German Chocolate Cake Energy Bites
User Reviews
5
German Chocolate Cake Energy Bites
Description
This recipe makes small, no-bake energy bites inspired by German Chocolate Cake flavors. Raw pecans and shredded coconut are toasted to add a nutty aroma, then processed with pitted dates, cacao powder, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt. The resulting mixture stays slightly crumbly but sticks together, providing a chewy texture.
The bites are rolled in reserved toasted pecan and coconut bits for an added crunch and coated with a semi-sweet chocolate and coconut oil mixture resembling frosting. These snacks offer a sweet and nutty profile reminiscent of the dessert, packaged in bite-sized portions that make them convenient for snacking.
Practical notes include soaking dry dates before processing if needed and the potential challenge of using a blender instead of a food processor. Nutrition info includes the chocolate topping. These bites do not require baking, making them accessible for preparation without an oven.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup pecans raw
- 2/3 cup coconut unsweetened, shredded
- 3/4 cup packed dates measured after pitting // medjool are best // if especially dry, see notes, pitted
- 1/4 cup cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt sea salt
- 2 Tbsp almond butter or other nut or seed butter, creamy
“FROSTING”
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips we like Enjoy Life, dairy-free
- 1/2 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C). Add pecans to a bare baking sheet and toast for 7 minutes. Then add coconut and toast both together for 2-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, watching closely and tossing/stirring after 2 minutes to ensure even cooking. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Transfer to a food processor and pulse a few times until no large pieces of pecans remain (see photo). In a small bowl, reserve 1/4 cup (30 g) toasted pecans and coconut for coating the exterior of the bites (adjust amount if altering the default number of servings).
- Pulse the remaining pecans and coconut into a fine meal, then add pitted dates, cacao or cocoa powder, vanilla, salt, and almond butter. Pulse until the mixture is broken down and crumbly — we like to stop before it becomes completely dough-like so that the bites maintain some texture. It should stick together when pressed between two fingers; if still dry and crumbly, continue processing until it is sticky enough to form into a ball. If too dry, you can add a bit more almond butter — we didn't need any extra, though.
- Scoop out 1 ½ -Tbsp amounts (we like this scoop) and roll into balls. If making the default number of servings, there should be ~14 balls. Place them on a parchment-lined plate.
- “FROSTING”: To a small glass or metal bowl, add chocolate chips and coconut oil. Carefully place the bowl on top of a saucepan of simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally with a spatula or spoon, until melted and no lumps remain — ~5 minutes. You can also melt the chocolate and oil in a heat-proof bowl in the microwave in 20-second increments until melted. Remove chocolate mixture from heat.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the bites, then sprinkle with the reserved pecans and coconut before the chocolate hardens. Enjoy right away or transfer to the fridge until the chocolate has set – about 10-15 minutes.
- Store leftovers in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator up to 1 week or in the freezer up to 1 month.
Notes
- If dates are dry, soak in water briefly then drain before use to improve texture during processing.
- A food processor works best for this recipe; if using a blender, pulse gently to avoid overprocessing due to sticky dates.
- Nutrition info includes the semi-sweet chocolate frosting made from chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Prep time excludes optional chilling which firms the bites before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 14(energy bites)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 164 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1energy bite | |
| Calories | 164 | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 14.2g | 5% |
| Protein | 2.4g | 5% |
| Fat | 12.5g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.4g | 14% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4.8g | 24% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 44mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 175mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3.4g | 14% |
| Sugar | 9.9g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 21IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 30mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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