Banana Walnut Energy Bites

Energy bites are still as popular as ever! It's no wonder - what's not to love about chewy, sweet energy bites made with wholesome ingredients you love? These Banana Walnut Energy Bites taste just like banana bread in bite-sized heart shapes, but they are packed with loads of nutrition to keep you full all morning long.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings bites

Calories 113kcal

Author Meggan Hill

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups walnuts divided
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
4 tablespoons flax seed ground
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 cup Medjool dates soft pitted (about 8-10 large)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup banana ripe, about 1 large or 1 1/2 medium

Instructions

Place walnuts into the bowl of a 7- to 14-cup food processor fitted with the chopping blade. Pulse a few times to roughly chop the walnuts. Remove 1/2 of the chopped walnuts and set aside.
To the food processor, add the rolled oats, ground flax seed, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pulse until the oats and the walnuts are very finely chopped. Transfer the oat and walnut mixture to a bowl.
Place the pitted dates, maple syrup, and vanilla into the food processor. Pulse a few times, then turn on and allow to process until a thick, smooth paste forms. Stop and scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Add the banana and process again until well-combined.
Add the oat and walnut mixture to the food processor. Process until everything is well-combined. Add the reserved chopped walnuts and pulse a few times to incorporate them.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl, making sure to scrape down the bottom of the food processor and the blade. Stir the mixture one more time to make sure everything is incorporated. The mixture will be a little sticky, but will set up a bit as it sits for a few minutes. The mixture can also be refrigerated at this point and will be easier to work with when cold.
Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Use a mini ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture in evenly sized balls. Use your hands or a small heart cookie cutter to form the mixture into bite-size heart-shaped energy bites.
Store energy bites in the refrigerator, for up to 7-10 days, or freezer for several months, in an airtight container with wax paper between the layers so the energy bites don't stick together.

Notes

If you can't find soft and pliable Medjool dates, soak the firmer dates in a little hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them. Discard the soaking water or save to use as the liquid for smoothies or cooking oatmeal.

Nutrition