Cinnamon Roll Energy Bites are a fun and tasty snack that packs a sweet punch! Made with oats, cinnamon, and nut butter, these little treats are perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
They’re like tiny cinnamon rolls you can eat on the go! I love making a batch ahead of time so I always have a yummy snack ready when cravings hit. Plus, no baking is required—score!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These provide the base for our energy bites. If you’re gluten-sensitive, look for certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can work too, though they’ll give a softer texture.
Pitted Dates: Dates add natural sweetness and stickiness. If you don’t have them, try dried figs or apricots, though keep in mind they will change the flavor. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead, but reduce the other liquid if you do.
Almond Flour/Nuts: Almond flour gives a nice, nutty flavor. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seed flour or oat flour can be a good alternative. You can also use ground oats in a pinch!
Nut Butter: Almond butter is tasty, but peanut butter or sunflower seed butter works too! If creamy is not available, look for crunchy for an interesting texture.
Cinnamon: This is key for that cinnamon roll flavor! If you want to mix things up, try nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different twist.
How Do I Make the Perfect Sticky Dough?
Getting the right dough consistency is vital for shaping your energy bites. If your mixture is too dry, add a teaspoon of water or a bit more nut butter. If it’s too wet, simply mix in more oats until it holds together. Don’t rush this part; a good balance will yield the best results!
- Start by pulsing the oats to a coarse flour, then add the wet ingredients like nut butter and honey.
- Carefully mix and check the texture; aim for sticky but manageable dough.
- Once you scoop and roll them, feel free to coat with cinnamon for an extra cinnamon flavor!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Energy Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup almond flour or finely ground almonds
- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds for extra nutrition
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe will take around 15 minutes to prepare, plus about 1 hour of chilling time in the fridge. It’s quick and simple, making it perfect for meal prep or a last-minute snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oats:
Start by placing the rolled oats in a food processor. Pulse them until they reach a coarse flour consistency. This adds a nice texture to your energy bites!
2. Add the Ingredients:
Now, add the pitted dates, almond flour, almond butter (or peanut butter), honey (or maple syrup), ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the food processor. If you’re using flaxseed or chia seeds for extra nutrition, toss those in too.
3. Mix It Up:
Pulse the mixture until it’s well combined and forms a sticky dough. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of water or more nut butter; if it’s too wet, mix in a bit more oats until it feels just right.
4. Shape the Bites:
Using your hands, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. If you’d like, roll each ball lightly in extra cinnamon or finely ground oats for a tasty coating!
5. Chill and Enjoy:
Place the energy bites in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge for at least one hour so they can firm up a bit. Once they’re ready, enjoy the bites as a quick snack or energy boost anytime you need it!
6. Storage Tips:
These Energy Bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, or you can freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Other Sweeteners Besides Honey or Maple Syrup?
Absolutely! You can substitute honey or maple syrup with agave nectar, coconut nectar, or even brown rice syrup. Just use a similar quantity to maintain the sweetness!
How Do I Store Leftover Energy Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to three months; just thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Make These Energy Bites Vegan?
Yes! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey and choose a plant-based nut butter. All the other ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly!
What Can I Use Instead of Almond Flour?
If you’re allergic to nuts or don’t have almond flour, you can use oat flour, sunflower seed flour, or even whole oats ground into a fine powder. They’ll all work well in this recipe!
