Is it too late to say Happy New Year? I hope 2018 has treated you all well so far, and you aren’t beating yourself up too much over new years resolutions!
After the gluttonous festive period I thought I’d go down the slightly healthier route for my first bake back, with peanut butter energy balls. Bake is a bit of a stretch, as they take about 5 minutes to make and only see the inside of a fridge. But they’re so tasty I couldn’t not share the recipe!
Energy balls are abit of a ‘trendy’ bake, but don’t let that put you off. They’re full of goodness, and really do give me an energy boost throughout the day.
The energy balls are simply dates, oats, peanuts, peanut butter and a dash of oil to bind. Medjool dates are best to use as they’re super soft and sweet, but regular dry dates are fine to use too – and easier to find! You’ll just need to soak them in some warm water for 5 minutes first to soften up.
The texture of the energy balls is what I really love. They’re almost chewy, and substantial enough that you feel like you’ve had a proper snack. Not like some ‘healthier’ snacks which leave you feeling just as hungry. They’re also sweet enough that you feel like you’re having a treat, but not sickly so!
All you need to do is blitz the oats and peanuts in a food processor then add the dates, peanut butter and oil. Roll them into balls and then chill for at least 20 minutes before eating them. It’s really as simple as that!
They can then be kept in the fridge for a few weeks, which is great as the mixture makes about 25 balls. Pop some in your lunch box to keep you going through that 3pm slump! Or have a couple as a post-dinner treat!
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 400 g medjool dates or dried dates, if you can't find medjool
- 100 g oats
- 100 g roasted peanuts
- 4 tbsp organic peanut butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Pit the medjool dates and leave to the side. Or if using dried dates, place them in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes.
- Place the oats and peanuts into a food processor and blend until combined. Then add the dates, peanut butter and oil and blend until you form a thick paste.
- Roll them into balls and place in the fridge to firm up for 20 minutes before eating.
