No-Bake Energy Bites with Oats, Dried Fruits, and Dark Chocolate

Mash the banana: In a small bowl, mash the banana with a fork until it becomes a smooth puree.

Melt the dark chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it. You can do this by microwaving it in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, or using a double boiler. Once melted, stir in the teaspoon of vegetable oil for a smoother consistency.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, raisins, chopped walnuts, and dried apricots. Stir them until they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Step 3: Add the Banana and Melted Chocolate

Add the mashed banana to the dry mixture. The banana will help bind the ingredients together while adding a natural sweetness.

Pour the melted dark chocolate into the mixture, making sure it coats all the ingredients. The chocolate acts as both a binder and a flavor booster.

Step 4: Shape the Energy Bites

Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place each ball onto a lined baking sheet or tray.

Once all the mixture has been shaped into balls, place the tray in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours to allow the bites to firm up.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

After chilling, the no-bake energy bites are ready to eat. Serve them as a quick snack or keep them on hand for whenever you need an energy boost.

Cooking Tips:

Substitute the dried fruits and nuts: Feel free to swap the raisins and apricots with other dried fruits like cranberries, dates, or figs. Almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds can also be used in place of walnuts.

Chocolate options: If you prefer a slightly sweeter bite, you can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate. However, using dark chocolate keeps this snack healthier and lower in sugar.