Coconut Carrot Cashew Bites

I think it’s time we give energy bites the respect they deserve and just make these guys a food group. Who’s with me? Just think about all the ways they add to our lives. Need to grab a quick snack? Done. A cure for an afternoon sweet tooth? Got you covered. Morning workout fuel when your brain’s not awake yet? Boom. Just pop one and keep on moving.

But the best part? Energy bites are so much more than quick, easy food that taste like cookie dough. They’re quick, easy, healthy food that can be customized for any nutritional need… that taste like cookie dough. They are the ultimate in versatility and the perfect way to package your favorite ingredients and superfoods into cute little balls.

Case in point: these Coconut Carrot Cashew Bites. I wouldn’t normally think of these ingredients together, but each one has its own touch of natural sweetness that blends into pure, whole food magic. Add some cashew butter and maple syrup for binding along with crunchy whole-grain buckwheat, and you’ve got a seriously addictive treat on your hands.

Ingredients:

• 10 baby carrots (or 1 large carrot)
• 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup natural cashew butter
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 cups dry buckwheat (I used Bobs Red Mill creamy buckwheat cereal – a nice alternative to oats)
• generous shake of cinnamon and a sprinkle of salt

Directions:

• Pulse carrots in a food processor until finely chopped, then remove and set aside.
• Pulse buckwheat and coconut together, then add carrots and remaining ingredients and blend until soft dough forms.
• Scoop out small amounts and roll into bite-sized balls, place balls on baking sheet prepared with parchment paper.
• Place baking sheet in fridge to chill.

It’s easy to come up with your own energy bite recipe. There’s no secret formula. All you need is a base (like buckwheat, oats, or shredded coconut), something sticky for binding (nut butters, dates, or maple syrup work great), and then the fun part – your mix-ins: chocolate chips, cacao nibs, chia seeds, hemp hearts, chopped nuts, shredded carrot, protein powder, cocoa – sky’s the limit.

Once you have your favorite combo, blend it all together into dough with a food processor, roll it up by hand, chill the bites and try not to eat them all in one sitting. A convenient, healthy, DE-LI-CIOUS snack that’s impossible to screw up and requires no baking? This is true low maintenance food heaven and I am ALL. IN.