Yesterday, I taught my colleagues to make these oat and peanut butter energy bites. They are so crazy good – oh yeah and super easy too – that I had to share the recipe with you too.
The school year is over, so there’s a lot of office time nowadays. I’m happy for the time to relax, but I’m going to miss teaching and traveling all over the city. I think to prevent us from getting stir crazy, I was asked to do a food demo for everyone. So yesterday, I organized a mini demo where my colleagues and I made these no-bake, wildly simple, yet kind of addicting, snack.
I got to do this demo in part because of all the office time, but in part because it’s employee wellness month. The mandate: teach everyone to make a healthy snack. Obviously I thought about making vegetables, or fruit salad, or anything obviously nutritious and low in calories. Honestly though, I didn’t want to make any of that.
The perfect snack is one that I’m excited to eat. Sometimes that’s vegetables, but sometimes it’s not. The best work snack is one that satisfies when I’m hungry, or grumpy, or lazy, or bored, or just craving something delicious. These oat and peanut butter energy bites totally fit the bill for all of that. They’re somewhat healthy, but simultaneously, somewhat indulgent. 
Made with oats and peanut butter, there’s some fiber, protein and healthy fat to keep you full without eating a ton. Add in some dried fruit, some nuts, or some sweets and you’ve got sweet and salty flavor without being too decadent.
It’s definitely an energy booster too. These are filling enough on the go, but not too caloric. They are also representative of different food groups. And you can easily create some interesting flavor and texture combinations. It’s doing the most, but in the best way possible.
For the blog, I made energy bites using dried cranberries and cocoa nibs
At work, we also mixed in peanuts, almonds, coconut flakes, and m&ms. I loved giving everyone the opportunity to do a little DIY and make their own snack. These were definitely a crowd-pleaser and some of us got to snacking before even forming these into balls.
Above are some photos I took of our team-bonding food demo. I made them little recipe cards, set up stations, and gave measurement conversion information. It was such a blast teaching and cooking with my colleagues. Hopefully, they will ask me to do it again!
These peanut butter energy bites are easy snacks to make at work, or quickly at home, because there’s no baking required. Just get a big bowl, mix it all together, chill, shape, chill. Easy, nutritious, great for a crowd. Most importantly, if you can resist eating it all in one sitting, they get better the next day. Day 1, the oats are still pretty stiff. Day 2, the oats have softened slightly and the texture and flavor of these energy bites is just perfect.
Got ideas for other add-ins and combinations? Share it in the comments!
Adapted from Bless this Mess.
Messy level: You’re hands are going to get messy when you form the bites into balls. But it’s fun so don’t worry about that at all because you can lick your palms when you’re done.
- 1 cup oats (quick or old fashioned)
- ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup cocoa nibs
- [Note: Alternatively, instead of the cranberries and cocoa nibs you could use up to ½ cup total of other add-ins like peanuts, almonds, candy, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, etc. Use what you like but don't go over ½ cup otherwise you'll need more peanut butter or honey]
- In a large bowl mix together the oats, peanut butter, honey, cranberries, and cocoa nibs (or different add-ins if using). Mix until everything looks coated in sticky peanut butter or honey.
- Put the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the fridge, form into balls about the size of golf balls. If everything is too sticky and won't hold its shape, put it in the fridge for a little longer. If everything is too dry add a little more peanut butter until the bites can hold their shape.
- Eat immediately or store, covered, in the fridge. Should last about a week before the oats get too soggy.
