These Almond Joy Energy Bites give you a convenient boost with a taste you’ll drool over.
Life can get busy. Like, really busy. To the point that you don’t have time to sit down, eat your Cap’n Crunch, and read the back of the cereal box. (Is it just me? Okay then.) In any case, I feel you. Between getting the kids ready for school and getting yourself ready for work (and whatever your partner requires of you), there is so little time left for a decent breakfast that it is usually the element of your morning routine that gets axed. (I mean, you can step out the door having forgone breakfast, but you can’t really go outside without getting dressed, right?)
That’s why the universe has created energy bites. They’ve grown in popularity over the last decade or so and are a godsend for those of us responsible for spouses, kids, pets, bills, coworkers, and everything else under the sun. But it’s not enough that they are convenient, bite-sized balls of energy; they also have to taste good.
That’s why I developed this recipe based on one of my favorite candy bars. It packs in almonds, almond butter, maple syrup, and chocolate chips to make sure you not only get your fuel pumpin’, but you get to enjoy it, too. If you like your Almond Joys and you like your energy, this is the makeshift treat for you.
Are Almond Joy Energy Bites Healthy?
Yes, they are! Aside from being yummy and convenient, these Almond Joy energy bites contain all natural ingredients. They consist of things meant to perk you up and sustain you: oats contain fiber and carbs, almonds and almond butter contain protein and fat, dark chocolate chips contain antioxidants, and then chia seeds! You get a well-rounded mix of essential nutrients that keep you full and energized all morning long.
These energy balls are also suitable for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. Just make sure you’re using gluten-free oats and that the chocolate chips do not contain any milk.
The Joy In Almond Joys
Much like chocolate and peanut butter are a great pairing (with several candy concoctions to thank for their popularity), chocolate and almonds have been a winning combination for decades.
The Almond Joy bar was invented in 1946 by the Peter Paul Candy Manufacturing Company as a companion to the Mounds bar—a very similar candy bar without nuts. The company was also looking for a successor to its Dreams candy bar, a treat consisting of chopped almonds and coconut covered in dark chocolate.
When sugar and coconut were in short supply during the Second World War, production on the Dreams bar halted, and the company focused solely on the better-selling Mounds candies. But just a few years later, Almond Joys were a smash hit. In the 1980s, the company was acquired by Hershey’s, and now we can find the iconic candy bars adorning grocery store shelves just about anywhere.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Your energy balls can be stored at room temperature for 3 days or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight before biting into one, though, or you may be in for a very expensive dentist bill.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of energy balls is that they are a one-stop shop in terms of packing in everything you need to get your day started. But, if you had time to, say, chase your energy ball with a beverage, might I suggest a Peanut Butter-Chocolate Protein Shake? And, should you have the opportunity to sit down for five minutes, what about some High-Protein French Toast With Chocolate And Peanut Butter? If you need something as equally compact as the energy balls, a Microwaved Hard-Boiled Egg is just the ticket.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almonds
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon almond essence
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate drops
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Pour the almond and oats into the food processor and blend until it forms a coarse crumb.
- Add the almond butter, chia seeds, almond essence, maple syrup, chocolate drops, and salt and blend well.
- Break off about a tablespoon full of dough and roll it into a ball, squeezing as you go. Repeat until all the dough has been used.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
What is a serving size? 1 rolled tablespoon?
Yes, that’s correct! One rolled tablespoon is typically considered a serving size. Enjoy!