These nuts and seeds energy balls are one of the healthiest snacks you can make — and they’re delicious. Make a big batch to snack on throughout the day or to take with you when you’re on the go.
Have 10 minutes to whip up something satisfying and nourishing?
Ten minutes can make the difference between choosing a wholesome snack and grabbing something that leaves you sluggish. I organize my daily eating into three categories: main meals, desserts, and snacks. Main meals require planning and preparation, so I focus on fresh ingredients, garlic, herbs and spices before hunger strikes.
I don’t worry much about desserts because I usually don’t keep many around the house. Snacks, however, are the tricky ones. How many times have you opened a bag of chips “just to nibble” while cooking, only to find it gone and your appetite ruined by dinner?
To avoid that, I keep a selection of nuts, seeds, fresh fruit and simple pantry staples on hand. When cabinets are stocked with almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, plus staples like chia seeds, cacao powder, yogurt and canned chickpeas for hummus, it’s much easier to choose nourishing snacks or to assemble quick recipes.
These energy bites are one of my go-to recipes. They’re flexible, require no baking and come together fast. I have a few variations on the site, including chocolate-almond and banana-cashew versions, but this nuts-and-seeds base is great on its own or as a template for your own mixes.
About this recipe…
There are many reasons I love this recipe. It helps tidy open bags of nuts and seeds, provides a compact source of healthy fats and slow-release energy, and it satisfies cravings without ruining meals. They’re portable, freezer-friendly and ideal for busy days or as a post-workout snack.
Make them the day before travel, refrigerate and pack a small container — they’ve saved me from hangry moments on planes and long travel days. The recipe is forgiving: swap nuts and seeds, adjust sweetness, or add dried fruit to taste. Just be sure you include a natural liquid sweetener (honey, agave or maple syrup) and a ripe banana or dates to help the mix bind together.
Nuts & Seeds Energy Bite
Ingredients
- 1 cup chunky almond butter
- 4 soft dried apricots
- 2 tbsp agave (or honey/maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
- Blend starting on low, increasing speed as the mixture comes together. Stop and scrape the sides as needed to combine evenly.
- When the mixture forms a cohesive dough and the nuts are chopped into small pieces, it’s ready.
- Roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate to firm up.
- Serve cold or at room temperature. These freeze well. Best consumed within two weeks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Thanks for reading — I hope you enjoy this recipe. If you make it, tag gardeninthekitchen on Instagram and share your variations and behind-the-scenes shots.