Ditch the sugary snacks and fuel your body with the good stuff! These Superfood Energy Bites are packed with naturally sweet dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, making them the perfect guilt-free pick-me-up. They’re sugar-free, no-bake, and require minimal prep, making them ideal for busy lifestyles.
Ingredients:
- 100 g Dates
- 70 g Plums
- 45 g Dried Cranberries
- 50 g Raisins
- 80 g Dried Apricots
- 50 g Pumpkin Seeds
- 70 g Walnuts, chopped
- 75 g Almonds, roasted
- 35 g Sesame Seeds (reserve some for decoration)
- 20 g Pine Nuts
- 20 g Oat Flakes
Instructions:
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Prep the Dried Fruits:
- Wash the dried fruits (dates, plums, cranberries, raisins, and apricots).
- Soak them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. This helps remove any preservatives and activates beneficial nutrients.
- Drain the soaked fruits well after 20 minutes.
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Prepare the Nuts and Seeds:
- Toast the almonds (75g) in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, watching closely to avoid burning. This takes about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Lightly fry the sesame seeds (35g) in a pan over medium heat for a minute or two, until toasted and fragrant. Set aside, reserving a small amount for decoration later.
- Chop the walnuts (70g) into coarse pieces.
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Combine Fruits and Nuts:
- In a large bowl, combine all the chopped or whole dried fruits (apricots, cranberries, raisins, soaked dates, and plums), chopped walnuts, roasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, and pine nuts.
- Add the oat flakes to the bowl.
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Grind and Mix:
- Using a blender or food processor, grind the soaked dates and plums until they form a sticky paste.
- Add this paste to the bowl with the other ingredients and mix well using a spoon or spatula to ensure everything is evenly combined.
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Shape and Freeze:
- With clean hands, form the mixture into a long cylinder shape.
- Spread the reserved sesame seeds on a plate and roll the cylinder in the sesame seeds to coat the outside for decoration.
- Place the formed cylinder on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the cylinder for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
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Slice and Enjoy:
- Once frozen, slice the cylinder into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.
- Enjoy your delicious and sugar-free energy dessert!
Benefits:
- Briefly mention the health benefits of the key ingredients:
- Dried Fruits: Provide a natural source of sweetness, fiber, and vitamins.
- Nuts and Seeds: Loaded with healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients for sustained energy.
- Oat Flakes: Offer complex carbohydrates for long-lasting energy.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Dried Fruits: Feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruits like figs, cherries, or mango.
- Nuts and Seeds: Substitute other nuts and seeds you like, such as cashews, pecans, or sunflower seeds. Just ensure they have similar textures for a good bite.
- Oat Flakes: For a grain-free option, omit the oat flakes or use a nut flour alternative like almond flour or coconut flour.
Tips:
- Soaking Time: If you’re short on time, you can skip soaking the dried fruits, but soaking helps improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Sweetener Option: For a touch of extra sweetness, you can drizzle the finished bars with melted dark chocolate (choose one with a high cocoa content for added health benefits).
- Portion Control: These energy bites are packed with energy, so enjoy them in moderation!
Storage:
- These energy bites freeze well. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.
Conclusion:
End with a call to action, encouraging readers to try the recipe:
So next time you’re craving a healthy and satisfying snack, whip up a batch of these Superfood Energy Bites! We guarantee they’ll become your go-to choice for a delicious and energizing treat.