Vegan Chocolate No-Bake Energy Bites

Prep: 15 min20 servingsmediumAmerican
Chocolate No-Bake Energy Bites with Coconut and Oats

Rich chocolate energy bites packed with wholesome ingredients like coconut, oats, and flaxseed. These no-bake treats combine creamy nut butter and maple syrup for natural sweetness, while cacao powder delivers deep chocolate flavor. Perfect for post-workout fuel, afternoon snacks, or lunchbox treats. The mixture comes together in minutes and requires no baking, making them ideal for busy schedules or hot weather when you want to avoid turning on the oven.

Ingredients

20 servings
  • ½ cup dried fruit, chopped
  • ¾ cup unsweetened coconut shreds or flakes
  • ½ cup gluten free rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons golden ground flaxseed
  • 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
    cocoa powder1:1none

    milder chocolate taste

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips, mini and regular
  • ¾ cup unsalted, natural creamy nut butter
    sunflower seed butter1:1nut-free

    for nut allergies

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
    honey1:1none

    sweeter flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 tablespoon vegan chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon dried fruit, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Line a medium baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper or wax paper

  2. 2

    Mix together all dry ingredients in a large bowl: dried fruit, coconut, oats, flaxseed, cacao powder and chocolate chips

  3. 3

    Add nut butter and maple syrup, then stir and fold with a sturdy spatula until well incorporated

  4. 4

    Scoop balls of mixture onto prepared sheet using a small or medium cookie scoop

  5. 5

    Roll and press into bites, optionally pressing additional dried fruit and chocolate chips into surface

Tips

Tip 1

Use a cookie scoop for uniform bite sizes that roll more easily into perfect spheres

Tip 2

Chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes if it's too sticky to handle, making rolling much easier

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Can be made 3 days ahead and stored covered in refrigerator

Serve With

Serve chilled or at room temperature

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip lining the pan or bites will stick

Watch

Avoid overmixing once nut butter is added to prevent oily texture

Substitutions

Nut-Free Alternatives

nut butter
sunflower seed butter1:1nut-free

for nut allergies

Full guide →

General Alternatives

cacao powder
cocoa powder1:1none

milder chocolate taste

Full guide →
maple syrup
honey1:1none

sweeter flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use regular oats instead of gluten-free?

Yes, regular rolled oats work perfectly if gluten isn't a concern. The texture and binding will be identical.

How long do these energy bites keep?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Can I make these without chocolate chips?

Absolutely, you can omit chocolate chips or substitute with chopped nuts, seeds, or additional dried fruit for variety.