Enjoy these Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites for a quick, nutritious snack. Packed with natural ingredients, they’re perfect for any time energy boost.
Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites
If you’re looking for a delightful no-bake snack, Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites fit the bill perfectly. These bites are packed with natural ingredients that bring together the sweet, fruity essence of strawberries with the creamy comfort of vanilla and nutty almond butter. Whether you need a quick breakfast on-the-go, a pre-workout boost, or a healthy dessert, these energy bites have you covered.
Why You’ll Love It
These Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites are easy to make with simple pantry staples and require no baking. They’re naturally sweetened, gluten-free, and perfect for busy days when you want something wholesome and satisfying. Plus, they pack protein and fiber to keep you energized and full longer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries (can substitute with fresh strawberries soaked briefly and dried)
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder (use plant-based for vegan option)
- 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (substitute with maple syrup or agave for liquid sweetener)
- 1/2 cup almond butter (any nut or seed butter works)
- 2 tablespoons honey (replace with maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pulse freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor into a fine powder to release flavor.
- Add oats, protein powder, and coconut sugar, then pulse a few times until well mixed and crumbly.
- Transfer the dry mixture into a bowl. Add almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Mix everything vigorously until it forms a sticky dough that holds together when pressed.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place them onto a parchment-lined tray or plate.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.
Expert Tips
To keep your energy bites fresh, use airtight containers. If the mixture is too dry, add a teaspoon of almond milk until it sticks. For a sweeter taste, increase honey or maple syrup incrementally. You can double the recipe easily for meal prep. Try rolling bites in crushed freeze-dried strawberries for extra texture.
Storage
Store Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before eating.
Variations
- Vegan: Replace honey with maple syrup and use a plant-based protein powder.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free protein powder and omit any dairy additives.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup only.
FAQ
- What are Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites made of?
They combine freeze-dried strawberries, oats, protein powder, almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract into no-bake snack balls. - Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Yes, but fresh strawberries need to be dried first or the mix might become too wet. - How long do these energy bites last?
They last about 1 week refrigerated, or up to 3 months frozen. - Are these bites suitable for kids?
Yes, they are a nutritious snack loved by both kids and adults. - Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely. Experiment with cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg for unique twists.
Love this recipe? Please leave a comment below, rate it, and share with your friends who need easy, healthy snacks. Check out more Easy Weeknight Dinners for quick and tasty meals.