These rich and delicious perk-me-up bites are crammed with energizing ingredients like protein-packed nut butter, fiber-filled oats, omega 3-rich flax and chia seeds, antioxidant-loaded cocoa…and another key ingredient: espresso! Plus, they’re a cinch to make (no food processor or oven required) and can be stored for days in the refrigerator. Your body and taste buds will thank you.

P.S. This recipe is amazing with or without the cocoa powder. If you like a sharper chocolatey flavor, add it in; if you prefer a sweeter, lighter bite, then leave it out. 

Try this Coffee Smoothie!

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Espresso Energy Bites

These rich and delicious perk-me-up bites are crammed with energizing ingredients like protein-packed nut butter, fiber-filled oats, omega 3-rich flax and chia seeds, antioxidant-loaded cocoa…and another key ingredient: espresso!
Servings: 25 balls
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick-cooking
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, optional
  • 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds, also called flaxseed meal
  • 2 teaspoons chia seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch cinnamon, optional
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder
  • 1 tablespoon hot water
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons almond butter*
  • 2 tablespoons mini semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, optional
  • *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 almond 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
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the oats, cocoa powder, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds and salt, and whisk to combine.
  • In a separate small bowl, mix together the espresso powder, water, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and cinnamon, if desired. Set aside. (As it sits for a minute, the espresso starts to dissolve so the flavor will be evenly distributed.)
  • Add the espresso mixture and almond butter to the oat mixture. Using a rubber spatula, mix until well combined (it will form into a batter that resembles stiff cookie dough). Shape into twenty 1-inch balls (~1 tablespoon worth, a bit smaller than golf ball size).
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Nutrition provided for 1 energy bite, without chocolate chips.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Calories: 60Carbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gTotal Fat: 4.5g— Unsaturated Fat: 4g— Saturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 25mgFiber: 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!