Lemon Poppyseed Energy Bites
Bright, citrusy, and naturally sweet, these Lemon Poppyseed Energy Bites are a quick, no-bake snack packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Perfect for a fast breakfast, post-workout fuel, or anytime pick-me-up, they’re simple to make and store well in the fridge or freezer.
Equipment
- 1 Blender or Food Processor
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Tablespoon or Scoop
- 1 Bowl (optional, for folding in poppy seeds)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Quick-Cooking Oats
- ½ cup Raw Cashews
- 2 tablespoons Cashew Butter
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup or preferred natural sweetener
- Juice and zest of 1 Lemon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 teaspoons Poppy Seeds
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oats Base: Start by measuring out 1 ½ cups of quick-cooking oats and add them to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend the oats for 30–45 seconds until they reach a fine, flour-like consistency. This step ensures that your energy bites have a smooth texture while still retaining a little bite for chewiness.
- Grind the Cashews: Next, add ½ cup of raw cashews to the blended oats. Pulse the mixture in short bursts until the cashews are finely ground and evenly mixed with the oat flour. Be careful not to over-blend, as you want tiny bits to remain for added texture, which gives the bites a subtle crunch.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In the same blender or food processor, add 2 tablespoons of cashew butter, ¼ cup of real maple syrup, juice, and zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Process the mixture for 1–2 minutes until a thick, uniform dough forms. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. The dough should stick together when pressed but not be overly wet.
- Incorporate Poppy Seeds: Gently fold in 2 teaspoons of poppy seeds. You can do this either by pulsing them briefly in the blender for an even distribution or by transferring the dough to a bowl and folding them in by hand. This step adds a pleasant crunch and enhances the citrus flavor, creating a visually appealing speckled appearance.
- Measure and Portion Dough: Use a 2-tablespoon scoop or measuring spoon to portion out the dough. This ensures that each energy bite is roughly the same size, allowing for consistent cooking and serving.
- Shape the Energy Bites: Roll each portion between the palms of your hands until it forms a smooth, round ball. Take your time to shape them evenly, as this will help them hold together and look uniform. If the dough is slightly sticky, lightly dampen your hands with water or rub a tiny bit of oil on your palms to prevent sticking.
- Chill and Set: Place the formed energy bites on a plate or shallow tray and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes the bites easier to handle.
- Store for Later: Once firm, transfer the energy bites to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 10 days for quick access to a nutritious snack. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. If frozen, allow each ball to thaw at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before eating.
- Enjoy and Serve: Serve these zesty lemon poppyseed energy bites as a mid-morning snack, post-workout fuel, or even as a healthy dessert alternative. Their balanced combination of protein, fiber, and good fats makes them a perfect pick-me-up at any time of day.
Notes
- Use high-quality cashew butter for a creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor; natural, unsweetened varieties work best.
- Quick-cooking oats blend more smoothly than old-fashioned oats, giving the bites a tender, uniform texture.
- Adjust sweetness by adding an extra tablespoon of maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter snack.
- The zest of the lemon is key—it provides the bright, citrusy flavor that makes these bites refreshing.
- Poppy seeds not only add crunch but also a boost of fiber and minerals; don’t skip them.
- For a slightly firmer texture, briefly chill the dough before rolling into balls.
