Put down the store-bought cookies — these energy bites are a better way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Though they boast decadent flavors likeapple pie, snickerdoodle and chocolate chip cookie dough, each recipeis healthy enough to enjoy as a snack, yet indulgent enough to consider as a stand-in for dessert. Instead of sugar and refined flour, whole-food ingredients like oats, nuts, and protein powder will keep hunger at bay.
Ready to get rolling? The fiber-filled bitesbelow come together quickly with just a handful of ingredients and most of the recipes have no cooking or baking required. (Pro tip: If the doughgets too sticky to handle, try wetting your hands before forming the balls.)
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14 Energy Bites Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
1.Key Lime Pie Energy Bites
A grain-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, vegan and paleo treat has never tasted so good. Lime zest and juice bring tropical flavor to these date and nut-based snack balls. The recipe calls for macadamia nuts, but cashews (which are typically less pricey) work just as well. Photo and recipe: Carmen Sturdy / Every Last Bite
2.Lemon Pie Coco-Roons
Cuckoo for coconuts? These gluten-free and vegan bites are a healthy twist on the classic coconut macaroon cookies. Instead of sugar, maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness. Lemon juice and zest give them a bit of zing! Photo and recipe: Ashley / Spoonful of Flavor
3. Brownie-Cookie Dough Swirl Protein Balls
For this hybrid recipe, there’s no need to choose between brownies or cookies. Each bite comes in under 100 calories and delivers about six grams of protein (depending on the brand of protein powder used). The two types of dough can be prepared in a pinch,and they’re vegan and gluten-free. Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Fit Foodie Finds
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4.Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites
Enjoy pumpkin pie year round with these easy-to-assemble bites. A scoop of real pumpkin purée delivers heart-healthy fiber, meaning you’ll feel satisfied snacking on just one or two balls. Add a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips if you need a chocolate fix. Photo and recipe: Danae / Recipe Runner
5.Carrot Cake Power Bites
When hunger hits, these vegan, no-bake, gluten-free snacks will save the day. The morsels are filled with fiber-rich carrots (cooked, to provide a more delicate texture) and Medjool dates. A drizzle of icing on top makes every bite feel like a special treat. Photo and recipe: Coco Morante / The Kitchn
6.Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls
The next time you get a craving for raw cookie dough, whip up a batch of these grain-free, dairy-free and vegan protein bites. The recipe calls for just five ingredients, and each ball packs five grams of protein. Could there be a better post-workout snack? We don’t think so! Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by Daily Burn
RELATED:15 Quick and Easy High-Protein Snacks
7.Nutella Energy Bites
Everyone’s favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread can be part of a healthy diet when used in moderation. Here, the rich spread is combined with whole-grain oats, coconut, roasted hazelnuts, and omega-3-rich flax seed to create a filling and indulgent bite that can combat any afternoon slump. Photo and recipe: Ali Ebright / Gimme Some Oven
8.Dark Chocolate Strawberry Energy Bites
Eat your heart out, chocoholics. Each piece is only 20 calories and packs two grams of protein. Because these chocolaty bites are held together with fruit instead of nut butter, they’re ideal for kids and adults with nut allergies. Plus, the strawberries keep the bites moist. Photo and recipe: Amy / Amy’s Healthy Baking
9.Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites
While almond butter isn’t a typical ingredient in traditional oatmeal cookies, it helps these fiber-filled bites achieve that signature cookie dough flavor and texture. Don’t have almond butter on hand? Save a trip to the store (and a few dollars!) by swapping in peanut or cashew butter. Photo and recipe: Mindy / Get Creative Juice
10.Apple Pie Energy Bites
Oats and chopped fresh apples pack two grams of fiber into each of these bites. Make these a bit healthier by skipping the cinnamon chips and adding some raisins or chopped dried cinnamon apples in their place. Photo and recipe: Alaina / Fabtastic Eats
11.Vegan Snickerdoodle Energy Bites
Who can resist the warm spiciness of a good snickerdoodle cookie? Enjoy the same great flavors for a fraction of the calories and fat with these inventive snacks. Dates and maple syrup sweeten the dough, while cashews and puffed quinoa create a cookie-like texture. Photo and recipe: Alyssa / Simply Quinoa
12.No-Bake Banana Bread Bites
You can thank oats, banana, cinnamon, and almond butter for the authentic banana bread flavor in this simple, no-bake recipe. Add mix-ins like walnuts, pecans, or dark chocolate chips to make your snack next-level delicious! Photo and recipe: Stephanie / Eat. Drink. Love
13. 100-Calorie Salted Caramel Energy Balls
If caramel candies are your weakness, these energy bites are a healthy alternative. Made with Medjool dates, cashews, vanilla extract and a bit of sea salt, this four-ingredient recipe takes basically no time at all to prepare. And at 109 calories of filling healthy fat per ball, you’ll be more than satisfied sticking to just one.Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by Daily Burn
14. 5-Ingredient Energy Bites
Between training personal clients and teaching classes, Daily Burn 365 trainer Prince Brathwaite has little time to snack during the day. But when he does, you bet it’s with these delicious energy bites. Made with peanut butter, oatmeal, shredded unsweetened coconut, dark chocolate chips and honey, these homemade protein balls are a real treat for the self-confessed sweet tooth. Check out the how-to video below to see how Brathwaite makes his energy balls. Video: Daily Burn 365
Originally published July 2015. Updated September 2017.
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