Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Rolled Oats (Old-fashioned)
  • 10 large Medjool Dates, pitted
  • 1/4 cup Cashew Butter (Smooth)
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 cup Dried Apple Pieces (Unsweetened), finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Cinnamon Sugar Mixture (optional coating)

Instructions:

  1. Process the Oats: Place the rolled oats, cinnamon, chia seeds, and salt into the food processor. Pulse 5 to 7 times until the oats are broken down into a coarse flour texture. Transfer this mixture to a medium mixing bowl and set aside.
  2. Chop the Apples: Ensure the dried apple pieces are roughly the size of a raisin or smaller. If they are large, quickly pulse them in the food processor to break them down before proceeding.
  3. Process the Wet Binders: Place the pitted dates and the chopped dried apples into the now-empty food processor bowl. Process continuously for 30–60 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides, until the dates clump together into a sticky ball-like mass.
  4. Add Liquid Binders: Add the cashew butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the date mixture. Process until fully incorporated, resulting in a very sticky, uniform paste.
  5. Form the Dough: Pour the reserved spiced oat mixture (from Step 1) into the food processor bowl with the date paste. Pulse the mixture in short bursts (8–10 times) until a thick, shaggy dough forms that holds its shape when pinched.
  6. Roll the Bites: Lightly dampen your hands. Scoop roughly 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it firmly between your palms to form a smooth ball (approx. 1.5 inches / 4 cm diameter).
  7. Coat (Optional): If using the cinnamon-sugar coating, gently roll each bite through the mixture.
  8. Chill: Place the finished energy bites onto a prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to firm up completely before serving or storing.