These Lemon Blueberry Energy Bites are an easy, no bake snack that’s perfect for back to school or summer road trips! Just a few ingredients and they’re gluten free with paleo and vegan options, and you can press them into a pan to make granola bars!
Friends, this is my first foray into the world of energy bites.
Not just the first time I’ve developed my own energy bite recipe, but the first time I’ve ever made energy bites. And now I’m wondering why it took me so long.
I developed this recipe in the middle of summer, when the girls are outside pretty much 100% of the time they’re not in their beds sleeping. They’re hungry ravenous all the time, and I just don’t always feel like making them a snack on the go. I also know that you guys love lemon and blueberry so I was pretty sure this combo would be a hit!
I’m embarrassed that it took me this long to make some energy bites.
The girls love these homemade granola bars, so I knew these would be a hit. I love that I can make them into perfect little bite sized pieces for either the 1 year old or 4 year old. Throw them in a container and you’re good to go!
I can tell you that these will absolutely be a staple from here on out. Summer, Fall, Winter — it doesn’t matter! They love lemon and any dried fruit, and they just love snacking in general.
And plus, while I was trying to finish up my video and get some photos, my 18 month old had climbed onto a chair and was cleaning the food processor bowl out with her fingers. I take that as a good sign!
A few notes:
- You’ll want to make these in a food processor. I have a Cuisinart and it works perfectly for me! The food processor turns the almonds into more of a paste. If you don’t have a food processor, try starting with almond butter instead and mixing them up in a bowl.
- I love to buy a great big bag of almonds at once to keep on handy for snacks like this — it’s cheaper than buying a teeny little bag every time you need some! I keep my nuts fresh by storing them in the freezer.
- Be sure to store them in an air tight container in the fridge — they will stay fresher for much longer! I like to store them in these little snack containers so they’re ready to grab and go!
Lemon Blueberry Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 1/4 cups quick cooking oats or use large for more texture - gluten-free if necessary
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries
Instructions
- In a food processor, process almonds, lemon zest, juice and honey until smooth (this can take a few minutes).
- Add in half of the oats and process again until smooth.
- Move mixture to a bowl and stir in remaining oats and blueberries. Stir until combined -- you may need to use your hands as they can be pretty sticky!
- Store in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
- *To mix things up and add more protein, trying swapping ¼ cup of the oats for chia seeds, hemp seeds or ground flax.
Notes
Nutrition (this is an estimate)
Linda says
I loooooove these! Stuck to the original recipe. Made them for my grandkids. They both plow through fresh blueberries and like lemon, too. Win win! I rolled the balls a lot smaller than normal since they are only 2 years and one year old. But now that I’ve tasted them, I wish I would have made a double batch so I could eat them, too! Once the oats were incorporated, I took the mixture out of the food processor, used some coconut oil on my hands, mixed in the blueberries and then rolled them out. I will definitely be saving this recipe for future use.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Linda! I’m glad you all enjoyed them!
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! Do they keep long?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! A week or so in the fridge or pop them in the freezer to store longer!
Pauline says
Ashley, the oats do not need cooking?
Ashley Fehr says
Nope! No cooking 🙂
Suzanne says
This looks so good! When spring time comes, all I want to eat is lemon and blueberry! It’s nice to have a healthy option!
Ashley Fehr says
We love them too!
Jaan Uhelszki says
Can you tell me how many portions these make? I’m thinking four, but maybe eight? Or do they make 24 balls in total? I want to keep mine as close as your measurement of calories.
Ashley Fehr says
The recipe makes 24 energy bites, so the nutrition information is for one bite
Manda says
If you use already prepared almond butter is the amount still the same as the 1C. almonds?
Ashley Fehr says
I would use about 1 cup, yes, if the almond butter is just almonds. If you need to thicken up the recipe you can also add in some extra oats at the end!
Paula Davis says
I do coffee hour for Church and always looking for gluten free vegan option; these are GREAT! I used dried cranberries. Yummy!!
Ashley Fehr says
So glad they turned out well!
Wallez says
I live in France and we don’t have quick cooking oats, is it possibe to use the normal ones ?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, definitely! They will just have a more noticeable texture.
jen says
Oats and other grains are not paleo compliant but these look great. Could you recommend a grain-free replacement for those?
Ashley Fehr says
I honestly can’t, sorry.
Linda says
You gave almond butter as a sub, would sunflower butter work? BF allergic to just about everything. 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
It should work just fine!
Kristen says
Hi can you sub fresh blueberries for dried?
Ashley Fehr says
I probably wouldn’t, because fresh blueberries will add a ton of moisture that dried don’t. You could substitute with any other dried fruit you have though!
Pam Nozari says
I’m allergic to Almonds. Would cashews or another nut work as well? I’m tired of peanuts.
Ashley Fehr says
I think cashews should work fine.
Leanne says
Looks yummy, can’t wait to try them,
Does anyone know what the nutritional breakdown of these are?
Ashley Fehr says
Sorry, I don’t! I have used My Fitness Pal to calculate nutrition information before though
Sarah says
Made these last night – amazing! A healthy dessert that hits my love for lemon and berries. I only got 12 out of the batch though so mine must be a little larger – not complaining!
Ashley Fehr says
Oh I’m so happy to hear that!
Sabrina Zaragoza says
Wonderful. I love the way you make, decorate the recipe and combine ingredients. Lemon and blueberry, nice combination. I love both lemon and blueberry and hence, of course, I love this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
David says
what a nice recipe for break-time at school. my kids always love energy bites ( they’re big fan of blueberry, too). so who can refuse these cute balls? 😀
thanks for sharing, friend.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks David!
Pat C.Wilson says
so cute, i love energy bites so much and my kids too. they make a great breakfast or picnic. my kids love chocolates and grapes so i think i’ll use your recipe with combination of all dried grapes, choco chips and dried blueberries. it’s also a great idea for their birthday party , too. thanks for sharing and enjoy your autumn day! 🙂
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
I don’t think I’d be able to stop myself from eating close to half-ish of the entire batch of these energy bites! This is seriously snacktime GOALS right here. This is how I want to get my energy, please and thanks. 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
It doesn’t matter that it’s taken you this long to make energy bites, Ashley, what matters is that you ARE sharing now! AND you happen to be sharing some pretty amaze-ball bites. Literally. 🙂 These look awesome! LOVE the blueberry and lemon combo!! Cheers, chicka!
Annie @ The Garlic Diaries says
Oh my goodness, I tried to make energy bites/power balls a few weeks ago, and they ended up as a gloppy mess in my trash can…so I am so envious of how delicious these look! I will definitely be trying them :).
[email protected] says
What a great on the go snack! Love how easy they are to make!
Medha says
Love the minimal ingredients list and that lemon blueberry combination! Also such a fan of nut-based energy bites like these 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita says
I love energy bites, but I don’t make them often enough. This version is so bright and summery – I love it! Gotta try these 🙂
Kelly says
Lol sooo cute!! We adore energy bites so I’m pretty sure we (yes me too:) would be climbing up the chair for these! LOVE the lemon and blueberry combo!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! These sound like a perfect snack! And the combination of lemon and blueberries is always a winner in my book!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
I absolutely love the flavor of these energy bites. It’s a refreshing change from chocolate!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Aren’t energy bites the best?! I’m hooked on them! They make such a delicious breakfast or snack. These lemon blueberry ones sound SO good, Ashley! Just what I need on this Wednesday morning!
Ashley Fehr says
I think so too! I wish I hadn’t been so late on accepting them! Lol.