Time for a new energy bites recipe!
You all know how much I love a good salty and sweet combo. So I’m excited to introduce to you my new version — Trail Mix Energy Bites!
I was actually spring cleaning-out my pantry when the idea occurred to me to use up some leftover nuts, pretzels and dried fruit to make some trail mix. But at the last minute, I decided to mix them with some natural peanut butter, puffed brown rice cereal (or you could use oats), wheat germ, a pinch of chia seeds, and behold — these trail mix energy bites were born!
It’s a good thing that they are shaped into portion-controlled little bites, because I’m pretty sure I could have eaten the whole bowl. These turned out SO tasty!!! I especially loved having the salty crunch of the pretzels in there too. And even after a week in the fridge, my pretzels didn’t get soggy at all. It’s like they were meant for these bites. ;)
As with any of these energy bite recipes, the options for substitutions here are endless. Energy bites are a great way to use up any ingredients you might have on hand. You can sub in any nuts (peanuts, almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, walnuts, etc.), any nut butter (PB, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, etc.), any dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots, cherries, etc.), or chocolate (dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or sans chocolate, etc.) that sounds good. And if you don’t want to shape the mix into little balls, you can also just press it into the bottom of a baking dish and then cut them into bars.
However you make them, have fun and don’t be afraid to get creative! Enjoy!!
Trail Mix Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole grain crispy puffed rice cereal or old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dark or semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanuts or almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped pretzels
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup wheat germ
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients together in a large bowl until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. (This step is important — it makes the mixture easier to shape.)
- Remove and shape into small 1-inch balls, or press into the bottom of a parchment-lined baking pan to make granola bars.
- Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
- **It is not essential that these be refrigerated, but it helps the balls to keep their shape.
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
These look so good Ali! I love when I can snack on something that is healthy!
Like bars but in bowls. Love it!
These look like the perfect snack! I love the salty-sweet thing, too, and these have everything I love in them. These are a must make!
You always have the best energy ball ideas! These look delicious!!!
I looove these little bites!! Yum!
These are amazeBAWLS! :) With summer quickly approaching, I need to hunt and gather good trail mix ideas. We have plans to hike, camp, and fish this summer, so these would be the perfect go to snack!
These are so fun! I love the pretzels too…I have never added them to my energy bites before. And chia seeds – love! Must add next time!
I love these little bites! So much easier to through in your mouth too! These look so yummy!
Omg I love these!! I have a huge bag of puffed wheat in my pantry and I love mixing it with peanut butter, honey and dried cherries. I am loving all of your mixins!!
What a delicious healthy treat!