Sunflower Seed Butter Energy Bites (nut-free)
By
Nut-free energy bites that come together fast! I used sunflower seed butter and sunflower seeds to make these nut-free, but feel free to swap in almond or peanut butter (and chopped almonds or peanuts) to change up the flavour. Keep in mind that the consistency of your seed or nut butter will impact how wet or dry the dough is. I don't recommend using a dry seed or nut butter (you know the dried up bits in the bottom of the jar? not ideal for this recipe!). If your seed or nut butter is super oily and runny, you might have to cut back on the oil or eliminate it all together. Lastly, I like to roll these in shredded unsweetened coconut because the dough is a bit sticky and it adheres well. Although I will admit, the coconut does make for a messier eating experience, so you can always skip that if you prefer. Or roll it in ground toasted nuts...yum!
Yield
8-10 large
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook time
0 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats, coarsely chopped in food processor
- 1/2 cup sunflower seed butter (or smooth nut butter of choice)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1.5-2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon pink Himalayan sea salt or other fine sea salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1-2 teaspoons water, only if needed (optional)
- 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup rice crisp cereal (not puffed rice)
- 2 tbsp nondairy chocolate or chocolate chips (I use this brand)
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, for rolling (optional)
Directions:
- Add oats into a food processor and process for only about 4-5 seconds, until coarsely chopped. You should have a mix of big pieces of oats and some powdery oat flour.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the sunflower butter, maple syrup, 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until combined. The batter will be quite sticky at this point.
- Stir in the oats until combined. Now stir in the cereal, sunflower seeds, chocolate, and chia seeds until everything is thoroughly coated in the wet mixture. If your mixture is too dry, you can add water, a teaspoon at a time, and mix again. If it’s too sticky you can add more oats, a tablespoon at a time, and mix again.
- Shape the dough into 8-10 large balls by rolling it between your hands. Place on a large plate.
- Add coconut into a bowl. Roll each bite into the coconut until it's completely covered. Repeat for the rest. (If the coconut isn't sticking to your bites, add a small amount of water on your hands and pat the energy bite all over. Now try rolling it again - the water will help it stick.)
- Store the energy bites in the fridge. They will harden up a bit when chilled (thanks to the coconut oil), but they will soften again at room temperature.