I am always looking for fast, convenient options to make instead of processed snacks, because I don’t have as much time in the kitchen as I would like. These little oat bites with cacao, coconut and nut butter couldn’t be easier and are sure to satisfy even the healthy food “doubters” (as in doubt they will like them) in your house!
Benefits
While they are a treat for all intents and purposes, they are nutrient dense, containing protein, healthy fats, omega 3, natural sweetness and gut healthy fibre to keep things moving! They also contain vital vitamins and minerals like magnesium and calcium. Sugar can clog us up so these are a great option for your lunch box, or treat after dinner. The oats and magnesium are calming so won’t keep you awake, or wake you up, with blood sugar spikes. Each little square contains 148 nutrient dense calories, 4g of protein, 3g of fibre and 21mg of calcium, so will fuel your body and are a much better alternative than processed bars.
Ingredients
- Oats x 1 cup
- Desiccated Coconut X 1/2 cup (plus another tablespoon to sprinkle on top
- Sesame Seeds X 1/3 cup
- Nut Butter of your choice X 1/2 cup (if choosing peanut butter, best to buy a good brand so as not packed full of processed sugar). You could also use 1/4 cup nut butter and 1/4 cup tahini to increase calcium further
- Milled flaxseeds X 1/2 cup
- Cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips X 1/2 cup
- Maple syrup X 1/3 cup or 2 teaspoons of Stevia
- Vanilla extract X 1 teaspoon
- Pumpkin seeds X 1/4 cup
Method
- If the nut butter is thick, you could warm it to make it easier to mix
- Put all of the ingredients into the bowl, except for the pumpkin seeds and extra coconut
- Mix together really well until fully combined
- Spread out on a tray, or press into a cake tin lined with baking parchment.
- Spread the pumpkin seeds and extra coconut over the top and press them in with a spatula
- Put into the fridge for 20 minutes for all to set
- Take out of the tin using the baking parchments and set on a cutting board
- Slice into 16 bite size squares and store in an airtight container
These would be great to bring on a car trip too as, thanks to the protein, they will make you feel full and avoid snacking on some of the not so healthy options in service stations. I hope you love them!