Ingredients:

• 1 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup smooth, all-natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup raw chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (plus 1 tablespoon for rolling at end)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• approximately 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Using hands, take a tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls (approximately 1 inch in diameter).
3. Roll finished balls in 1 tablespoon shredded coconut.
4. Place balls an inch apart in an airtight container to freeze for an hour.
5. Once frozen, refrigerate.

Yield:

8 servings

Source:

Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center

Nutrition Tip

It can be hard to find the time to prepare and eat a healthy snack during busy days. Here''s a helpful hint: make large batches of healthy snacks ahead of time that can be thrown into your bag or a coat pocket to eat on-the-go. Energy bites and bar recipes can be pretty forgiving. No need to worry about having the exact ingredients on hand. To make a bar that stays together without having to add sugar, try blending together any of your favorite nuts and dried fruits. The nuts will add healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while the dried fruit will add sweetness and extra fiber. After the mixture sticks together, portion the bars/bites out, wrap them up, and stick them in the fridge or an airtight container. A simple combination to try is dates, almonds, and dried cherries. But don’t be afraid to switch up the ingredients with what you have in your pantry or fridge. Any nut, like almonds, walnuts, or pecans, can be used along with any type of dried fruit, like dried pineapple, dried apricots, or dried apple slices.