A chai date energy ball in front of cinnamon sticks.

I have a habit of making no-bake desserts lately.

Don’t get me wrong… I’m not complaining by any means. To me, no-bake means no turning on the stove (always a bonus). It means simple and quick. And it definitely means delicious!

One of my favorite no-bake treats to whip up are these chai coconut date bites. You might know them as energy bites or protein balls. Basically, they’re just some nut butter, seeds or more nuts, dried fruit and other add-ins such as oats and coconut stirred together, rolled into a ball and chilled until ready to eat! There are always some of these bites in my freezer ready for a quick snack on the go!

A bowl of chia coconut energy bites next to two cinnamon sticks.

Some recipes call for protein powder, but honestly I just can’t seem to jump on the protein powder train yet. Most of the ones I’ve seen contain gluten, dairy or egg whites as an ingredient which is a no-go for me due to my intolerances OR they have way too much added sugar. I have found a few that are suitable for my diet, but some of them taste similar to hamster food (I’m looking at you pea protein powder!). I’m more than willing to change my views on protein powder… I just think I have to find the right one. So for now, no protein powder in these little bites. I get all the energy I need from the chia seeds, nuts and everything else in these little nuggets of joy!

Now let’s talk flavor. If you like chai spiced anything, you’ll definitely like these! The chai spices are warming with a little bite – everything I love in a good chai treat. And dates and chai go together so well – who would have thought?!? I like to bring these bites to work when I’m in need of a little treat to get me through the day and fill me up until my next meal. I think they would work really well to bring along on a trip too as a healthy snack! (I know I will be bringing these along with me when I am traveling next month!)

What’s your favorite healthy snack to get you through your day? Tell me in the comments!

As always, I would love to see your creations! Send me your photos or tag #adashofmegnut on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter!

A bowl of oats next to a baking sheet with chai coconut date bites on it.

Chai Coconut Date Bites

These gluten-free chai coconut date bites are so perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Lightly sweet and flavored with fall spices. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Serving Size 14 bites

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 3/4 cup cashew butter
  • 1 tsp homemade chai spice mix
  • 1/2 cup chopped dates
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey if not vegan
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  • In a bowl, mix together cashew butter, vanilla and maple syrup.
  • Add in rolled oats, coconut, chai spice mix, dates, and chia seeds.
  • Mix together until completely combined.
  • Roll into balls and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.

Notes

*Instead of making the chai spice mix, you can also use 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp cardamom, 1/8 tsp allspice, pinch of nutmeg and a pinch of cloves for a similar effect (using all cinnamon would work too!)

A bowl of chai coconut energy bite mixture with a wood spoon.

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