Every time I post a new energy bite recipe AK readers go absolutely crazy for it. And for good reason! Energy bites are such an easy, fun snack to make that you can take on the go or store in the fridge or freezer for whenever you need something quick and satisfying.
No 3PM hanger in this house.
I’ve been perfecting energy bites recipes for as long as I can remember (you can see them all here!) and knew I wanted to debut a new flavor before fall and the back-to-school rush hit. These are my no bake coconut cashew energy bites that are packed with nourishing ingredients & healthy fats, and magically taste like they have hints of salted caramel.
YES, PLEASE.
The team and I tested them out last month when Rebecca was in town and we couldn’t stop nibbling on the mixture even before rolling up the bites. They only require about 5 ingredients but are filled with delicious flavor and textures that you’ll love.
Store them in the fridge or freezer (my fav) and enjoy the perfect breakfast, snack or treat any day of the week!
What you’ll need to make coconut cashew energy bites
These super easy, gluten free & vegan coconut cashew energy balls are made with 5 core ingredients and are deliciously filling. Here’s everything you’ll need to make them:
- Medjool dates: not only do dates naturally sweeten the energy bites and give them a caramel-like flavor, but they’re also what hold them together.
- Cashews: for a punch of healthy fats and protein we’re using roasted cashews! You can also use raw cashews.
- Coconut: these energy bites get delicious flavor from unsweetened shredded coconut. You’ll mix it into the “batter” and roll them in more coconut for a fun treat!
- Extra flavor: you’ll also need some vanilla extract and salt to bring out all of the flavors. Learn how to make your own vanilla here.
- Cacao nibs: add a little chocolatey richness with a couple tablespoons of cacao nibs.
Customize your energy bites
Feel free to customize your coconut cashew energy bites with some extra protein or nutrition! Here’s what I can suggest:
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds or chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal
- A scoop of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder
When adding to these energy bites you may need to add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil to help replace the moisture.
My favorite way to jazz them up
If you’re looking for an extra delicious option, feel free to roll them in toasted coconut instead of regular shredded coconut! There are a couple of easy ways to toast your own regular, unsweetened shredded coconut:
- Add the shredded coconut to a skillet over medium-low heat and toast it on the stovetop for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Or bake the shredded coconut at 325 degrees F for about 3 minutes until golden.
How to make coconut cashew energy balls
- Pulse the ingredients. Add all of the ingredients except the cacao nibs + extra shredded coconut to a food processor and pulse until the mixture is well combined and sticky. You may need to press the mixture down a bit while pulsing.
- Add cacao nibs. Pour in your cacao nibs and process a couple more times so that they mix right in.
- Roll them up. Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to roll the mixture into 14 energy balls, then roll them in extra shredded coconut if you’d like.
- Store & enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy them whenever you’re looking for a healthy snack or treat!
Storing & freezing tips
- To store: these coconut cashew energy bites will last for 1 week in the fridge.
- To freeze: feel free to add them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 1 month. I prefer these energy bites straight from the freezer, and I’d recommend letting them soften up for about 5-10 minutes in the fridge or at room temp before eating them.
Recommended tools
Get all of our kitchen essentials here!
More energy bites you’ll love
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Energy Bites with Chia + Cacao Nibs
- Monster Cookie Energy Bites
- Chia Banana Bread Energy Bites
- Birthday Cake Cookie Dough Energy Bites
- The Best Lactation Energy Bites
Get all of my energy bites recipes here!
I hope you love these salted caramel coconut cashew energy bites! If you make them be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Enjoy, xo!
Salted Caramel Coconut Cashew Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed pitted Medjool dates
- 1 cup roasted cashews (raw is fine too!)
- 1/3 cup fine unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
- For rolling:
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the cacao nibs to a food processor and pulse until ingredients are well combined and sticky. Add in cacao nibs and process a few more times. Roll into 14 balls. Next roll in shredded coconut if desired and place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Feel free to freeze these for up to 3 months! They’re actually delicious straight out of the freezer and that’s how I prefer them.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by Eat Love Eats
Just made these. This is the best energy ball by far. The ones I made so far were too sweet but these ones are perfect in the texture, taste and sweetness! Thanks for sharing this recipe! x
So happy to hear that!
This is a recipe that I make time and time again. They are quick and easy to make and are absolutely delicious!
So happy to hear that!
Sooo good. Didn’t have cashews or cacao nibs on hand so I added walnuts, pecans, and chocolate chips as suggested. Next time I’m going to add dried cherries cashews!!
Delishhh! Glad you’re loving this recipe 🙂
These are the BEST bites ever!! I have 35 other recipes for energy bites that I like, but none of them are as good as these!
Amazing!! So glad you love them!
If this is supposed to have “healthy fats” and it has 5.2g of saturated fat per bite, where is the “healthy fat” because that’s alot of saturated fat?
Hi, Cleo! Great question. They’re full of healthy fats from the cashews. The saturated fat comes mostly from the shredded coconut; personally I think that amount is fine, but totally up to you whether it works for you! I also have a bunch of energy bite recipes with less sat. fat (like these!) that you might like 🙂
Made these today and then immediately made a second batch to keep in the freezer! They were easy to make and delicious. I added chia seeds like you talked about and I don’t have a food processor but used my ninja blender and it seemed to work great! Delicious way to try and get my dates in for labor prep. Thanks!
Yay!! So happy you tried and loved them. Glad to hear the Ninja worked well. Also CONGRATS on the new babe — good luck with everything!
Perfect balance of flavor!
Two questions: first, have you made this recipe with almonds, or other nuts? I’m allergic to cashews, and wonder about the difference in preparation or flavor.
Second, do you have an alternative method to making the recipe without a food processor? I don’t have one.
Thanks!
Hello! Almonds, walnuts, or pecans would all be great 🙂 As for the food processor, I’m sorry to say I think it’s essential for breaking everything down and mixing it together!
Love your stuff and looking forward to trying these out! Is there a substitute for cacao nibs you would recommend?
Mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate would be fab!