These no-bake Oatmeal, Raisin and Pecan Energy Bites are filled with healthy and nutritious ingredients, and they’re super quick and easy to make!
Don’t you just love a snack that’s delicious, satisfying, and one that you can actually feel good about eating? Yep, me too. And these awesome little energy balls are just that!
All you need are 6 simple ingredients (you might even have all of them in your kitchen right now!), and these snack bites are ready to eat in just minutes…no baking required!
They’ve got all the flavors you would find in oatmeal raisin cookies – oats, raisins, nuts, cinnamon, and vanilla – but without any added sugar (and I have to say that they also somehow kinda-sorta remind me of a Fig Newton, which I love!).
The sweetness comes only from the raisins, so they’re sweet but not too sweet and perfect for satisfying a sugar craving without the processed sugar.
Plus, you’ll get some protein, good carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber too.
Now, do they really give you energy? I guess it depends on your definition of energy. I mean you’re not going be bouncing off the walls after you eat one or anything like that!
BUT they sure can be a yummy little pick-me-up when you’re feeling a little drained because you haven’t eaten in a while.
So when those hunger pangs come a-calling and you need a little something so you don’t go gettin’ all hangry (’cause no one likes it when you’re hangry), reach for these little bites of deliciousness instead of a less-healthy option.
I love keeping a container of these in the fridge so we can grab one or two whenever we want. They can be enjoyed any time of the day…morning, noon, and night.
They also make a great on-the-go snack and are a perfect addition to any lunchbox. And they’re just so darn fun to eat!
Ingredients you need:
- Oats (regular old-fashioned oats)
- Raisins
- Pecans (unsalted; chopped or halves)
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Salt
If you do gluten-free, make sure the oats are labeled as gluten-free.
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor
Here’s a look at how to make Oatmeal, Raisin and Pecan Energy Bites:
Note: This is just a quick overview of the steps. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe with detailed instructions.
Tips & Tidbits:
- Because chopped (or halved) pecans can vary in size, I find that it is best to weigh them rather than trying to use a measuring cup. This ensures you always have the right amount.
- However, if you don’t have a scale, use about ¾ cup of chopped pecans or 1 cup of pecan halves.
- No pecans? You can use walnuts, cashews, almonds, or your favorite nut instead (just make sure they are not salted).
- Be sure to use fresh, soft raisins. You need the moisture. Older raisins that have dried out won’t give you a good result.
- You can make bars instead of balls (like homemade Larabars).
- For bars (or squares), line a loaf pan or a square pan with parchment or waxed paper and press the oat mixture down into the pan until it is very compact. Place in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to firm it up a bit for easier cutting. Then take it out of the pan and cut into bars or squares.
- Keep your energy bites stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Yes, they are freezable!
- Put the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment or wax paper; freeze until firm (this keeps them from sticking together). Place in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and enjoy!
You really might want to consider making two batches of these, because they’re going to disappear fast (both the kids and grown-ups will love them)!
If you’re a chocolate lover, check out my Chocolate Brownie Fruit and Nut Bars. You can roll them into balls too!
I hope you try this Oatmeal, Raisin and Pecan Energy Bites recipe and love it as much as I do. Thanks for visiting today!
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Oatmeal, Raisin and Pecan Energy Bites
Ingredients
- ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
- 3 ounces chopped pecans, or pecan halves, unsalted (see Note below)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Special Equipment
- Food processor
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a food processor.
- Process just until everything is very finely chopped and the mixture is moist enough to hold together to form balls (to test, take a spoonful and squeeze it in your hand and see if it stays together). Note: This can take 1 to 2 minutes, so keep checking it. At first, the mixture will seem pretty dry, but it will become more moist as you continue processing. Stop as soon as you are able to form balls with it, being careful not to over-process the mixture, as it can start to become too oily.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (I use a level tablespoon of the mixture for each one). You should get 17 bites.
- Enjoy immediately or keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Because chopped (or halved) pecans can vary in size, I find that it is best to weigh them rather than trying to use a measuring cup. This ensures you always have the right amount.
- However, if you don’t have a scale, use about ¾ cup of chopped pecans or 1 cup of pecan halves.
- No pecans? You can use walnuts, cashews, almonds, or your favorite nut instead.
- Yes, they are freezable!
- Put the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment or wax paper; freeze until firm (this keeps them from sticking together). Place in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and enjoy!
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