Chewy and delicious grab-and-go fuel, these Chocolate Chia Coconut Energy Bites are perfect for stashing in your purse, gym bag or desk drawer.
Today is a special day – it’s my 34th birthday! I thought about sharing a fabulous cake or indulgent dessert recipe to celebrate but if I’m being honest, I feel happiest when I can walk into my closet and fit into all of my clothes or pop into a boutique store and not worry that none of the dresses will fit.
Admittedly, I’m not a huge cake or sweets person but I do love chocolate and eat it regularly. In fact, indulging in my chocolate cravings on a regular basis keeps me on track.
October is a busy travel month for me which means it is even harder for me to stay on track with my weight loss goals. No matter the trip, whenever I am on the road I never exercise as much, drink as much water or eat as healthfully as I do when I am home.
But guess what? We are in #NoExcuses zone so I am going to do everything I can to minimize the damage. Travel is not the time to be setting lofty weight loss goals but I am going to work my tail off to maintain the 46+ pounds I’ve lost since Jacob was born.
Case in point: I will be keeping a stash of these Chocolate Chia Coconut Energy Bites in my purse to tide me over during airport layovers or to munch on after a hotel gym workout.
Each batch makes 24 bites but you can easily double them up and pair them with a piece of fruit to turn them into a convenient breakfast on the go. My husband likes to take them to work for an afternoon snack and my toddler loves them any time of the day.
I must give a shout out to my kind, gorgeous and enormously talented friend Ali who inspires me to make my food look beautiful. She recently taught me to poke a few chocolate chips into the sides of the bites so that they look as good as they taste! (Don’t worry, they are accounted for in the nutrition facts – 1/4 cup is plenty for this trick.)
Are these energy bites Gluten-Free?
They can be! Just be sure to buy gluten-free oats (that aren’t manufactured in a gluten plant) and vegan chocolate chips. :)
Do I have to include flaxseed with these?
You should use the flaxseed but can omit if you want. The flaxseed helps them stay together – almost like flour. Also, I like to rub them around a little bit to let the oils come out of the nuts.
No forks required.
No Bake Chocolate Chia Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter (such as JIF or Skippy)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups oats (old fashioned or quick cooking)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup flax seed meal
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter and honey until smooth. Stir in cinnamon and salt.
- Add oats, chia, coconut and flax seed meal to the bowl and stir until evenly incorporated.
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl so that all ingredients are combined then stir in chocolate chips.
- Use a small/medium cookie scoop to form into bite-sized balls. Can be served immediately or chilled if you prefer them cold.
Chef's Notes:
Nutrition:
Friends, what are your best tips for staying healthy while traveling? I am all ears!!
Marissa
Love these energy bites! I have made them three times now. The whole family loves them. I use Manuka honey as a slightly healthier version of honey. My son has a nut allergy so we also substitute sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. We like the all natural butters so they did turn out a little crumbly, but I found that when I formed the balls I was able to make them stick together. I plan to add a little more honey next time to make it a little easier to form. Thanks so much for such a great recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
Ahhh I’m so glad you enjoyed these Marissa! Great idea to use sunflower seed butter!!!
Lily
These are really delicious! Thanks so much for the recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
Of course! Enjoy!
Melissa Garza
Im assuming these aren’t dairy/gluten free since it’s not stated . What substitutions can I make to make these gluten/dairy free? It’s all new to me.
Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes they are dairy and gluten free! Just be sure to buy gluten free oats (that aren’t manufactured in a gluten plant) and vegan chocolate chips. :)
Mei
Can I omit the flax seeds from this recipe? Or do you have a suggested alternative? Thanks
Liz DellaCroce
You can omit it!
Carolyn
Well don’t these look tasty! Thanks for including my brownie bites.
Shelly
Hello – I tried this recipe for the first time and found it to be seriously dry, I couldn’t get the balls to hold together before I added the chocolate chips, so I didn’t even add them. Anyone else have that problem? If so, what was your solution?
Thanks & Happy Fourth of July!
Liz DellaCroce
Hi Shelly – Did you make any substitutions? I make these a lot and never have any issues but I wonder if you used the right peanut butter. It needs to be a creamy version like Skippy or JIF and not a 100% natural like you’d find at Whole Foods. Just a suggestion! Would love to make these work for you! Also, you can always add more peanut butter or honey to reach desired consistency!
Shelly
I did use a natural nut butter…. ok, I will retry! Thanks!!
Liz DellaCroce
Make sure to use a creamy version with an emulsifier such as Skippy or JIF. Good luck!
Heidi Halldorson
It would be helpful if you amended your recipe, as it says natural peanut butter. Heidi
Liz DellaCroce
Hi Heidi – The recipe calls for creamy natural peanut butter. What exactly do you want me to amend? Thanks for clarifying!
Heidi Halldorson
I’d suggest adding your recommendations regarding Skippy or Jif as a footnote ON the recipe.
Most people I know don’t consider those brands natural due to the additives in them.
None the less I added some melted coconut oil & they taste GREAT! Love the Chia seeds.
Made them as a gift for a Marathon runner who enjoyed them, as well as the Chocolate Cherry recipe. Th ones left over have been devoured by my family & I.
Liz DellaCroce
Ahh ok I will do that Heidi! Yes I agree and can see your point. :) So glad you found a way to make it work!!!
Liz DellaCroce
Hi Heidi – Just revised the recipe!! Let me know if that looks better!
Heidi Halldorson
????
Matea
Chocolate and coconut is a great combo!
Liz DellaCroce
I concur!
April
Are they pretty crumbly or do they stay together pretty well? I didnt have flax seed (so used a bit of oil instead) and they wouldn’t stay together! Still pretty tasty, though.
