Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No-Bake Convenience: I can whip up these bites without turning on the oven, making them a quick and easy snack option.
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Customizable Ingredients: I love that I can tailor the mix-ins to my preferences, adding nuts, dried fruits, or even protein powder for an extra boost.
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Kid-Friendly: The colorful M&M’s and sweet flavors make these bites a hit with kids, and they’re a fun recipe to make together.
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Nutritious and Satisfying: With a base of oats and peanut butter, these bites provide a good balance of protein and fiber to keep me full between meals.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/2 cup honey
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups quick oats
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1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
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1/2 cup mini M&M’s
Directions
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, I combine the creamy peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Add Dry Ingredients: I stir in the quick oats, mini chocolate chips, and mini M&M’s until the mixture is well combined and holds together.
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Form Bites: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, I roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Chill: I refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
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Store: Once set, I transfer the bites to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 24 bites
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Chill Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Add Protein: I sometimes mix in a scoop of my favorite protein powder to make these bites more filling.
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Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, I substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
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Different Mix-Ins: I like to experiment by adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra treat, I drizzle melted dark chocolate over the chilled bites.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: I store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
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Freezer: For longer storage, I freeze the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months.
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Thawing: When ready to eat, I let the bites thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, I can use old-fashioned oats, but I find that quick oats give the bites a better texture and help them hold together more easily.
How can I make these bites vegan?
To make a vegan version, I substitute the honey with maple syrup and ensure that the chocolate chips and M&M’s are vegan-friendly.
Are these energy bites gluten-free?
If I use certified gluten-free oats and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free, then yes, these bites can be made gluten-free.
Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Absolutely! I add a scoop of my preferred protein powder to the mixture. Depending on the powder’s consistency, I might need to adjust the amount of peanut butter or honey to maintain the right texture.
How long do these energy bites last?
Stored in the refrigerator, they last up to a week. In the freezer, they can be kept for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
I find that Monster Energy Bites are a delightful and convenient snack that satisfies my sweet tooth while providing a boost of energy. Their no-bake nature and customizable ingredients make them a staple in my kitchen, perfect for busy days, lunchboxes, or a quick treat anytime.
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Monster Energy Bites
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- Author: Mia
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: ~24 bites
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The best snack for kids and adults alike—these monster cookie energy bites are chewy, colorful, and full of flavor with no baking required.
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2½ cups quick oats
½ cup mini chocolate chips
½ cup mini M&M’s
Instructions
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in oats, chocolate chips, and M&M’s until fully combined and sticky.
Form Bites: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using a tablespoon or cookie scoop.
Chill: Place the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Store: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Add a scoop of protein powder for a protein-packed snack.
Old-fashioned oats can be substituted, though quick oats bind better.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American