Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites
on Mar 02, 2020, Updated Jul 08, 2024
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Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites are the perfect way to fuel your next workout! Gluten free, vegan and a touch of caffeine thanks to the added espresso powder.
This recipe and photos have been updated since the original post on 6/4/2014
I love making homemade energy bites. Not only are they less expensive than most energy bars at the grocery store, but you can control the ingredients that go into them. I have a pretty sensitive stomach, so I like to keep my pre-run snack gluten and dairy free to avoid an upset stomach while I’m out.
If you’ve never made energy bites these Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites are great ones to start with. You only need one bowl, a rubber spatula and a handful of ingredients that you may already have.
What Do I Need to Make the Energy Bites?
- Quick oats, gluten free if needed
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Flax meal
- Espresso powder or very finely ground coffee
- Peanut butter
- Maple syrup or honey
- Vanilla extract
- Almond milk or substitute with water
Do I Need a High Speed Blender or Food Processor to Make These?
Nope. Like I mentioned above these are great to make if you’re new to energy bites. You don’t have a high speed blender or food processor, just a mixing bowl and rubber spatula. I have several energy bites that do require either a blender or food processor because you’re using it to finely grind nuts. These Cranberry Vanilla Energy Bites are my favorite!
These energy bites are a great balance of carbs and protein making them ideal for a pre or post workout snack. Keep in mind that these are not a meal replacement, but rather something quick and easy you can grab and eat and supplement later with a complete meal.
If you’re like me and workout early in the morning, eating a big meal before starting your workout may not work. Not only do I not have time to make a full meal, but my stomach wouldn’t be able to handle that right before going out for a run. I usually grab two or three of these bites and I’m good to go.
How to Make the Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites
Making these energy bites is so simple. Start by stirring together the peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla. If your peanut butter isn’t getting smooth, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds until it’s runny. My preference is to use natural peanut butter, but the sweetened kind should work as well.
Once the peanut butter mixture is smooth add in the oats, flax, espresso powder and cocoa powder. If your cocoa powder is lumpy you’ll want to sift it in so you don’t bite into a chunk of unsweetened cocoa powder, gross. If the mixture is too dry and not combining to the point where you can form it into balls, add in a tablespoon of almond milk or water.
Once the dough is made, use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to divide the mixture evenly. Roll the dough between the palms of your hands into balls and place them in an airtight container. The energy bites a best stored in the refrigerator and will last about a week. You can also freeze them for several months.
Can I Skip the Espresso Powder?
Yes. If you don’t do caffeine or are making these for kids you can absolutely skip the espresso powder. If by chance you don’t have espresso powder on hand you can substitute it with instant coffee or very finely ground coffee.
These Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites are not only great for fueling your next workout, but are great for an afternoon snack or after dinner treat.
More Energy Bites
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Energy Bites
Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup quick oats gluten free if needed
- 1/4 cup flax meal
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla until combined. Add in the oats, flax, cocoa powder (sifted if lumpy) and espresso powder then stir until a dough forms. If the dough is dry add in 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water.
- Scoop the dough into tablespoon size portions and roll into a ball with your hands. Stored the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for several months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made these on the weekend and they turned out great! I did have to substitute ground coffee for the espresso powder though since that is all I had at home. Thank you for the delicious recipe :-)
Thanks for trying the energy bites Karen and I’m glad you liked them! Ground coffee is a great substitute! :-)
I COUNT CALORIES. WHAT IS THE CALORIE COUNT FOR ALL THESE ENERGY PROTIEN BITES
Hi, thank you for your interest in the energy bites. At this time I don’t calculate calories for my recipes. If you are interested in figuring out the calories I’ve heard from others that MyFitnessPal has a good calculator for doing this. I hope this helps!
Tried these last night and they came out great. Was wondering if processing the oats a bit would make them too crumbly. I don’t mind the chunks, but some might. Also, I used ground coffee and the taste was not overpowering, but was wondering if adding a bit of a shot of expresso might make them less dry. Thoughts?
Hi Nicole! You could definitely grind the oats up a bit or even try quick cook oats if you prefer a softer texture. I’m not sure on the shot of espresso, it sounds like a great idea, but I’d be worried they might get too wet. If you try it maybe just add a small amount at a time. I’d love to hear if it works!
really can’t wait to make this but it’s pretty hard to find flax meal where i live. is there any substitute for it? and i came across ur cinnamon apple energy bites earlier too. was wondering what i can substitute medjool dates with in the recipe?
Hi Zaylee! To replace the flax meal you could use wheat germ, or ground up oats (oat flour). While I haven’t tried replacing the medjool dates in the cinnamon apple energy bites, you might try either a different kind of date, dried figs, or possible even dried plums (prunes). The taste will probably change some, but it should bind the energy bites together the way that the medjool dates do. Hope this help!
Zaylee-I make flax meal by whirling flax seed in my coffee grinder. I do the same for chia seed because I hate them getting stuck in my teeth. You can use them interchangably. In other energy bite recipes, I use prunes, dried cherries, figs, cranberries, raisins or a combination of them. It works great if you don’t like dates or want to use a lower sugar fruit!
These look so dang delicious! Glad I stumbled upon your site.
Keep it up!
Thanks Erica! :-)
Danae, I love the idea of these! I am totally up for any easy (portable) snack whether its a breakfast replacement or a mid-afternoon pick me up!
Thanks Bri! They make a really good and yummy afternoon snack!
I’m sooo into energy bites lately, and love finding different variations — loving the mocha!
Thanks Nicole! I’m right there with you on the energy bites, the more variation the better!
Oooo I love that you have espresso powder in these! I have a similar recipe I make all the time but never thought to add that in! Such a great idea!
Thanks Ashley! In my world espresso makes everything better. ;-)
Love love love this! Mocha treats are one of my favorite! Pinning!
Thanks Anna and thanks so much for Pinning! :-)
Such a great idea, Danae. I can see me now, up later than expected, running out the door, skipping a big breakfast but grabbing a handful of these to help. Love these!
Thanks Matt, they are perfect for breakfast or snacking on the go!