Ingredients
1 ½ cups oats (gluten-free if needed)
¾ cup raw cashew nuts, unsalted
⅓ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
¼ cup collagen peptides or protein powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups freeze-dried strawberries, divided
½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped
⅓ cup cream cheese or plant-based alternative
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- Add the oats, cashews, shredded coconut, collagen or protein powder, and salt to a food processor. Process for about 30 seconds, or until the mixture reaches a coarse, flour-like texture.
- Add the chopped fresh strawberries, cream cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Process again until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Add ¾ cup of the freeze-dried strawberries and pulse briefly until just combined.
- Line a tray with parchment paper. Lightly moisten your hands with water and shape the dough into about 14 bite-sized balls.
- Place the remaining freeze-dried strawberries between two sheets of parchment paper and crush them into a powder using a rolling pin.
- Roll each energy bite in the strawberry powder to coat evenly.
- Place the bites back on the tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Notes
- Use almonds, pecans, walnuts, or other nuts instead of cashews.
- No collagen available? Substitute with an unsweetened protein powder.
- Honey can be used in place of maple syrup.
- Blueberries or raspberries (fresh and freeze-dried) work well as alternatives to strawberries.
- Add-ins like mini chocolate chips, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, or cacao nibs add variety and texture.