Healthy PB&J Energy Bites Recipe - Simply Quinoa (2024)

By: AlyssaRating

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  • GF
  • Ve

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When you're craving peanut butter and jelly but don't want a whole sandwich, these PB&J Energy Bites are here for the rescue. Healthy, easy, vegan & delish!

Healthy PB&J Energy Bites Recipe - Simply Quinoa (1)

this recipe

Nostalgia is a funny thing, isn't it? There are so many different situations that can take you back in time, but nothing affects me more than food.

Hence the PB&J reference.

When we were little, we used to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all the time for an afterschool snack. We'd come home, pull out some of our “seedy bread” (that's what we called the whole grain bread our parents bought) and whipped up some sammies with organic peanut butter and Smucker's raspberry jelly.

It was one of my all-time favorite things and this flavor combo always takes me back. So today we're recreating that classic combo and putting it into these healthy, vegan PB&J energy bites!

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When I came up with the concept for these bites, I wasn't quite sure how to I was going to get the jelly combo. You can't find dried raspberries, dried strawberries could work but are also hard to find, dried grapes = raisins (NO thanks).

I settled on two variations: dried organic blueberries and dried cherries!

I'm partial to the blueberry ones because I think they're a bit sweeter, they have a more classic taste, and I like the way they make the balls look. But cherries are also delicious!

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How to make PB&J Energy Bites

If you haven't made one of my energy bite recipes before, you're going to love how easy they are. You basically just dump everything into the food processor, let it do its job, roll them into balls and done.

One trick I've found is that you should always blend your fruit and nuts together first so that it resembles a fine, sandy texture andthen add your liquids. That way you won't be left with big chunks of nuts or dates – everything will be equally dispersed in each bite.(also…don't forget to pit those dates!)

The food processor I use is this one (it's an 11-cup) and it works like a charm!

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I would definitely say these PB&J energy bites are on a little out therefor me. I usually stick with my chocolate bites, but since I always have a massive stash in my freezer, it's nice to be able to change things up.

If you're not a chocolate fan or are maybe just looking something a little untraditional, these are your jam. (<– pun intended ????)

They're fruity, they're nutty, they're a bit lower in sugar and calories than your standard bite, they're high in fiber and yes, they def taste like PB&J!

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Here's why I think you're going to love these energy bites!

  • They're quick to make
  • Require just 7 ingredients
  • Are totally portable & easy to bring with on the go
  • Double has a delicious dessert
  • Packed with all your macros – carbs, protein & fat
  • Perfect for pre- or post-workout!

And honestly, I could go on and on ????

I've been loving having an energy bite with my match each morning. It's the perfect pre-workout snack for me! I feel energized, but not too full, my hunger is kept at bay a little and I just love having a sweet little treat to start the day.

Can't wait to hear what you think of them!

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More energy bite recipes to try:

  • Turtle Cookie Energy Bites (my favorite)
  • Snickerdoodle Energy Bites
  • Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Balls
  • Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Energy Bites
  • How to Make Energy Balls: The Ultimate Guide

PB&J Energy Bites

When you're craving peanut butter & jelly but don't want a whole sandwich, these PB&J Energy Bites are here for the rescue. Easy to make, packed with good for you ingredients and so tasty!

author: Alyssa

yield: 16 bites

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Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Total: 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add dates, blueberries, peanuts and oats into a food processor. Process on high until crumbly.

  • Add in peanut butter and coconut oil and blend again until a dough starts to come together. If that's not happening, stream in water (or maple syrup) one tablespoon at a time until a sticky dough forms.

  • Remove the lid and form the mixture into balls.

  • Transfer to a plate, enjoy immediately, or for an even better texture, cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Video

Notes

Bites are stored best in the fridge or freezer. will last up to 10 days in the fridge and 2 - 3 months in the freezer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bite | Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 35mg | Potassium: 140mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.4mg

cuisine: American

course: Snack

★★★★★

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Filed Under:

  • Dairy Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Recipes
  • Snacks
  • Vegan

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Healthy PB&J Energy Bites Recipe - Simply Quinoa (2024)

FAQs

Why are energy bites so popular? ›

The obvious one is for healthy snacking but people eat Energy Bites at all times of the day for all different kinds of activities and occasions. Pre-workout snack, post-workout snack, breakfast (they go great with coffee!), after dinner treat, travel food, and they are great for teaching kids how to snack healthy!

Can I eat PB&J while losing weight? ›

The nutritional value of a PB&J does allow this sandwich to be a part of a well-balanced diet, and it may help with weight loss. Research from Purdue University found that people better managed their weight loss regimens when nuts were included. Andrews also agrees that peanut butter and jelly can support weight loss.

Is it OK to eat PBJ everyday? ›

"No nutrition professional will recommend eating any food — PB&J or otherwise — for every meal, every day. Don't take it to extremes, but know that if it's a food you enjoy, can afford, and want to have, you can safely include it multiple times per week with no major concerns."

Are energy balls unhealthy? ›

These tasty bites are made with whole food ingredients, like dates, nuts and whole grains, and are packed with flavor. Full of healthy fat, fiber and protein, these energy balls will keep you full and energized through your afternoon (or morning) slump.

When should I eat energy bites? ›

These energy bites can serve as snacks before exercise. They contain carbohydrate from the dried fruit, possible sweetener, and a bit from the nuts. They're also portable, so you can take them along to practice or tournaments or events.

What is the best energy snack? ›

Jump Start Snacks
  1. Nuts. In addition to energy-extending protein and fiber, nuts are full of additional nutrients to refuel your electrolyte supply. ...
  2. Fruit. Soothe your sweet tooth while also boosting energy with the complex healthy carbs in fruit. ...
  3. Yogurt. ...
  4. Dairy. ...
  5. Edamame. ...
  6. Whole Grains. ...
  7. Beans. ...
  8. Lentils.

Can PB and J be healthy? ›

It's power packed

Athletes love PB&Js for all of the reasons listed here and because it provides amazing nutritional benefits. A PB&J has 15 grams of protein per serving, 13 grams of plant-based unsaturated fat and 5 grams of fiber. That keeps you full and helps build muscle.

What is the healthiest peanut butter and jelly sandwich? ›

Creating a healthier sandwich

Whole grain or sprouted grain is best. Choose natural peanut butter, if available. Or, try alternative nut or seed butters, like almond, sunflower seed, or pumpkin seed butters. Choose better jam.

How do you make PB&J better? ›

10+ Ways to Switch Up a PB&J
  1. Make a regular PB&J, then toast the whole thing. ...
  2. Swap the jelly for romaine lettuce and honey. ...
  3. Make a triple decker: bread, jelly, peanut butter, bread, peanut butter, jelly, bread. ...
  4. Add Nutella OR smoked almonds OR mini chocolate chips OR cereal. ...
  5. Go for an open-faced treatment.
Sep 22, 2023

What is a healthy substitute for jelly? ›

For these reasons, corn starch is an excellent natural substitute for jelly: it has a neutral taste and it does not change the caloric intake of your dish. To use it, dissolve it in water or hot milk and add it little by little to the ingredients you want to thicken, until you get the desired consistency.

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