Wholesome Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites
Wholesome Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites are the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and nutritious, making them an ideal snack for anyone seeking a quick energy boost. This delightful dish is easy to whip up and perfect for on-the-go lifestyles. Each bite is packed with the vibrant essence of strawberries, balanced with the rich flavor of cashew butter and a hint of maple syrup. These bites are not just a snack; they evoke memories of family picnics and comforting summer days. Setting aside a little time to prepare these energy bites pays off with every delicious morsel.
Whether you’re following a busy day or need a sweet treat after a workout, these strawberry shortcake bites offer a wholesome and satisfying option. Let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe so you can enjoy this easy-to-make snack in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Wholesome Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites are incredibly versatile and perfect for various situations. One of the main reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, these bites come together quickly, making them an ideal option for a healthy snack or dessert.
They are also a crowd-pleaser among both kids and adults alike, ensuring that everyone will enjoy this treat. The delightful taste of freeze-dried strawberries combined with creamy cashew butter offers a rich and delectable flavor profile that captures everyone’s hearts and taste buds. Plus, these bites are nutritious, providing you with energy and essential nutrients to power through your day!
Ingredients
To create these Wholesome Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients that not only taste good but are also packed with nutrition:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: These hearty oats serve as the base, providing fiber and a satisfying texture.
- 1 cup raw cashews: Creamy, crunchy, and healthy, cashews add richness and protein.
- 1/2 cup creamy cashew butter: Smooth and nutty, this adds moisture and a creamy consistency.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Naturally sweet, this syrup enhances flavors without refined sugars.
- 1/4 cup Medjool dates, pitted: Sweet, caramel-like dates add natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste: Aromatic and warm, vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 tsp salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and elevates the nuance of tastes.
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed: These vibrant nuggets bring a fruity flavor and eye-catching color.
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips: Melty and sweet, adding a fun twist to each bite.
- 1 tsp coconut oil: This ensures the white chocolate drizzles beautifully over the bites.
- Freeze-dried strawberries for topping: For an appealing and crunchy final touch.
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating the Wholesome Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites is straightforward. Follow these easy steps for a delicious and nutritious snack!
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Pulse oats and cashews in a food processor until fine: Add the rolled oats and raw cashews to your food processor. Pulse them together until they reach a fine, crumbly texture, acting as the foundation of your bites.
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Add dates and pulse until chopped: Add the pitted Medjool dates to the food processor, and pulse until they are roughly chopped and well integrated with the oats and nuts.
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Add cashew butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt: Next, incorporate the creamy cashew butter, pure maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt into the mixture. Blend until a cohesive dough forms.
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Transfer to a bowl and mix in crushed strawberries: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
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Roll 2 tablespoons of dough into balls and place on a parchment-lined tray: Use about two tablespoons of the dough to form small balls and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Freeze bites for 20-30 minutes: Place the tray in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the energy bites to firm up.
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Melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil and drizzle over bites: While the bites are freezing, melt the white chocolate chips along with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until smooth.
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Top with additional crushed strawberries: Once the bites are set, drizzle the melted white chocolate over each bite and sprinkle with additional crushed freeze-dried strawberries for added texture and beauty.
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Chill in the fridge to set before serving: Finally, transfer the tray back into the fridge and allow the bites to chill until the chocolate hardens, making them ready to serve.
Tips & Tricks
For those looking to make these energy bites a bit more special, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of nuts or seeds to the mixture for additional flavors and textures. You can also substitute with your favorite nut butter or swap strawberries for other freeze-dried fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different spin on this recipe!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Wholesome Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites make for a nutritious snack on their own but can also be paired wonderfully with a glass of almond milk or a refreshing smoothie. They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or as a midday pick-me-up. If you’re feeling indulgent, enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these energy bites packs in approximately 150 calories, 8g of protein, and 10g of healthy fats, thanks to the oats, nuts, and cashew butter. They provide essential nutrients while remaining balanced, making them a guilt-free option when those sweet cravings hit.
Storing Tips & Variations
Store your Wholesome Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Variations are endless; consider using different flavors of nut butter or adding protein powder to the mixture for additional nutritional value.
Conclusion
Now that you have the recipe for Wholesome Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites at your fingertips, it’s time to get started! With these easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious, nutritious snack that everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and don’t forget to share your experience; we would love to hear how they turned out for you!
FAQs
1. Can I replace cashew butter with another nut butter?
Absolutely! You can use almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter as alternatives, depending on your preference or dietary restrictions.
2. How do I make these energy bites vegan?
This recipe is already vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients, including maple syrup instead of honey.
3. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries will introduce moisture into the mixture, which can alter the texture. If using fresh strawberries, press the bites into a mold or add extra oats to absorb the moisture.
4. How long can I store these energy bites?
These energy bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or frozen for up to three months.
5. What is the best way to thaw frozen energy bites?
To thaw, simply keep them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Wholesome Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Wholesome Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites are sweet, creamy, and nutritious snacks perfect for a quick energy boost.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup creamy cashew butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- Freeze-dried strawberries for topping
Instructions
- Pulse oats and cashews in a food processor until fine.
- Add dates and pulse until chopped.
- Add cashew butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt; blend until a cohesive dough forms.
- Transfer to a bowl and mix in crushed strawberries.
- Roll 2 tablespoons of dough into balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze bites for 20-30 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil and drizzle over bites.
- Top with additional crushed strawberries.
- Chill in the fridge to set before serving.
Notes
For variations, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or using other freeze-dried fruits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
