Time Oat: Vegan Oatcakes + Energy Bites

Time Oat: Vegan Oatcakes + Energy Bites

Have you ever noticed what’s inside those beautiful glass jars placed on the counter of your local coffee shop? Most likely, they are energy bites or oatcakes (two of my FAVORITE snacks). These tasty bites seemed to have finally found a home outside grandmas kitchen and into cafes around California.

Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth and are gluten-free. This fiber dense powerhouse of a whole grain contains more protein and healthy fat than most other grains and keeps you full for long periods of time (which aid in weight loss).

Banana and oats have been my staple breakfast option since my broke college dorm days. Thankful these healthy items didn’t break my bank, I started buying oats and bananas in bulk and incorporating them into other recipes. Acaí bowls, chia puddings, and porridge became my new stables.

When I moved to the city, my lifestyle changed. I realized I needed something on the go. I found myself gravitating towards energy bites or bars as I am always running into meetings, racing to catch the bus, or needing a fast snack before a workout. That’s where oatcakes have been my delectable treat for any time throughout my busy workday.

These bars can be left as squares or morphed into balls for energy bites. Both bring you something tasty, healthy, and available. For the toppings, you can add extra coconut flakes and nuts or add some of your own favorites. Chocolate chips or honey would also be great additions for the non-vegan eaters.

    Vegan Oatcakes + Energy Bites.

    Severs 12-15 squares

    Dry

    • 1 cups rolled oats
    • 1.5 cups additional oats to make oat flour 
    • 2 tsp cinnamon
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 10 Medjool dates, chopped
    • 2 tbsp chia seeds
    • 1 cup almonds, chopped
    • 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
    • 1/2 cup coconut shreds
    • 1 tbsp coconut oil

    Wet

    • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
    • 1 cup soy milk or cashew milk
    • 2 tbsp maple syrup

    Method

    1. Preheat oven to 350F. If you are doing bars, In a baking dish, line the bottom with melted coconut oil. You can also use parchment paper so the bars are easier to lift out of the dish. If you are doing energy bites, you will use a baking sheet (line with parchment paper)
    2. The first step is to make the oat flour. Pour 1.5 cups of oats into a blender and blend until smooth.
    3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Ensure you leave out some chopped nuts and coconut shreds for the topping when you are finished.
    4. In a different bowl, mash the bananas and add in milk and maple syrup. Mix with spoon or fork thoroughly. Add the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ones. Mix until evenly combined.
    5. If you are making bars, pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly. If you are making energy bites, use a spoon to scoop out and roll dough in your hands to form balls. Bake for around 20-30 mins, until firm and lightly golden.
    6. Place dish on a cooling rack once done. If you are serving as bars, add the final toppings of nuts and coconut shreds or sprinkle over the energy bites.
    7. You can store them in an airtight container for a couple of days or freeze them in a container for up to 3 months.