Chocolate Caramel Protein Energy Bites

One word: Obsessed! I can't stop eating them. I can't stop drooling. They're good right out of the fridge, right out of the freezer, or right off the counter. They do no wrong. I did add some melted sugar free chocolate and some chopped cashews. You don't have to, but why not?! These are really great to put in the freezer, too, so you have an extra stash for the future (if they last that long). I will have to make more of these soon! Enjoy!

Ingredients

1/3 cup Vitacost unsalted cashews

1/3 cup medjool dates, pitted (about 6)

2 tablespoons Vitacost maple syrup (or sugar-free maple syrup)

2 tablespoons almond milk

¼ cup coconut flour (or 1/3 whole-wheat flour)

1 scoop ARO chocolate whey protein powder

1 tablespoon Vitacost cocoa powder

1 cup Vitacost rolled oats

Optional Toppings: melted sugar-free chocolate and crushed cashews

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. 

2. Soak dates in a bowl of water for 10 minutes and drain.

3. Pulse cashews in a food processor until a fine crumble forms.

4. Add dates, syrup, and almond milk to food processor and blend until smooth.

5. Pour mixture into a mixing bowl and stir in the coconut flour, protein powder, cocoa powder, and oats. Keep stirring together until well combined (batter will be very thick)

7. Roll about 3 tablespoons of batter into a ball. Repeat until 12 balls are made and place each one on the baking sheet.

8. Bake for 6-8 minutes. Remove from oven, add chocolate if desired, and serve. 

Makes 12 servings

1 serving is 1 energy bite (without extra toppings)

Macros for 1 serving

100 calories, 4g protein, 17.4g carbs, 2.2g fat, 9.4g sugar, 2.7g fiber

Nicolette’s Tips

* I wet my hands slightly when rolling the batter into balls. This helps prevent them from sticking to your fingers and palms.

* For a lower sugar option, substitute maple syrup with sugar-free maple syrup.
*You can also eliminate the baking step. They are just as delicious as a no-bake treat.