No-Bake Oatmeal Cookie Energy Bites

By the Gracious Vegan

These energy bites give you a cookie-like satisfaction, but without the eggs, butter, or sugar. Adding the raisins and nuts at the end preserves their texture, creating pleasant layers of of texture and tastes as you chew. These freeze well, so you can make several batches at once and have them for weeks or months.

Makes 20-24 balls

Place the following ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and process until the mixture is well-combined but small chunks of the oats are still visible, about 30-45 seconds (sometimes a sticky ball forms, which is fine—that means it’s done). 

• 1+1/3 cups pitted dates (they should be soft)

• 2/3 cup uncooked oatmeal (quick or old fashioned)

• 1/2 cup slivered or sliced or chopped almonds, roasted

• 2 Tablespoons flaxseed meal

• 1 Tablespoon maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add the following ingredients and process until just mix in (leave them as whole as possible).

• 3 Tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds (it’s okay if they are salted) (you could substitute other nuts, such as walnuts)

• 3 Tablespoon raisins

With lightly wet hands, roll about a Tablespoon of mixture into a tight ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Store in a container with a cover. Refrigerate for several hours until chilled. Store covered in refrigerator – they last at least a week. 

Timing: 10 minutes, plus chilling time

Gluten-Free