These No Sugar, No Flour Energy Bites are the perfect grab-and-go snack: naturally sweet, chewy, and packed with wholesome ingredients to keep your energy up—without any added sugar or refined flour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally sweetened with dates or bananas—no sugar needed!
- Flourless and gluten-free, making it ideal for clean eating or special diets
- Quick and easy—ready in 10 minutes, no baking required
- Portable and mess-free, perfect for lunchboxes, travel, or post-gym fuel
- Kid-approved thanks to their chewy texture and chocolatey flavor
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins like chia seeds, cocoa, or dried fruit
- Protein-packed with nut butter and optional protein powder
- Great for meal prep—they store well in the fridge or freezer
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (or 1 ripe banana)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips (sugar-free if needed)
- ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 scoop protein powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (if not strictly sugar-free)
Directions
- Soften the Dates
If using dates, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well. This makes them easier to blend and helps them bind the mixture. - Blend the Base
In a food processor, combine the dates (or banana), oats, nut butter, chia seeds, vanilla, and salt. Blend until a thick, sticky dough forms. Scrape down the sides as needed. - Add Extras
If using cocoa powder, chocolate chips, coconut, or protein powder, pulse them in until just combined. - Roll into Bites
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. If the dough is sticky, lightly dampen your hands. - Chill and Store
Place the bites in an airtight container and chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–14 bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approx. 120
Variations
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut or almond butter
- Coconut-Lovers: Roll bites in shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture
- Spiced: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- Citrus Zing: Add 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest
- Berry Boost: Mix in dried cranberries, blueberries, or goji berries
- Extra Protein: Add a scoop of plant-based or whey protein
- Mocha Energy: Mix in 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- Chocolate-Covered: Dip in melted dark chocolate and chill
Storage/Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months; thaw as needed
- Reheating: Not necessary—enjoy straight from fridge or room temperature
FAQs
Can I use a banana instead of dates?
Yes! A ripe banana works well as a binder and sweetener. The texture will be slightly softer, and flavor more mellow.
Are these energy bites gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure you use certified gluten-free oats.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work great.
Can I add protein powder?
Absolutely—just add 1 scoop and reduce oats slightly if needed to keep the right consistency.
Are these bites good for kids?
Definitely! They’re naturally sweet and easy to chew—just check for any nut allergies.
Can I skip the chocolate chips?
Of course! They’re optional. You can replace them with chopped nuts, seeds, or more dried fruit.
How do I know if the mixture is too dry or too wet?
If it’s too dry, add a spoon of nut butter or a splash of water. Too wet? Add a few more oats.
Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes, but it takes more effort. Mash the banana or finely chop the dates, then mix everything by hand.
What’s the texture like?
Chewy, soft, and slightly dense—like a mini protein bar but fresher.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your food processor can handle the batch size.
Conclusion
These No Sugar, No Flour Energy Bites are everything you want in a healthy snack—quick, customizable, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re managing your sugar intake, going gluten-free, or just need something tasty between meals, these little bites are a pantry-friendly lifesaver. Whip them up today and enjoy clean energy on demand!
Print
No Sugar, No Flour Energy Bites
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 13 bites 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These no-bake energy bites are made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nut butter, and dates—no sugar or flour needed. They’re chewy, naturally sweet, and perfect for snacking, meal prep, or post-workout fuel.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
-
1 cup pitted Medjool dates (or 1 ripe banana)
-
1 cup rolled oats
-
½ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
-
2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins
-
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
-
¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips (sugar-free if needed)
-
¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
-
1 scoop protein powder (optional)
-
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions
-
Soften the Dates
If using dates, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain. This softens them and helps them blend better into the mixture. -
Blend the Base
In a food processor, blend dates (or banana), oats, nut butter, chia seeds, vanilla, and salt until a sticky dough forms. Scrape the sides as needed. -
Add Extras
Add cocoa powder, chocolate chips, protein powder, or coconut if using. Pulse just until combined. -
Shape into Bites
Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls. If too sticky, lightly wet your hands for easier rolling. -
Chill and Serve
Place in an airtight container and chill for 20 minutes before eating. Enjoy straight from the fridge or at room temp!
Notes
You can swap peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed. For a sweeter touch, add a bit of maple syrup or honey—even then, it’s still naturally nourishing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack, Healthy Treat
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American, Clean Eating
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: No Sugar No Flour Energy Bites, Healthy Energy Balls, Sugar-Free Snacks, Vegan Snack Bites, Clean Eating Snack