bake treat to enjoy without feeling guilty.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted dates I used medjool dates
- 2 cups almonds I used half cocoa dusted and half regular
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- dash of salt
- Extra cocoa powder and coconut for coating the bites.
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Toss the almonds into your blender or food processor, grind them up. Set aside.
- Next place the dates into the blender or food processor, break them down.
- Place all of the ingredients into the blender or food processor with the dates.
- Pulse until everything is broken down. Scraping the sides as needed.
- Roll into balls any size you'd like, we like bite size to just pop into your mouth.
- Once you form the balls, roll half of them in cocoa powder, and the other half into shredded coconut.
- Store in the fridge.
Notes
Swap out the vanilla for other flavorings. Swap out the almonds for other nuts that you love.Try toasted coconut instead of sweetened. The possibilities are endless. Make it your own!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 273Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 158mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 6gSugar: 22gProtein: 6g
Did you make this recipe? Tag @joanna_everydaymadefresh on Instagram
Jenna @ A Savory Feast
I love making energy bites with my food processor! Thanks for giving me a new recipe idea. Pairing it with Nutchello sounds like a delicious and energizing mid=afternoon snack.
Joanna
Your welcome! It's the perfect afternoon snack to pair with the Nutchello to keep you going!
Raia
These sound delicious! I love healthy treats like this. 🙂
Joanna
Thanks Raia, we do too!
Grace
Oh, yum! I make some that are almonds, raisins/dates, and oats, and I've always wondered if I could swap out the oats for coconut. Looks like I should try it. 🙂
Joanna
Grace, they will swap out perfectly! 🙂 I love the idea of raisins, they are my favorite.
Beth
These look terrific, sharing this recipe with my sister who is always looking for healthy treat recipes.
Joanna
Thanks Beth! I hope she enjoys these as much as we do! 🙂
Pam
These look yummy and I already have my mouth watering!! I forwarded this to my daughter and daughter-in-law. I am sure they will love these also. My oldest granddaughter is in her senior year of college in nursing and working as a certified nursing assistant. The 12 hour shifts are a bit adjustment and I think these would be a great choice for breaks! She is also a big Nutella fan! Loved visiting today as your neighbor at Mom'sThe Word linkup!
Joanna
Thanks Pam! Oh, they would be a great option for your oldest granddaughter. 🙂 If she loves Nutella, she could totally change out the nuts to hazelnuts, and remove the coconut altogether! Yum! As a matter of fact, I may have to make some like that! 🙂
Claire
These sound yummy 🙂 I would love to eat a few now..
Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays
Joanna
Thanks Claire, I am munching on a few right now. 🙂
Linda @ 2 Cookin' Mamas
Love this recipe. I'm always looking for that boost in the afternoon since I had to give up coffee after 2PM for the same reason you did. Thanks for sharing at Wednesday Showcase.
Joanna
Thanks Linda! It's crazy how caffeine at that time will still effect your sleep hours later.
Helen @ family-friends-food.com
Those sound delicious and I love that they look like little truffles - what a treat!
#cookblogshare
Joanna
Thanks Helen, ahh they do look like little truffles!! 🙂
Maria
Joanna, these are the perfect treats! I love that you gave us suggestions for a guilt-free treat an alternative to coffee! That's the absolute perfect combination. Thanks so much for sharing this with us on #SHINEbloghop this week. It's great of you to join us 🙂
Joanna
Thanks so much Maria! I hope that you enjoy these guilt-free treats as much as I do! 🙂
Swati @Watch What U Eat
These are perfect healthy snacks :). YUMMED
Joanna
Thanks Swati! They are one of my favorites.
Quirky Homemaker
Sounds yummy! I have been seeing so many recipes like this. I'm really gonna have to break down and try one soon! I would love it if you'd link this and any other healthy recipes you have to my new "Balanced & Healthy Living Link Up party"! Have a great weekend!
Joanna
I didn't get a chance to link up with you this past weekend since we are in the process of a little home demo, but I will be there next weekend! Yes, you must make some soon! 🙂
Jess
Oh wow. These sound so tasty!
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Joanna
Thanks Jess! If you love that coconut almond candy bar, you'll love these! Tastes just like them!
Iryna
I love these energy bites. I've just recently made them myself and it's a totally no-guilt pleasure.
Can you imagine, I've never tried coffee creamers before?:) I usually just add milk or half-half, but the way you described Nutchello makes me totally want to try it. I think I would definitely enjoy Caramel Almond and Cashew flavor.
Joanna
I love that Nutchello doesn't have any caffeine in it so that in the afternoon you can enjoy it without the worry of keeping you up at night. Wow, I could never imagine not having tried coffee creamers! They are the only thing, to me that makes coffee, well coffee. 🙂 Aren't these bites just the yummiest!
Joy @ Joy Love Food
I love the combination of coconut and almond, these little energy bites sound wonderful, the perfect afternoon pick me up! Thanks for sharing at What'd You Do This Weekend?!
Joanna
Me too, and you'll love the all natural energy that you get from these!
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins
Oh wow these look so good as does the Nutchello, I haven't seen it here before. I must have a look on line. Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
Joanna
Yes, Kirsty, you have to find some. It's so good!
Kim
These look delicious! I'm on the Whole30 plan right now (day 11 - Give me strength!) and these little bites of heaven would be perfect for a pick me up when I'm desperately missing cookies. I hope you'll come over and link up at our You Link It, We Make It recipe share party today - knockitoffkim.com!
Joanna
Awesome job on Day 11 of the Whole30! I made it two days....yep, two days. 🙁 Anyways, these would be the perfect snack for that! Enjoy!