Almond butter and Carob pair like PB + Chocolate in these plant-based energy bites. Just the right amount of “cocoa-y” goodness with enough sweet to make it a treat!! The simplicity of dates and nut butter is the basis for this e-bite to give it the taste and texture we all love in a sweet bite.
Carob “Cocoa” Almond Energy Bites
When it comes to energy bites, I like to keep the combos simple and accessible. This treat has less than 10 ingredients and is a no-bake option for a sweet little snack or dessert. And honestly it’s made with ingredients I often keep stocked in my cupboard. With carob and carob chips (both unsweetened), and other acid-watcher friendly ingredients, it’s suitable for those with acid reflux*. And because it’s made with GF oats, its also a good gluten free option.
Today was just one of those days I was hankering for something sweet and chocolatey. Granted I can not have chocolate, so I opted for my favorite replacement, carob. Carob alone doesn’t taste like chocolate, but to me, it has a similar appeal. Carob powder is similar in texture to cocoa; plus it goes with many things one typically pairs with chocolate. Mix it some into a smoothie like you would would some cocoa, and you’ll find it not only adds more sweetness (than unsweetened cocoa), but also a somewhat maltiness to your drink. And, sometimes, when mixed into a batter such as this, the finished product actually tastes like it has cocoa in it. It could’ve fooled my girls, except for the carob chips. lol!
*Note: If you don’t have acid issues and you’ve gotta have your chocolate, you can always replace the chips for chocolate morsels and the carob for unsweetened cocoa. But honestly the carob adds a bit more natural sweetness to the mix and it really tastes quite “cocoa-licious”.
Carob "Cocoa" Almond Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 8 dates small, pitted
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 2 Tbsp flax meal
- 2 Tbsp carob powder unsweetened
- 1 cup raw oats
- 3 Tbsp coconut flakes unsweetened
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- 4 Tbsp carob chips unsweetened
Instructions
- Puree dates and water until smooth and creamy (a high speed blender such as a Vitamix works well)
- Use a spatula to pour into food processor.
- Add almond butter, flax meal, carob powder, oats, coconut and vanilla and process until well combined.
- Stir in carob chips.
- Refrigerate until firm.
- Scoop and roll into balls.
