White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Oatmeal Bites
The White Chocolate Macadamia Nut CLIF Bars is my favorite flic bar flavor! Therefore, I have created a homemade variation you will love.
This energy bar is a delicious balance of chewy, nutty, and sweet, making them a fantastic energy boost for hikes, pre- or post-workout snacks, or any time you need a quick, nourishing treat.
In fact, I’d argue that my version outshines the original! Not only do these energy bites have more protein, but they also come with fewer added sugars and are made with wholesome, natural ingredients. Plus, they are vegan and gluten-free!
The Ingredients
With fewer than 10 ingredients, this White Chocolate Macadamia Bar (they’re actually bite-sized balls!) is incredibly simple to make yet packed with flavor and nutrition.
White Chocolate Chips: Whether you choose to dunk or drizzle, white chocolate adds a luscious sweetness and creamy texture to each oatmeal bite.
Macadamia Nuts: These buttery, sweet, and delicately flavored nuts elevate the oatmeal bites with a touch of elegance and a satisfying crunch.
Oats: A staple ingredient, rolled oats bind all the flavors and textures together, providing heartiness and structure. If you’re gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to enjoy this wholesome addition.
Flax seed meal: My secret ingredient! Flax seed meal works magic by combining wet ingredients to bind the mixture naturally. Plus, it adds a boost of fiber and omega-3s, making these bites both delicious and nutritious.
Maple syrup: With subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and fruit, maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that harmonizes with the other ingredients, perfectly enhancing the creamy almond butter and sweet white chocolate.
Almond butter: Creamy and mild, almond butter serves as the glue, holding everything together while lending a rich, yet delicate flavor.
Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract brings all the flavors together.
Kosher Salt: A small pinch of salt works wonders by enhancing the sweetness of the white chocolate and maple syrup.
Ingredient Substitutions
Here are three ingredient swaps for your White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bites:
- Almond Butter → Other Nut Butter: Swap almond butter for any nut butter of your choice. A different nut butter will add a slightly different nutty taste and works just as well for binding the ingredients together.
- Maple Syrup → Honey: If you’re out of maple syrup or prefer a different sweetness, honey is a great alternative. It adds a floral sweetness and helps hold the bites together while maintaining their chewiness.
- Macadamia Nuts → Cashews: Another super buttery nut, cashews have a creamy texture and taste. They provide a milder nutty flavor and are often more affordable than macadamia nuts.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Melt the Creamy White Chocolate:
- Place the white chocolate chips and coconut butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave, starting with 30 seconds, then continue in 10-second increments, stirring between each session. It should take about a minute and a half in total.
- Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, flaxseed meal, and chopped macadamia nuts.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl (or a food processor), mix together the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Add Wet to Dry:
- Pour the almond butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
- From The Bites:
- Using a cookie/ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop out golf ball-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. If the mixture is too sticky, add more rolled oats 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Coat with White Chocolate, Chill, and Serve:
- Once all the oatmeal bites are formed, dip each one into the melted white chocolate, covering about half of each bite.
- Place the coated bites on a plate lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the bites in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set before serving.
How to Store Oatmeal Bites
I like to store these balls in the fridge to keep them fresh longer while keeping them easily accessible.
- For optimal freshness, store these bites in the fridge. They will keep at room temperature for 4 to 5 days, in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for 3 to 6 months.
- To thaw, leave them out on the counter for 2 hours or refrigerate them for 24 hours before enjoying.
Flax Seeds: A Nutritious Powerhouse for Your Kitchen
What are flax seeds:
Flax seeds, also known as linseeds, are tiny seeds with a rich history of both culinary and industrial uses.
Taste:
Flax seeds have a mild, nutty, and earthy flavor with a subtle hint of sweetness. Their taste pairs well with various foods, adding a pleasant crunch or smooth texture when ground.
Nutrition:
This small seed is packed with dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and several essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, niacin, phosphorus, and vitamin E. These nutrients make flax seeds an excellent addition to a well-balanced diet.
Culinary uses:
One of the standout properties of flax seeds is their natural mucilaginous quality. When ground and mixed with liquid, they form a gelatinous mixture, making them an excellent binding agent in baking. That’s why ground flax is often used as an egg replacement in vegan baking or as a nutrient boost in recipes like the one featured here!
You can sprinkle whole or ground flax seeds on cereal, granola, or yogurt, blend them into smoothies, stir them into soups or salads, or incorporate them into baked goods. Whether you’re adding a crunch to your oatmeal or enhancing the texture of your favorite bread, flax seeds are a versatile, nutritious addition to many dishes.
More Snack Recipes
Easy Dehydrated Watermelon: Homemade Watermelon Jerky
No Bake Homemade Cookies and Cream Protein Bars Recipe
Gluten Free Dairy Free Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Oatmeal Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
- 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
- 1/2 cup smooth almond butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 60 g unflavored protein powder optional
White Chocolate "Frosting"
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 tbsp coconut butter or coconut oil
Instructions
Energy Bite "Dough"
- In a large mixing bowl add rolled oats, flax meal, and macadamia nuts. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl add almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Incorporate the almond butter mixture with the rolled oats mixture.
- Roll the dough into 1.5 inch balls (a little smaller than a golf ball). Set balls on a plate.
White Chocolate "Frosting"
- Over a double boiler, (you may also use a heat-safe mixing bowl over a sauce pan with 1 cup water, or melt via the microwave), melt the white chocolate and coconut butter. Stir until combined. Take care to remove from the heat before the white chocolate starts to burn.
- Dip each energy bite into the white chocolate mixture. You may also drizzle the white chocolate over top the energy bites.
- Place the energy bites in the refrigerator until the white chocolate is set (about 30 to 60min).
Notes
- Room temp: for 4 to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: 1 to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: 3 to 6 months.
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!
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