No Bake Coconut Almond Butter Cacao Bites {Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free}

These lightly sweet, crunchy little bites will be ready in 30 minutes!  Make a double batch of these and keep them in your refrigerator to prevent you from eating unhealthy snacks.

Disclaimer: I was compensated by Now Foods to create this recipe. However, like always, the opinions are entirely my own. Promise!

Boy have I fallen off the wagon.

I was doing so great with my meal prep and I was so organized! And then last week I was swamped. I had a bunch of work to do (this time of year is very busy for healthy food bloggers) and we are getting ready to list our house to sell and then, my son got the flu.

Needless to say, I haven’t been cooking, working out and meal prepping like I normally do.  And I feel it. Boy, do I feel it.

Yesterday was my day to start over fresh.  No, it doesn’t have to be a Monday to reset.  I went for a run and roasted some veggies.

I made a bunch of quinoa and a huge salad.  And then I wanted to make a healthy snack.  I am so fortunate to partner with Now Foods and to have all of these quality, wholesome ingredients in my pantry.

I wanted to make something easy and nutritious that will stay in the refrigerator so I can just grab it quickly when I am on the go.  So I went my pantry (that I recently cleaned out and organized) and decided to have some fun. And to make something super delicious.

I was lucky enough to visit Now Foods last year and I was so impressed with their products, facilities and their values.  A family-run business, their commitment to providing quality products is inspiring. I love partnering with brands that I feel good about giving to my family.

So now that I am “back on the wagon” I plan on continuing my meal prep. I often forget how easy it is to prepare things ahead of time! Now I won’t be tempted to eat my kids’ leftovers (darn pizza crusts!), treats (even if they are healthier) or unnecessary snacks (those pretzels and chips!) and I will happily grab one or two of these delicious bites.

And guys, I am all about those cacao nibs and that CRUNCH! They add such a perfect texture but you if you want to use chocolate chips instead, go for it. Cacao nibs do offer an extra crunch though, maybe give them a try!

The possibilities are endless with these easy, no bake snacks. You can use different nut or seed butters, cacao nibs, milk, dark or even white chocolate chips, dried fruit like cranberries or apples, various seeds like chia, hemp or flax…make them however you want to make them!

I used my recipe for Coconut Almond Butter that I shared recently, but you can easily substitute regular almond butter.  Or peanut butter. Or sunflower seed butter.  You catch my drift?

I have yet to try these with cashew butter, but that’s next on my list. I love using my homemade Sunflower Seed Butter. It really does taste so fresh and delicious. I highly recommend it.

I think many people are intimidated by making their own nut or seed butter. They just think that the store bought kind is fine or that is tastes good enough. I am sure it does, but there is nothing like homemade, I swear. Try it and let me know what you think.

I pretty much keep this recipe and mix it up every week for variety. Although I have to say my kids’ favorite is just this simple recipe. I just like to mix it up every so often to prevent boredom.

Not boredom for me, I am talking about my kids. You know how that goes, right moms and dads?

Print

Coconut Almond Butter Cacao Bites

Course Snack

Servings 8 -12 balls

Author Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Now Foods Gluten Free Oats
• 1/4 cup Now Foods Almond Flour
• 1 cup Coconut Almond Butter
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup Now Foods Cacao Nibs
• 1/4 cup Now Foods Chia Seeds
• 1/4 cup Now Foods Maple Syrup

Instructions

1. In medium bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined.
2. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Remove and roll into 1 inch balls.
4. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator.

I’ve had some readers say that when they made these they were a little sticky and couldn’t roll into a proper ball. I’m not sure why but what I would do is put them into a loaf pan, press down and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Then I would slice into even sized bars. It’s the same idea, just a different shape.

It still taste delicious, I promise.

Just do whatever makes you life easier. These are supposed to make your life easier by meal prepping and planning ahead, not to cause you stress. I promise you will love these as much as we do.

And on those crazy mornings where you either A) have no food in your house B) have no time to make anything or C) just feel like eating something small… then these are for you!

Check out these other no bake Energy Balls!

No Bake Apple Pie Balls from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

No Bake Cookie Dough Balls from Well Plated

Crispy Mint Chocolate Chip Balls from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Peanut Butter Protein Balls from Texanerin

Almond Butter Quinoa Balls from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Chocolate Coconut Nut Free Energy Balls from Rachel Cooks

Like I said I make these weekly and store them in an airtight container in my refrigerator for a quick snack or even breakfast on those busy days. They last for a few days and I know I am guaranteed something healthy to eat.  Added bonus that they taste super yummy too.

Please come back and let me know if you have made these bites or any of the other ones that I shared above. I love to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by!