Cinnamon Roll Energy Bites are tiny, tasty snacks that pack a punch of flavor! Made with oats, cinnamon, and nut butter, these bites are chewy and sweet, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love cinnamon rolls? With these bites, you get all the yum without the fuss of baking. I just roll them up, pop them in the fridge, and enjoy them whenever I need a snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Oats are the base of these energy bites, giving them texture and fiber. If you’re gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats. You can also use quick oats, but the texture might be slightly different.
Medjool Dates: These sweet dates help bind the ingredients together. If you can’t find Medjool dates, you can use other dried fruits like apricots or raisins, but adjust the sweetness since they have a different level of natural sugar.
Nut Butter: Almond butter adds rich flavor, but any nut or seed butter (like peanut or sunflower seed butter) works well too! Just be aware of allergies and adjust to your preference.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key to achieving the cinnamon roll flavor. You could also use a pumpkin pie spice mix if you want to add a twist, but cinnamon is best for that classic taste.
How Do I Get My Mixture to Stick Together?
A common issue is getting the mixture to hold together. Here’s a simple way to ensure the texture is just right.
- Pulse the rolled oats into a coarse flour to create a better base. This helps everything bind together.
- Add in the Medjool dates and nut butter gradually. Make sure to process thoroughly between additions.
- If it feels too crumbly, add a splash of water or a bit more nut butter. Remember, the mixture should stick together when you squeeze it in your hand.
Chilling in the fridge helps them firm up too, so don’t skip that step! These tips should help you achieve perfect energy bites every time. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Roll Energy Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Optional: 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (for extra sweetness)
- Optional: 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds (for added nutrition)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time to blend the ingredients, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In no time, you’ll have a delicious batch of energy bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oats:
Start by pulsing the rolled oats in a food processor until they reach a coarse flour consistency. This helps create a smoother texture for your energy bites.
2. Mix Ingredients:
Next, add the pitted Medjool dates, almond butter, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and any optional sweeteners or seeds into the food processor. Mix well until everything is combined.
3. Process Until Sticky:
Continue processing until the mixture becomes sticky and starts to clump together. If it feels too dry and isn’t holding together, try adding a small splash of water or a bit more almond butter. You want it to hold together when pressed in your hand.
4. Roll Into Bites:
Grab a tablespoon-sized portion of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form a ball. Repeat this with the rest of the mixture until all the energy bites are formed.
5. Chill to Set:
Place the rolled energy bites on a plate or baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up nicely.
6. Store and Enjoy:
Once they are set, store the cinnamon roll energy bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Enjoy these tasty bites as a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack anytime!
Can I Use Different Sweeteners?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute maple syrup or honey with agave syrup or even a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust accordingly to your taste!
Can I Make These Energy Bites Vegan?
Yes, to make these bites vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey, and ensure you select a nut butter that doesn’t contain any animal products. Most nut butters are vegan-friendly!
How Long Can I Store Them?
You can keep the cinnamon roll energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to store them longer, they freeze well too! Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts for added flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust the consistency if the mixture gets too dry by adding a bit more almond butter or a splash of water.