Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites, the perfect "grab-and-go" kinda snack, is both healthy and delicious with the taste of your favorite oatmeal raisin cookie. A super easy no-bake recipe that is in and out of the mixing bowl in ten minutes or less.

Oh boy, do I have a sweet surprise for you in this post that will be reminiscent of your Grandma's old-fashioned oatmeal raisin cookie. An interesting tidbit - oatmeal raisins cookies have been around since 1896, the first ones recorded were written by Fannie Merritt Farmer. They were deemed healthy in their day, quickly grew in popularity, and were highlighted on packages of Quaker Oats in the early 1900s. Handed down through many generations, oatmeal and raisins have kinda been a perfect match for recipes.

When you pop one of these Oatmeal Raisins Energy Bites into your mouth, you secretly feel like you're misbehaving because they're so ridiculously delicious. But then the realization hits you of how healthy the ingredients are and you pop another one in your mouth. And true to form the ingredient list is full of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that will aid in your overall health. Now that's something to write home about.

The Ingredients you will Need for these Energy Bites

Old-Fashioned Oats

There's a difference between "old-fashioned" and "quick" oats. Quick oats, when they are processed are rolled thinner than the former ones and are cut into smaller pieces. The old-fashioned oats have more texture and substance which is why I prefer them over the quick oats. But honestly, either one will work in this recipe.

Coarsely Chopped Walnuts

Walnuts always seem to go with oatmeal and raisins that's why I chose them for this Energy Bites Recipe. But truth be known, any chopped nut will do here. The added crunch from the nuts is a nice addition and gives the balls further texture and dimension.

Cashew Butter

If you've never tried cashew nutter then here's your chance to give it a shot. I think you're gonna be positively surprised. Cashew butter is rich and creamy with a mild nutty flavor and a hint of sweetness. As all the ingredients in these Energy Bites, cashew butter is rich in nutrients which makes it a healthy grab.

Raisins

Raisins seem to kiss this recipe with additional sweetness and enhance the salty aspect of the walnuts and cashew butter. Because this recipe tends itself to a sweeter side, I add in a pinch of salt which balances out the sweetness. The soft texture of the raisins brings an additional element to the bites. If you're not crazy-in-love with raisins, an easy substitute is craisins or really any dried fruit that meets your fancy.

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds may not be a staple in your pantry, but they may be worth the purchase for the health benefits in your diet. Definitely considered a super flood, flax seeds are super high in fiber, a great source of protein, and rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. All of this contributes to improved digestive health, lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol, reducing the risk of cancer, and may benefit people with diabetes.

If you're not excited by the idea of including flax seeds, you can surely substitute them with chia seeds or hemp seeds. They all carry with them really good nutrients.

Raw Honey

There's a difference between raw unfiltered honey and regular honey in both health benefits and taste. When processed regular honey is deprived of important nutrients found in raw honey because of its filtering and pasteurizing. That's why I always choose raw honey. You can sub out honey for pure maple syrup if you would like.

Pure Vanilla Extract

Pure Vanilla Extract is superior in every way from imitation vanilla which utilizes artificial flavors and harmful chemicals. The taste and aroma alone are exceptional and can't be compared to its imitation counterpart. I know that it is way more expensive, but honestly, there are certain things in life worth the price and in my opinion pure vanilla extract is one of those.

How to Make these Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites

Now that you have a healthy view of these Oatmeal Energy Bites, you'll be additionally surprised with how danged easy they are to make and how dadgum delicious they are to eat. So let's jump in with both feet (or should I say hands?)

#1 - Dump All the Ingredients into a Mixing Bowl

I would have to say that is pretty simple. Measure, dump, measure dump, continue. There's no rhyme or reason to what goes in first, just as long as everything ends up in the bowl.

#2 - Mix them all together until fully combined

You'll start out with a wooden spoon of some sort but I guarantee you'll end with both hands in the bowl. It's just so much easier when you get your hands dirty.

#3 - Cover and Chill

Here's where patience and willpower must take control. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap so the mixture doesn't dry out and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and maybe even 60 minutes. This process helps to form the balls easier. Hey, there's been a few occasions where my willpower failed and I just dove right in and devoured a few spoonfuls before it ever hit the fridge.

#4 - Make into Balls

This is where the fun begins. Shaping and forming the little morsels of goodness into balls. I purchased a cookie scoop a few years back and wondered, after the fact, why in the heck I hadn't done it sooner. It's a prized tool in my top drawer which I pull out to scoop the oatmeal raisin mixture. It makes the perfect size and shape which is about 1 ½ inches in diameter.

How to Store Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites

Store to Eat in a Couple Days

If you want to eat these babies within a few days, they can be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator. They will last a good week. But I'm guessing they'll be gone long before that day arrives.

Freeze to Eat Later

If you want to make a large batch and freeze these Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites, place them single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze for a couple of hours. Remove them from the cookie sheet and store them in airtight freezer bags. They will last three months in your freezer.

To serve, remove from the freezer and let sit out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Then enjoy. Or you could eat them directly from the freezer! Either way works for me.

Other Varieties of Energy Bites to Enjoy

Almond Joy Energy Balls

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Bites

If you're looking for more snacks to try, check these out:

Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Lavender Infused Lemon Bars

Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Kiss

Spinach and Feta Puff Pastries

Jalapeno Poppers

Cheesy Breadsticks Wrapped in Bacon

Crispy Loaded Bacon Skins

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