Salted Caramel Energy Bites

These salted caramel energy bites are protein packed and naturally sweetened with dates! They are a healthy, gluten-free and vegan energy ball that is perfect for an on-the-go-snack.

While I do love decadent breads and sweets, I equally love a healthy energy bite that tastes like dessert! These salted caramel energy bites are my latest variation and I can’t get enough! 

Full of whole food ingredients, they are vegan, gluten-free and made with only 7 ingredients! Nut bites are great for on-the-go snacking, packing for road trips or enjoying before a workout, or in my case a long run! 

With a healthy combination of fats, carbs and fiber, they are energy boosting while also satisfying your sweet tooth. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and salty: Medjool dates provide a natural caramel taste that pairs well with salt, oats and roasted cashews for the best healthy sweet and salty flavor combination! 
• Quick and easy: With only 7 ingredients and 10 minutes prep, these small bites are ready to eat in only 40 minutes.
• Full of texture: These caramel bites are soft, chewy and nutty! The best blend of texture in one bite sized snack.
• Not oily: Unlike most energy balls that can be a bit oily, these have added oats which balances out the oil for the perfect bite.

Salted Caramel Energy Balls Ingredients

• Medjool dates: You will need pitted dates. These act as a natural sweetener without added sugar, give a caramel flavor and help bind them together.
• Roasted cashews: I prefer roasted unsalted cashews, if yours are salted, reduce added salt. 
• Salt: Sea salt is my preference for that salted caramel flavor.
• Chia seeds: These add texture and protein.
• Rolled oats: Use gluten-free oats if needed.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract helps balance the flavors.
• Coconut milk: Helps achieve the correct texture. 

How to Make Salted Caramel Energy Bites

Add all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse until well combined and sticky.

Roll mixture into golf sized balls and sprinkle some salt on top.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before consuming. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations to Make Salted Caramel Energy Bites

• Nut-free: If you have a nut allergy substitute the cashews for sunflower seeds. If cashews are the allergen, try another nut like almonds!
• Other seeds: Instead of chia seeds try hemp seeds or flaxseed meal for another protein option.
• Sweeter: Add just a touch of maple syrup if you like your energy bites a little sweeter. 
• Coconut: Add some shredded coconut to the energy balls or roll them in the coconut. It adds some great texture!
• Warm spices: Add some cinnamon for a warm flavor!
• Milk: Swap the coconut milk for almond milk, oat milk or other milk of choice if needed. 

Tips for Best Results

• Cookie scoop: A small cookie scoop makes nice uniform shaped energy balls, plus it is less messy for your hands!
• Food processor: For the correct texture, a food processor or high powered blender is best to use when making protein balls. 
• Sticky: If the mixture is sticking to your hands when forming the balls, try wetting your hands slightly. 
• Blend into a smooth paste: For the best nut bites that don’t fall apart, blend the ingredients until smooth and combined. 
• Fudgier texture: If you love a fudgy texture to your bites, soak your cashews in room temperature water overnight. Drain and proceed with the recipe instructions. 

Storage and Freezing Salted Caramel Energy Bites

• Store: Store salted caramel energy bites in the fridge in an airtight container for about 1 week. 
• Freeze: Freeze energy bites in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 1 month. Enjoy them straight from the freezer or soften at room temperature for up to 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

What other add-ins can I mix in?

That’s the best part about energy balls, once you have a formula you can add what you like! Add some collagen powder, cacao nibs, shredded unsweetened coconut or even roll them in cocoa powder. 

Are these energy bites a healthy snack?

With a combination of healthy fiber from dried fruit, carbs and fiber from oats, protein from oats and chia seeds and healthy fats from cashews, not only are these bite sized balls an ideal snack, they are also nutritious and good for you! 

More Snack Recipes to Try

• Frozen Peach and Almond Yogurt Clusters
• Decadent Nut Bars
• Double Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
• British Flapjack Recipe
• Oat Flour Cookies