Almond Butter Energy Balls

These almond butter energy balls taste delicious and pack a nutritious punch. They're great for meal prepping for a quick snack or breakfast. 

No Bake Energy Balls:

As a busy mom of three, I love quick, healthy snacks and these almond butter energy balls are delish!

They're sweetened with maple syrup and full of plant-based protein, healthy fats, fiber, and important minerals. In short, I feel good about eating them! And that's always a win.

They give me an energy boost when I'm feeling tired and too lazy to whip up a smoothie. Plus, energy balls are great for meal prepping. They last for over a week in the fridge and they're freezer-friendly.

Key Ingredients:

• Almond butter - If your almond butter is separated (oil on top), be sure to give it a really good stir to incorporate the oil. I'm a Costco fan, so I love to save and buy a big container of almond butter there.
• Oats - If you're gluten intolerant or Celiac, buy old fashioned oats labeled gluten-free to avoid cross contamination. I buy One Degree's gluten free sprouted rolled oats at Costco.
• Maple syrup - To sweeten the almond balls. I found 4 tablespoons to be the perfect sweetness. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount to three.
• Golden flax meal - I love Bob's Red Mill's golden flax meal! It adds a nutrient boost to energy balls, granola, and muffins! It has a neutral, mild flavor.
• Hemp hearts - I bought a big bag at Costco. Another great way to add healthy fats and protein. You can skip this ingredient if you don't have it.
• Chocolate chips - Dark chocolate are my favorite and the best for you! I used Ghirardelli, but any brand works fine.

How to Make Almond Butter Balls:

The best part about these little energy bites are how easy they are to make!

• Combine everything in food processor: Everything but ¼ cup of the oats! We add those in at the end for a bit of texture.
• Pulse: You don't need to process it long. Just long enough to incorporate everything and blend up the oats/chocolate a little bit.

• Add remaining oats: Remove the sharp blade, add the remaining oats, and give it a good stir.
• Scoop and roll: A portion scoop will give you even sized balls, but you can do it without one. Scoop the mixture, then use your palms to roll it into a smooth ball. At this point, the balls are on the softer side.

• Store for later: I pop one in my mouth, then store the rest for later! They firm up in the fridge. Transfer the balls to an airtight container and refrigerate for a week. Mine never last that long!

Expert Tips:

• Make these at the beginning of the week. They're great for a post workout snack or healthy-ish sweet treat! And all you have to do is pop one in your mouth.
• Make sure your almond butter is emulsified. If the oil is separated and sitting on top, you need to stir it up before you use it! Otherwise the top is just oil and the actual almond part is hard and flavorless.
• Adjust the sweetness as needed. I think 4 tablespoons is the perfect amount. Just sweet enough to taste amazing, but not too sweet.

Meal Prep & Storage:

These almond butter protein bites are meant to be stored! As in, they taste just as good, if not better, after a day in the fridge. And they last up to a week in the fridge.

• Store the balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They're meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge.
• For longer storage, throw them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Pop the container in the fridge when you're ready to enjoy them all week long.

Healthy Snack Recipes:

• Dark Chocolate Granola
• Almond Butter Oatmeal
• Protein Powder Overnight Oats