It’s that time of year when we trade in the pumpkin for gingerbread, and I personally couldn’t be happier! I mean, I love pumpkin, but I’ve seriously tested the limits of how many pumpkin dishes a person can consume this season. These Gingerbread Energy Bites are festive and totally satisfying.
I wanted to create something that tasted like a cookie but is super healthy. I have nothing against cookies, but a nutrient-packed treat that tastes like one isn’t a bad thing either! Ok, these actually taste like gingerbread cookie dough. Not that I’ve tasted it of course…;). The whole family loved these and they take mere moments to make, which is just enough time for Max to find his way into the fridge for the 80th time and start pulling everything out. Good thing he’s cute!
Jump to RecipeWhat is an Energy Bite?
Energy balls typically have a combination of protein, good carbs, healthy fats, and are high in fiber. Since they are portable they are the perfect healthy on-the-go snack or breakfast. We have some great recipes over on Fraîche Table like these Peanut Butter Energy Balls or these Coconut Chocolate Energy Bites.
Gingerbread Breakfast Recipes
These make a great breakfast, especially served with a seasonal fruit salad. But if you are looking for even MORE gingerbread recipes, I’ve have some other favourites up my sleeve.
Don’t forget to make your own spice ahead of the busy baking season with this easy DIY Gingerbread Spice recipe too! It makes an adorable gift packaged in a little jar and tied with a bow.
Gingerbread Energy Bites
Gingerbread Energy Bites
These Gingerbread Energy Bites are a totally satisfying healthy snack! Feel free to add a bit of protein powder (1-2 scoops) if you wish!
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole raw almonds
- 1 cup large flake oats
- 1/4 cup hemp seeds
- 5 tablespoons molasses (recommend fancy or cooking molasses)
- 2 tablespoons almond or cashew butter
- 12 pitted dates
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- pinch sea salt
- 2-4 tablespoons plain unsweetened almond milk
- ground and/or finely chopped almonds for rolling the bites in
- hemp seeds for rolling the bites in
Instructions
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Place the almonds and oats in a food processor and process until the mixture resembles a very fine crumb. Add the hemp seeds, molasses, almond or cashew butter, dates, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and sea salt. Process until the mixture is well combined, smooth and sticks together, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula half way through.
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Add the almond milk one tablespoon at a time until the mixture just sticks together and easily rolls into a ball: you may not need all of the milk.
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Roll 2 teaspoons of the mixture into a ball using the palms of your hands and roll each ball in either the ground almonds, chopped almonds or the hemp seeds. Set aside and repeat with the remaining mixture.
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Store in a covered container the refrigerator for 1 week or freezer for up to 2 months.
Hey! Would this recipient work with other kinds of vanilla protein powder?
Hi Emily,
Yes it should, though I only use the Genuine Health ones so haven’t tried it with any others!
Do you think brown rice syrup would work in replace of molasses?
It should work, but you just won’t get the same gingerbread taste. Would love to hear if you try!
These would be a perfect snack! That protein powder looks genius! Do you think its safe while pregnant?
Hi Francesca! It contains stevia (sweetener) which isn’t studied well in pregnancy so I would leave it out!
I’m super excited to make these! Would I need to soak the dates first?
Hi Leah, no need to soak the dates first!
Hi Tori…these sound amazing! Going to make them tonight. Do you think agave syrup will work instead of the molasses? Thanks!
Hi Laura! It should work, but you just won’t get the same gingerbread taste. Would love to hear if you try!
It does not indicate how much protein powder to use.
Hey Naomi! We used 2 scoops! but it is up to you.
Food processor, blender, same thing?
You can probably use a blender but I have found it difficult sometimes to get the same consistency: would love to hear if you try!
Can you recommend an almond substitute? My kiddo is allergic to all nuts 😢
Hi Megan! I would just add more oats and possibly some coconut and leave out the nuts and nut butter – you can thin it down with regular milk!
Looks delicious! Cannot wait to try these!
I’m a teacher and schools are nut free…would LOVE a nut free energy ball recipe!
I have the unsweetened unflavored genuine health protein powder. Can I use that? Would I need to add vanilla extract to add a vanilla flavor? Thanks!
Hi Steph! You could do that for sure! Maybe a half to 1 tsp. of vanilla? The powder adds a bit of sweetness so see the above comment on adding maple syrup if you think it needs it…
Hi Tori!
You stated above to leave the protein powder out as contains stevia. I am pregnant but would love to make these.. what could I use as a substitute?
I would just leave it out Stephanie and modify the amount of liquid you put in it! Taste the ‘dough’ before you add any almond milk and if it isn’t sweet enough just add some maple syrup. The almond milk is just to get it to the right consistency so you may not need to add as much.
Hi Tori,
Great post! Do these freeze well, so that they can be made ahead for a cookie exchange?
They look delicious and would be much appreciated by my gluten free friends.
Yes they do Carole!
Take care,
Tori
I used chocolate protein powder and they were sooooo delish. I also didn’t have enough almonds so I subbed in some cashews. SO. GOOD.
Amy that’s awesome! So happy you liked them!
I was so happy to have all the ingredients in my kitchen. I always have the Geniune Health Protein Powder thanks to you. I absolutely love this recipe. Thank you. I can’t wait for your Recipe Book.
Thank you Rene so happy you like them!
Would prunes be okay as a supplement for dates?
I’m not certain to be honest, it would change the taste and texture: I would probably stick to dates!
Oh MY these are incredible!! So happy to have found a healthy holiday treat packed with nutrients. Even my hubby enjoyed – well done!
So happy you loved them! Yay! Thanks for commenting!
I’d love to use these as pre- or during-workout fuel. Do you have a sense of the rough nutritional breakdown (calories, protein, etc.) of each ball?
Hi Todd,
Thanks for the note: I haven’t done the nutritional breakdown for the recipes but it’s a good question. My hope is to get to it at some point! Thanks very much, Tori
I made these day. I really wanted gingerbread cookies, but my body is already sick of dealing with white flour and white sugar! I recalled this post and made them today- and oh my, am I glad I did. My 3 kids under 4 love them (which is suprising because I doubled the spices because I like spice!). Thank you!
So happy your crew loved them as much as ours did!!!
Hi, I am wondering what food processor you use? I bought the ninja processor less than a year ago and it worked well but the gears are already wrecked ( I use my food processor a lot) I’m debating on buying a cuisinart or just replacing the ninja and not putting it through the dishwasher.
I look forward to your response
Hi Mackenzie, I use a Kitchen Aid and LOVE it!
Thank you these sound delicious the will be a great addition to our gluten free menu.
I know you have mentioned about the lower protein requirements of children before in your stories. I have 22 month old twin boys and was wondering if the protein in this recipe, when spread amount the quantity of bites made, puts the protein target in range for their age group. Thanks!
Can you please share the nutritional value of these and serving size ? Thanks
Hi Hopi, great question. These make about 24 energy bites and I haven’t done the nutritional values of the recipes yet! I will add it to the list. Also, I would recommend making them with Fancy or cooking molasses; I found them too strong with Blackstrap!
Tried these today, disaster I used a blender and I think I added too much milk. Soft mixture, so I put the mixture in the refrigerator to harden until I could roll them. Worked, but will probably freeze them and eat frozen. Tried them and they are delicious. Like they say “if you don’t suceed try try again”. So these are going to be made again, very soon. DELICIOUS even if though they didn’t turn out right
Oh my goodness!! Try try again Betty, I promise it is worth it haha. xx Tori