Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Energy Bites

Peanut butter chocolate chunk energy bites made with dates, peanuts, oats and chocolate. These bites are the perfect hiking or travel snack. They're satisfying, nutritious, sweetened with fruits and naturally plant-based. They're also well balanced with protein, fiber and fats.

prep time

15 minutes

cook time

0 minutes

servings

12
peanut butter chocolate chunk energy bites in a bowl

A delicious and nutritious snack you can prepare ahead of time for busy weeks, long hikes or road trips.

These little bites are a new and improved version of my peanut butter cookie dough energy bites, one of the first recipes I ever posted. What did I change? I added more peanuts and reduced the amount of oats. I omitted the coconut oil and I added chocolate chunks instead of cacao nibs. You really can’t go wrong with adding chocolate. I hope you will love this version as well!

What You Need:

  • Dates: Use Medjool dates for the best result. These will be softer and sweeter, which will help the bites stick together and improve flavor.
  • Oats: I used rolled oats, but you can also use quick oats if preferred.
  • Peanuts: Use roasted nuts, either salted or unsalted. If using salted, skip the pinch of salt.
  • Peanut butter: Once again, you can use salted or unsalted natural peanut butter. Skip the pinch of salt if using salted.
  • Vanilla, chocolate and salt: For flavor and balance.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Energy Bites:

Here are the steps to make peanut butter chocolate energy bites at home.

  1. Combine the Ingredients

    Add the dates, oats, peanuts, peanut butter, vanilla and salt to a food processor. Process until the mixture sticks together when pressed.

  2. Add Chocolate

    Add chopped chocolate to the food processor with the other ingredients. Pulse a few times to combine.

  3. Form the Bites

    Roll the mixture in the palm of your hands to form 12 little balls.

  4. Storage

    Store the bites in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Energy Bites FAQ:

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

Yes, use vegan chocolate to make these energy bites vegan. My go-to chocolate bar is the Lindt 70% Madagascar chocolate, which is accidentally vegan. Enjoy life is another good vegan and allergy-friendly option. You might need to chop these chocolate chunks a little smaller for this recipe.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can make this recipe completely gluten-free by using gluten-free certified oats. While regular oats are naturally gluten-free, the risk for cross contamination is high.

More Energy Bite Recipes to Try:

peanut butter chocolate chunk energy bites in a bowl
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Peanut butter chocolate chunk energy bites made with dates, peanuts, oats and chocolate. These bites are the perfect hiking or travel snack. They're satisfying, nutritious, sweetened with fruits and naturally plant-based. They're also well balanced with protein, fiber and fats.
Course Snack
Cuisine vegan
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts, unsalted
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter, natural
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Add the dates, peanuts, peanut butter, oats, vanilla and salt to a food processor. Process until the mixture sticks together when pressed (about 2-3 minutes).
  • Add the chopped chocolate and pulse a few times to combine.
  • Form the dough into about 12 little balls using your hands.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. You can eat them straight from the freezer.

Notes

You can also make this recipe with salted peanuts or salted peanut butter. Simply skip the extra pinch of salt.
You can replace the chocolate for 1-2 tablespoons of cacao nibs. You can also use chocolate chips instead of chunks.
If your dates are dry, you may need to add a splash of water as needed to help the mixture stick together when pressed.

If you make these peanut butter chocolate chunk energy bites, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! And if you try this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!


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Comments

4 responses to “Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Energy Bites”

  1. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    5 stars
    I’ve made many energy ball recipes, and this one is by far my favourite! They taste like peanut taffy or PB cups. The first batch only lasted in my house for about two days, so I’ve doubled a second batch just now. 🙂 One key thing to making these I find is to soak the dates in warm water for a while before processing them with everything, it helps them to better blend in!

    1. Nourished by Caroline Avatar

      Hi Danielle, thank you so much for the sweet comment! I’m happy you like the recipe. And thank you for the note. If your dates are on the dry side, soaking them definitely helps! 🙂

  2. Catherine Avatar
    Catherine

    5 stars
    My go-to energy bite recipe- I have made these so many times that I now know the recipe by heart. Love them!!!! ❤️❤️ due to a peanut allergy, I make mine with sun butter and cashews. I have also tried sun flower seeds and it turned out great each time! I also love putting dark chocolate chunks in food processor first instead of chocolate chips- makes for more chocolate in every bite.

    1. Nourished by Caroline Avatar

      Thank you Catherine! I also love them with SunButter. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

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