These plant-based Date Pecan Energy Bites are simple to make and are perfect for a quick, nutritious grab-and-go snack!
Oh, the dentist.
I sure didn't miss you these past 1 ½ years! Your long waits, weird noises, and nasty flavors have never been my favorite. Not to mention the awkward-conversations-while-hands-are-in-my-mouth and the water you splash on my face. Yeah, I didn't miss you at all.
Well as you can see, I went to the dentist this weekend and it was just as I remembered. While the dentist isn't my favorite place, I'm glad I went and that I don't have to go again anytime soon. And my teeth looked good, so that was a bonus! I practically lived at the dentist/orthodontist growing up (helloooo horrible teeth, implants, braces, etc.) so going to the dentist brings back less than favorable memories. However, since Brett and I are moving overseas soon we're trying to get a lot of annual doctor's appointments taken care of so that when we arrive in China we can focus on other things like finding an apartment and learning Chinese. We won't be waiting long to find doctors though. The last thing I want to happen once we move to China is for one of us to get sick or injured and not know where to go!
Unfortunately, my dentist appointment on Saturday took 2+ hours! It was Brett and my first time going to this doctor and I had a feeling it would take a while to be seen because of all the people in the waiting room with bored looks on their faces. The other unfortunate thing was that I scheduled my appointment right around lunchtime and didn't think to eat a snack before I left. Thankfully I had had a large bowl of oatmeal for breakfast so didn't get hungry until the end of my appointment, but I definitely thought about how nice it would have been to have one of these Date Pecan Energy Bites in my purse to hold me over! I honestly don't remember the last time I forgot to bring a snack with me. Whoops!
These Date Pecan Energy Bites were actually an accident. I was trying to make some raw granola, but couldn't get the right consistency. However I wouldn't consider my experiments a failure in the slightest, because these Date Pecan Energy Bites are amazing! I know I've posted lots of energy bites in the past (see here, here, and here), but these really might be my favorite energy bite recipe so far. I always forget how amazing pecans and this recipe brought me back in love with them. They add such a warm, caramelly taste to these bites that remind me of fall, especially when paired with the pumpkin seeds, cinnamon and nutmeg. And of course the sweet raisins and sticky dates make these the perfect dessert alternative!
I hope you enjoy these lil' Date Pecan energy Bites...
and that you don't have to go to the dentist any time soon!
📖 Recipe
Date Pecan Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup pecans
- ¼ cup hemp seeds
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¾ shredded coconut
- 2 cups packed sticky medjool dates*
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2-3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Place the oats, pecans, seeds and coconut into a large food processor and pulse a couple times to mix everything together.
- Add in the pitted dates, raisins and spices and process until a uniform dough forms. At this point the dough probably won't stick together on it's own, so add in 2-3 tablespoons of water and process a little more to make the dough stickier. The dough should stick together when pressed between your fingers.
- Roll the dough into balls and store in an air-tight container in the fridge.
Sheri says
Any chance you've tried to make a roll style? We recently enjoyed Sweet Tahini date roll on our charcutier board.
Faith VanderMolen says
You can form this dough into any shape you want! You could possibly add a filling and roll it up, but I haven't tried that yet. Sounds delicious though!
Mary says
I've never used dates, nor eaten them. Can I use Deglet Noor Dates for this recipe?
Faith says
I forget what that kind of date is like. I believe so, but you may have to use more dates since medjool dates are larger. If they're soft and sticky they'll work great! If they're a little hard you may want to try soaking them a little first. I hope these work out for you!
Natalie says
Yum! I love dates and pecans! These look so, so yummy!! I always needs snacks for my kiddos that are healthy and easily portable. Can't wait to try them!! 🙂
Faith says
So glad you like this recipe Natalie! I think your kids will LOVE them!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
Love recipes like these - so much better than packaged bars!!! Dates are my favorite - and add cinnamon and I'm a happy camper!
Faith says
I soooo agree Sam! Thanks for saying hi!
Sarah says
Pecans and dates I need these NOW they would give me some serious Monday Motivation!
Faith says
Haha yessss Sarah!! So glad these lil' guys are up your alley!
jill conyers says
Homemade bites are one of my favorite snacks. Easy and I get to pick the ingredients. Your recipe looks delicious. I'm visiting from Meatless Monday and happy to have found your blog 🙂
Faith says
Thanks Jill! I'm so glad you commented so I could find your blog too! And I agree, homemade bites are one of my favorites!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
This look great and so easy to make! I haven't cooked with dates yet. Thanks for linking up with us today!
Faith says
Thanks Deborah! Dates are one of my favorite ingredients, so I hope you can try them out soon! Thanks for hosting:)
tina muir says
YAY faith! I was hoping these were going to end up on the linkup today! They sound amazing, and I am pinning for sure!
Faith says
😀 I didn't mean to post on Sunday, but I'm all confused on my dates haha! Glad I could still join!!
Meghan says
It's weird, but for the first time in my life, I kinda like my dentist. The place I've gone to the past few years is so nice and friendly and is slowly replacing all traumatizing memories of the dentist/ortho I went to while I was growing up. I wouldn't say it's my favorite place to go to by any means, but the nice doctors and techs make it a more pleasant experience, I guess! Thanks for this recipe...love how simple and healthy it is.
Faith says
Yay! That's great Meghan!! That's awesome you've found a nice, friendly dentist:) The workers at the dentist I just went were super nice as well, but they just took for.ev.er. It's a challenge to find both!
Liv @ Healthy Liv says
Arghh, I can't stand going to the dentist, either. I have to go next week actually- coming home from school is wonderful but it always means loads of appointments, including the dentist unfortunately!
Anyway...these look super yummy! The perfect little energy bites to keep in your purse 🙂
Faith says
I remember doing the exact same thing during college...having to go to lots of appointments during the holidays/summer. I hope your dentist appointment goes well!