INGREDIENTS:
Rolled Oats: 80 g (about 1 cup)
Raisins: 100 g (about 1/2 cup)
Walnuts: 80 g, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
Dried Apricots: 100 g, finely chopped (about 2/3 cup)
Banana: 1, mashed into a puree
Dark Chocolate (without sugar): 160 g
Vegetable Oil: 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the dried fruits and nuts: Begin by finely chopping the dried apricots and walnuts. You want them to be small enough to distribute evenly throughout the bites but still offer a bit of texture.
Mash the banana: In a small bowl, mash the banana with a fork until it becomes a smooth puree.
Melt the dark chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it. You can do this by microwaving it in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, or using a double boiler. Once melted, stir in the teaspoon of vegetable oil for a smoother consistency.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, raisins, chopped walnuts, and dried apricots. Stir them until they’re evenly distributed throughout.
Step 3: Add the Banana and Melted Chocolate
Add the mashed banana to the dry mixture. The banana will help bind the ingredients together while adding a natural sweetness.
Pour the melted dark chocolate into the mixture, making sure it coats all the ingredients. The chocolate acts as both a binder and a flavor booster.
Step 4: Shape the Energy Bites
Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place each ball onto a lined baking sheet or tray.
Once all the mixture has been shaped into balls, place the tray in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours to allow the bites to firm up.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After chilling, the no-bake energy bites are ready to eat. Serve them as a quick snack or keep them on hand for whenever you need an energy boost.