Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites

This post (and the awesome Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites within it) are sponsored by a compensated campaign with California Raisins through the Healthy Aperture Blogger Network.

I’ve been a big fan of California raisins every since I was little. With the exception of when the little dried fruit made it into my Halloween bag, I was always happy to see them, and they made a great portable, convenient, and naturally sweet afternoon snack. Nowadays, I still enjoy raisins in the afternoon by the handful, or, better yet, in energy balls or bites. I’ve made a couple variations on these snacks in the past (see my Cinnamon Raisin Almond Balls from back in the day, an old fave), but I especially love this new version. They have a great mix of complex carbs and fiber from the raisins and oats, which, when paired with the satiety-promoting healthy fat and protein from the nuts and ground flaxseed, make for a perfect energy boosting afternoon snack.

I love using raisins in ball and bite recipes because they add whole food sweetness without needing added refined sugar, and they help the bites stick together, too. And did you know that raisins offer 9% of your daily fiber and potassium, and 6% of your daily iron (per quarter cup serving)? Nice. They also have zero fat and cholesterol.

This recipe has an added bonus: it’s a great long run fuel, too! If you’re tired of gels and gummies and want to try some real food fuel, give these a shot. (Note: You might want to add a few shakes of salt to them in that case, especially if you use unsalted peanut butter.)

Here’s the recipe. Enjoy it!

Oatmeal California Raisin Energy Bites

by fANNEtastic food

Prep Time: 10 minutes

 

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Ingredients (24 to 32 balls)

• 2 cups California raisins
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in a food processor.
• Process until the mixture is finely ground and holds together when pressed.
• Roll the mixture into balls, as big or small as you’d like!
• If you like a firmer texture (and want them to keep longer), store in the fridge (or freezer). Enjoy!

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Looking for more raisin-inspired afternoon snacks for fall? Check out my Microwave Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie for One and my Yogurt & Cottage Cheese Mess.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy raisins? I’m also partial to “ants on a log”.

Visit www.loveyourraisins.com for more information about California Raisins. You can also find them on Facebook (facebook.com/californiaraisins) and sign up to receive a California Raisins prize pack! 

Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites originally appeared on fANNEtastic food | Washington D.C. area Registered Dietitian | Recipes + Healthy Living + Fitness on September 23, 2014.

The post Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites appeared first on fANNEtastic food | Washington D.C. area Registered Dietitian | Recipes + Healthy Living + Fitness.