Go Back

Maple Pecan Energy Bites for Kids

Print Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats gluten-free if needed
  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup pitted Medjool dates about 6–7 dates
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter or sunflower seed butter school-safe option
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of fine sea salt optional but recommended
  • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips optional, but let's be honest… not really optional
  • 1–2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds optional for extra fiber and omega-3s

Method
 

  1. Line a plate or small tray with parchment paper. Clear a little counter space—you'll be rolling.
  2. In a food processor, add oats and pecans. Pulse 8–10 times until crumbly, like coarse sand. Don't turn it into flour.
  3. If dates are dry, soak in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain well. This keeps the bites soft and sticky (in a good way).
  4. Add dates, maple syrup, nut/seed butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to the processor. Pulse until the mixture starts to clump. If it's too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons more maple syrup.
  5. Sprinkle in chocolate chips and flax/chia. Pulse once or twice, or fold by hand to keep chips intact.
  6. Scoop 1 tablespoon at a time and roll into balls with your hands. If sticking, lightly oil your palms or chill the mixture for 10 minutes.
  7. Place on the parchment-lined tray and chill for 20–30 minutes. This helps them firm up and not smush in lunchboxes.
  8. Devour immediately, or slide into storage (see below). Try not to “taste-test” half the batch. No promises.