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Summer is here at last and with it, the go-go-go breakneck pace that characterizes our weekends. (Want to know what I’m up to? Check out the Summer Bucket List and follow me on Instagram for the nonstop summer fun.)

What this means in practice is a lot of days that start before the sun is up and pack in as many activities as possible before the sun goes down.

To fuel myself for all the fun, I need portable snacks with a pop of protein to keep me going all day long. Protein bites or energy bites, whichever you like to call them, are perfect for on-the-go snacking because they can fit in your purse and don’t require refrigeration (although they will get awfully gooey in extreme temperatures).

Bonus points that these taste like dessert! The cocoa powder gives me my chocolate fix without going off the rails with summer indulgences. But the powerhouse combination of almond butter, rolled oats, coconut, and flaxseed keeps me energized and satisfied in between meals.

I take these to picnics, barbecues, parties – everywhere I go that I need a healthier sweet treat to balance out the other options. They have been a universal hit to date, with adults and kids alike. The biggest challenge is stopping after just 2!

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Oreo-Inspired Protein Bites

Clean Eating | Paleo | No Refined Sugar | Dairy-Free & Vegan Options

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats (dry)
• 1 cup coconut flakes (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup almond butter (smooth)
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (use a dairy-free brand like EnjoyLife for vegan/DF recipe)
• 1/4 cup honey (substitute agave syrup or pure maple syrup if making vegan)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (substitute cocoa extract for extra chocolate flavor)
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional) (adding white chocolate chips enhances the Oreo flavor but contributes added sugar to the recipe as well)

Instructions

1. Melt the almond butter in the microwave (approximately 30 seconds depending on microwave wattage) so it is soft and easier to combine with the dry ingredients.

2. Stir all dry ingredients together (including optional white chocolate chips if you’re using them), mixing well to distribute cocoa powder evenly throughout.

3. Add softened almond butter, honey and vanilla or cocoa extract and mix thoroughly to combine. Using clean hands is the easiest way to achieve a uniform "dough."

4. Roll into balls and chill in the refrigerator about 20 minutes.

5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Recipe Notes

Makes approximately 24 bites. Serving size: 2 bites

Tips:

• See notes in recipe to make substitutions for dairy-free, vegan option: choose use vegan chocolate chips like the delicious Enjoy Life brand and agave syrup or pure maple syrup instead of honey.
• The type of almond butter you use really makes a difference when you’re making healthier desserts. I’ve taste-tested several brands, and now Barney’s Bare Smooth Almond Butter is the only brand I like. The “bare” means it has no added sugar, and I prefer the smooth texture for desserts and baking.
• I love the consistency of finely flaked coconut like Let's Do Organic brand.
• To enhance the chocolate flavor, use cocoa extract in place of vanilla extract. (I also add a splash of this to my coffee, and it's delicious there too.)
• If dough isn't sticking together adequately, add water 1 teaspoon at a time to achieve better consistency.
• When rolling balls, use firm pressure to mold together before gently rolling.
• I prefer to use a silicone mold rather than rolling them by hand. It's less messy and easier to press them together. I happen to have heart-shaped ones:
  Bakerpan Silicone Chocolate Mold, 1 Inch Heart Shapes, Jello and Ice Tray, Candy Mold, 15 Cavities
• Any silicon mold tray will work just as well:
  BAKER DEPOT 15 Holes Cylinder Silicone Mold For Handmade soap, jelly, Pudding, Cake Baking Tools, Hole Dia: 1.58inch Set of 2

While I think you can’t go wrong with Oreo inspiration, try my Samoa cookie-inspired coconut-cashew version if you’re not a chocolate lover. Same low-sugar, high-protein, clean-eating concept with a buttery toffee taste from pure maple syrup and Heath bits.

Try them both and let me know which wins the taste test with #NeverDoneWithFun!