Save Bright, zesty Vegan Lemon Blueberry Energy Bites are a refreshing snack packed with oats, nuts, and Medjool dates. These naturally sweetened treats are easy to prepare and provide a perfect pre-workout boost or a healthy afternoon pick-me-up. With the vibrant flavor of fresh lemon and the chewiness of dried blueberries, they are as delicious as they are nutritious.
Save The combination of raw cashews and almonds provides a rich, buttery base that complements the citrusy zing of the lemon zest and juice. Using a food processor allows the ingredients to bind together perfectly into a fudgy texture, while pulsing the dried blueberries at the end ensures you get lovely bursts of fruit in every bite.
Ingredients
- Base
- 1 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free, if needed)
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10–12)
- Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries (unsweetened if available)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a food processor, pulse the oats, cashews, and almonds until finely ground.
- Step 2
- Add the dates, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Process until the mixture begins to clump and hold together when pinched.
- Step 3
- Add the dried blueberries and pulse a few times to incorporate (leave some larger blueberry pieces for texture).
- Step 4
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls using your hands.
- Step 5
- Chill the energy bites in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
- Step 6
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
If the mixture feels too dry, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice or a splash of water to help it bind. For best results, use a microplane to zest your lemon and ensure your dates are soft; if they are dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes before use. This recipe contains tree nuts (cashews, almonds) and is soy-free and egg-free.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute walnuts or pecans for the cashews and almonds if you prefer a different nut profile. To boost the nutritional content even further, consider adding 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp hearts into the food processor during the clumping stage.
Serviervorschläge
For an extra touch of flavor and a beautiful presentation, roll the energy bites in shredded coconut or finely ground almonds. These bites are best served chilled and make an excellent accompaniment to a midday tea or as a light dessert.
Save Each of these 16 energy bites contains approximately 85 calories, 3.7g of fat, 12g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. They are a wholesome, balanced way to satisfy your sweet tooth while fueling your body with quality ingredients.
Kitchen Help
- → How long do these keep in the refrigerator?
These stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze beautifully for up to two months if you want to make a larger batch ahead of time.
- → Can I use frozen blueberries instead of dried?
Frozen blueberries contain too much moisture and will make the mixture too sticky to hold together properly. Stick with dried blueberries for the right texture and consistency.
- → What can I substitute for the dates?
Medjool dates work best because they're soft and sticky. If needed, you can try soft dried figs or raisins, though the sweetness level and binding properties may vary slightly.
- → Do I have to chill them before eating?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up and hold their shape better, but they're perfectly fine to eat right after rolling. The texture just improves slightly after refrigerating.
- → Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, substitute the cashews and almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You'll get a similar texture and protein content, making them safe for nut-free environments like schools or offices.