This is a super simple snack you can make in minutes using just a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Enlist the kids to help make them—and eat them! They’re insanely fudgy and indulgent, and packed with whole-grain oats, protein-rich PB, and heart-healthy cocoa powder. Oh, and they’re equally delicious frozen, too!

Two quick substitution notes in case you don’t have all the ingredients: you can use any nut or seed butter in place of peanut butter and honey in place of maple syrup. Enjoy!

Try these Espresso Energy Bites for a hit of caffeine.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Bites

They’re insanely fudgy and indulgent, and packed with whole-grain oats, protein-rich PB, and heart-healthy cocoa powder.
Yield: 25 balls
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Refrigerate Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup rolled oats*, preferably old-fashioned
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • Pinch salt, plus more for sprinkling on top
  • Pinch ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons peanut butter**
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoon warm water
Ingredient Details to Know
*If you follow a gluten-free diet, choose certified gluten-free oats. 
**If some of the oil has separated to the top of your jar, be sure to mix it back into the nut butter before measuring. Also, if your peanut butter is stiff (versus soft and mushy), microwave it for ~20 seconds before adding to the oat mixture. I like to mist my measuring cups/spoons with nonstick oil spray before adding the nut butter, so it glides out seamlessly and doesn’t stick.

Instructions
 

  • Add all of the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix until well combined (oats, cocoa, cinnamon and salt).
  • Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla and water to the oat mixture. Mix until well combined (it will eventually form into a batter that resembles stiff cookie dough). Shape into 25 balls (~1 tablespoon worth) by forming each bite with your fingers and then rolling between your palms.
  • Sprinkle each fudgy bite with some coarse kosher salt or sea salt. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a light coating of salt on the countertop and roll the bites in the salt.

Notes

• I’ve provided nutrition for one bite. You can do the math based on the amount you eat. If you’re looking for serving size guidance, I’d recommend 3 to 4 bites for an energizing snack. 
Storage Tips:
Keep your bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Or, stash them in the freezer for up to 2 months—they’re yummy frozen, too! You can eat them straight from the freezer for a firmer, more ice cream-like treat, or let them thaw at room temperature (or overnight in the fridge) if you prefer them soft and chewy, like the original version.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Serving Size: 1 biteCalories: 60Carbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gTotal Fat: 3.5g— Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g— Saturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gTotal Sugar: 2g— Natural Sugar: 1g— Added Sugar: 1g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!