Liz DellaCroce
The flax seed helps them stay together – almost like flour. Also, I like to rub them around a little bit to let the oils come out of the nuts. Hope that helps!
Gaby
I hope you had a very Happy Birthday!!!
Joanne
First of all – LOVE LOVE LOVE the redesign!!! Second of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I totally feel you on the wanting to stuck to your health goals even on your birthday. Plus eating these little chocolate-stuffed bites is the perfect way to feel like you’re indulging without actually indulging.
Liz DellaCroce
Aww thank you so much for noticing!!! xoxo
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm
Congrats on the weight loss! You ROCK!! Also these energy bites are perfect a little sweet, but filled with nutritious goodness!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Sophia – you’re so sweet!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
Happiest birthday wishes to you, friend! The site looks fantastic, by the way, and these bites? I’m thinking about getting out of bed just to make them so I have them on hand for snacking tomorrow (or let’s be real — midnight snacking tonight).
Liz DellaCroce
You will love these Steph!!! So fast to put together. xoxox
Kelley @ Chef Savvy
Happy Birthday! These look absolutely amazing. Perfect snack to keep you full throughout the day!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much for the sweet birthday wishes!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files
First off, happy birthday! You go for rocking in that weight loss department! It aint easy being food bloggers and to loss and keep weight off but you have done awesome!
I love having lil snack bites around so I am going to try out this fun twist for our next batch!
Liz DellaCroce
Aww thank you so much Meg – I really appreciate all of your support and encouragement!
Karen @ The Food Charlatan
Happy happy birthday Liz!! I love the new look of the site. GREEN! It looks good on you :) These little bites look delicious, wish I had some in my purse right now! :)
Liz DellaCroce
hah I love green!! Thank you so much Karen!!
Cassie
Happy 34 and Happy new blog design!! I love it and love you!!
Liz DellaCroce
Aww thank you so much! I’m so glad you like it – I was ready for a little change. :) Can’t wait to see you!
Kathy
I just happened to have all if these ingredients in the house to make these and the little guy went down for a nap just long enough for me to just make them. I managed to eat one on the way to his room. I have one major problem with this recipe, Liz. How am I not going to eat them all by tomorrow?!? Delicious! And so easy to make.
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad you made them Kathy!!!! Aren’t they so good and easy?
Del's cooking twist
Exactly the kind of recipe I love! Need to try this asap. Thank you so much, Liz, for this wonderful idea!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love them!! So easy to make!
EA-The Spicy RD
Happy Birthday Liz! And, congrats for being such an inspiration for HEALTHY weight loss :-) It’s not my b-day for another month and 9 days, but I will gladly celebrate with you w/ one of these yummy bites!
Liz DellaCroce
Aww happy early birthday to you as well!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
Liz!! Happy birthday!!! You look fabulous!!! I’m all about energy ball bites these days too .. and what’s not to love. . they’re no-bake, easy to make and delicious!! I always travel with mine now. . love and pinned!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much – you are the sweetest!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
Mmmm, these look great. And I love your new design!
And HAPPY 34th!!!!!!! All the more reason to party it up this weekend!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you my friend! Thanks for teaching me the chocolate chip trick!! :) xoxo Can’t wait to celebrate with you this week!
Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer
Happy Birthday, friend! These look awesome! I’m not sure I could stop at 1 … ha! :)
Liz DellaCroce
I know I didn’t stop at one – haha!! Thank you Sandy!
Nutmeg Nanny
Is it wrong that I fear if I made these I would eat them all in one sitting? I have ZERO self control around deliciousness :)
Liz DellaCroce
Umm… I almost ate them all but my husband stopped me!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life
Woo hoo for keeping the pounds off and Happy Birthday girl!!!! I love delicious little snacks like these! Perfect for snacking on without the guilt!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much!! Three cheers to guilt-less snacking!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
Perfect little bites! Happy birthday to you AND congrats on this beautiful site!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Brenda!! That means a lot!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
OMG! I could eat 27 of these bites right now. Also, love the new design and HAPPPPPPPPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!
Liz DellaCroce
hahah THANK YOU!!!!!! xoxo
Aggie
Such a happy day! Happy birthday to you my friend!! Wish I could celebrate with you!
Your blog, bites and YOU look incredible!!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much!!! So grateful for you my friend!!
Marly
I! Love! Energy! Bites!!! These look fabulous and I can’t wait to try them out! Oh, and I have to also say that I’m so glad your busy travel month includes stopping by KC for ChoppedCon. Can’t wait to see you again. xoxo
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad too Marly!! Can’t wait!!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
Happy birthday!!!!! Also, you inspired me to make my own bites, and I”m whipping up a batch this week. Cannot wait!
Liz DellaCroce
YAY!! I hope you become bite-obsessed like me!
melissa @ my whole food life
Congrats on the weight loss goals! Thanks for including my energy bites in your post. :)
Liz DellaCroce
My pleasure – thank you!! :)
Julie @ Table for Two
Happy happy birthday! We’re both on the chocolate coconut craze today :) these look so good and I need to make some!
Btw – I must’ve missed when you got a redesign but just wanted to let you know I think it looks beautiful! Hope you have a wonderful day! xoxo
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much!! You didn’t miss anything! We launched over the weekend and are still working on a few items but I will be doing an official announcement this week. :) So glad you like it!
Rachel Cooks
Happy birthday, friend! Site looks gorgeous, these energy bites look delicious, and you’re looking FAB. ;) I think 34 is going to be one killer year for you! xo
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Rachel!! I’m so glad you like the site – it was long overdue!! :) xoxo
Carolyn
Happy Birthday! These look like a fantastic birthday treat!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you friend!! :) They sure are.