Sargent Choice Test Kitchen: No Bake Energy Bites

To depict the final result of energy bites recipe. The energy bites are round and have a smooth yet texturized feel and look to them.

Sargent Choice Test Kitchen: No Bake Energy Bites
January 22, 2025

Why We Chose This Recipe

These no-bake energy bites are an easy-to-make snack that provides a boost of energy without the need for an oven. Packed with whole grains, fiber, and protein, they make a nutritious and satisfying option for busy schedules. 

Yield: Makes about 20 – 24 bites 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ¾ cup sunflower butter (or nut or seed butter of choice)
  • 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

Note: This snack is customizable. Feel free to add in or swap ingredients such as coconut flakes, chopped nuts (walnuts, peanuts, almonds, etc.), dried fruit, seeds, and more!

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients. If the mixture is too dry, add more honey/maple syrup. If it is too wet, add more oats.
  2. Roll into balls of your preferred size and place them on parchment paper.
  3. Refrigerate for 20 minutes, then store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
  4. Enjoy!
A student shows the camera their gloves which are covered with the sticky energy bite mixture.
A student having fun making the energy bites, laughing at their gloves covered in the mixture. 

What We Liked:

  • Students loved the rich, decadent taste of the energy bites—many even came back for seconds!
  • Since most dessert recipes require baking, students living in dorms appreciated that this recipe doesn’t require heat.
  • The versatility of this recipe allowed us to experiment with different ingredients; our favorite variation included coconut flakes!

Nutritional Value:

  • Flaxseeds contain fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health. Since the body cannot produce omega-3s on its own, incorporating them into our diet is essential. We can find them in other nuts, seeds, and fish. 
  • Oats are rich in fiber, vitamins, protein, and minerals. The soluble fiber in oats supports digestion and can help lower cholesterol levels.
  • Oats are also a source of carbohydrates, which provide quick energy. Therefore, these bites are both delicious and energizing. As a whole grain, oats contain more fiber than refined grains, providing longer lasting energy, keep us feeling full longer, and support digestive health.
  • Sunflower butter is a great source of protein and offers long-lasting energy. Sunflower butter can be a nice protein alternative for folks that aren’t able to consume other nut butters.
February 2nd, 2025
Ashly Estrada, Nutrition Student