These delightful snack balls are a perfect blend of rolled oats, almond butter, and dark chocolate chips. They are not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients, making them an ideal choice for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat.
If you don't usually stock almond butter or chia seeds in your pantry, you might need to visit the supermarket. Almond butter can often be found in the nut butter section, while chia seeds are typically located in the health food or baking aisle. Maple syrup is usually in the breakfast section near the pancake mixes.
Ingredients For Snack Recipe
Rolled oats: A whole grain that provides a chewy texture and is rich in fiber.
Almond butter: A creamy spread made from ground almonds, adding a nutty flavor and healthy fats.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener derived from the sap of maple trees, offering a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Chia seeds: Tiny seeds that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, adding a slight crunch.
Dark chocolate chips: Small pieces of dark chocolate that provide a rich, slightly bitter taste and antioxidants.
Vanilla extract: A liquid flavoring derived from vanilla beans, enhancing the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure the almond butter mixes smoothly with the other ingredients, slightly warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make it easier to combine with the rolled oats, maple syrup, and chia seeds.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes provide a similar texture and are also gluten-free, making them a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
Almond butter - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter offers a nut-free option with a similar creamy texture and rich flavor.
Maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a suitable vegan alternative.
Chia seeds - Substitute with flax seeds: Flax seeds provide a similar nutritional profile and can also help bind the ingredients together.
Dark chocolate chips - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs are a less processed alternative that still provide a rich chocolate flavor and crunch.
Vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor that can add a unique twist to the recipe.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- To keep your snack balls fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from drying out and keep them tasting delicious.
- Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This will stop them from sticking together.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. These snack balls will stay fresh for up to one week when refrigerated.
- For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the snack balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about an hour. This will firm them up and prevent them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the snack balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date so you can keep track of their freshness.
- When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take out the desired number of snack balls and let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. They can also be enjoyed straight from the freezer for a firmer texture.
- If you prefer a softer texture, you can microwave a frozen snack ball for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chocolate chips to melt too much.
- Remember to always use clean utensils when handling the snack balls to maintain their freshness and prevent contamination.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator Method: If you prefer your snack recipe cold, simply take the desired amount out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will soften the almond butter and make the oats more palatable.
Microwave Method: Place a few of the snack balls on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them on medium power for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as the dark chocolate chips might melt too much.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the snack balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes. This method will give them a slightly toasted flavor, enhancing the chia seeds and rolled oats.
Room Temperature Method: If you’re not in a hurry, you can leave the snack balls out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will naturally soften the almond butter and make the maple syrup more gooey.
Double Boiler Method: For a more controlled reheating, place the snack balls in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir gently for about 2-3 minutes until they reach your desired temperature. This method ensures that the dark chocolate chips don’t melt too much while keeping the vanilla extract aroma intact.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Large bowl: Used for mixing all the ingredients together until well combined.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the rolled oats, almond butter, maple syrup, and chia seeds.
Measuring spoons: Needed for measuring the vanilla extract.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.
Baking sheet: Used to place the rolled balls on for refrigeration.
Parchment paper: Lined on the baking sheet to prevent the balls from sticking.
Refrigerator: Necessary for chilling the snack balls for at least 30 minutes before serving.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out rolled oats, almond butter, and other ingredients ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform snack balls and speeds up the rolling process.
Chill the mixture: Place the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle.
Batch process: Double the recipe and store extra snack balls in the freezer for quick access later.
Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and make cleanup faster.
Vegan Energy Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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