Banana Nut Energy Bites

This delightful and nutritious plant-based snack from the UPMC Catering Department will keep you fueled throughout the day.

Blend a banana with oats, dates, chocolate chips, and spices — shape into balls — and throw in the fridge until firm.

These yummy, bite-sized snacks are perfect for on-the-go noshing or satisfying your sweet tooth in a healthy way.

What You Need to Make Plant-Based Banana Nut Energy Bites

• 1 medium banana, very ripe.
• 8 oz. dried, pitted dates.
• 1 cup extra thick rolled oats.
• ¼ cup whole brown flax seed.
• 2 Tbsp. black chia seed.
• ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract.
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon.
• ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg.
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt.
• ½ cup shelled walnut halves and pieces.
• 2 oz. vegan chocolate chips.

How to Make Banana Nut Energy Bites

1. Line a small sheet tray with parchment paper.
2. Add all of the ingredients — except walnuts and chocolate chips — to your food processor. Process until it forms a thick mass. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Break up slightly with a spatula. Add walnuts to the mixture. Pulse to slightly chop and distribute the nuts.
4. Break up the mixture one more time. Add chocolate chips and pulse a few times to distribute the chips. Or simply stir in the chips.
5. Using a #24 scoop (or measuring to 1.33 oz. per ball), scoop into 24 equal-sized balls.
6. Place balls on lined sheet tray and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, or until they're firm.
7. Enjoy!

Plant-Based Banana Nut Energy Bites Nutrition Facts

Yield: 24 bites.
Portion: 1 each.

• Calories = 79 kcal.
• Carbs = 12.3 gm.
• Protein = 1.9 gm.
• Fat = 3.1 gm.
• % Cal./Fat = 32.8%.
• Chol. = 0 mg.
• Sodium = 26 mg.
• Fiber/Dietary = 2.4 gm.
• Calcium = 14 mg.