Protein Peanut Butter Energy Bites

We’re always on a quest for inspiration and ideas for eating clean and healthy. One of our favorite go-to blogs is AMBITIOUS KITCHEN, written and photographed by Monique, a talented self-taught chef and baker. Here, Monique shares a fast, easy recipe for delicious, protein-rich energy bites. Packed with nutritious, high-fiber ingredients like flaxseed, chia seeds, and oats, these chewy treats are fun to make with kids. A recipe by MONIQUE VOLZ
INGREDIENTS
Makes 14 balls
- ½ cup natural drippy peanut butter or almond butter
- ¼ cup coconut palm syrup (honey also works)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup protein powder of choice*
- ⅓ cup flaxseed meal
- ⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup rolled oats (gluten free, if desired)
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (vegan, if desired)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, coconut palm syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add protein powder, coconut, flaxseed meal, oats, chocolate chips, and chia seeds. With clean hands, mix until well combined. Depending on the consistency of the nut butter, and the type of protein powder you use, you may need to add more nut butter or sweetener to help the balls stick together. Form into 14 balls and place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, or the freezer for a month. Enjoy!
Notes: *For the protein powder, Monique normally uses Aloha’s Vanilla protein powder (vegan). She also likes Bob’s Red Mill unflavored whey protein powder. If you don’t have any protein powder, these balls should be just fine without it too, although you may need to add more oats. For the nut butter, Monique uses an all-natural, drippy peanut butter made with only peanuts and salt and no additives. For a nut-free version of this recipe, use sunflower seed butter and nut-free chocolate chips.