Salted Maple Pecan Pie Energy Bites Recipe
These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Energy Bites are a delicious, wholesome snack combining the natural sweetness of dates and maple syrup with the crunch of pecans and oats. Inspired by classic pecan pie flavors, these no-bake energy bites are perfect for a quick boost on the go, featuring a hint of cinnamon and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 energy bites
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Energy Bites
- 1 cup raw pecans
- 1 cup pitted soft large Medjool dates (about 10 to 12 large dates)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ cup rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Finishing
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the Medjool dates are soft and pitted for easier processing. This ensures the energy bites hold together properly.
- Pulse Pecans: In a food processor, pulse the raw pecans until they are finely chopped but not turned into powder. You want some texture in your bites.
- Add Dates and Wet Ingredients: Add the pitted Medjool dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt to the food processor with pecans. Process until the mixture starts to come together.
- Add Oats and Cinnamon: Add the rolled oats and ground cinnamon into the food processor. Pulse a few more times until the oats are incorporated and the mixture is sticky and well combined.
- Form Bites: Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
- Chill: Place the formed energy bites onto a parchment-lined tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
- Finish with Sea Salt: Once chilled, sprinkle the tops of the energy bites with flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, substitute pecans with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- If dates are not sticky enough, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before using.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity depending on desired sweetness and consistency.
- These energy bites can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before eating.
- Use gluten-free oats to keep the bites gluten-free.
