Peanut Butter Loves Chocolate Chips
The classic peanut butter and chocolate combo was first made famous in 1928 by H.B. Reese, a former dairy farmer and shipping foreman at the Hershey Company and our love affair for this combo has continued ever since. Smoothies, candies, cakes, ice cream and more. It seems that wherever peanut butter is involved you’ll almost always find chocolate too.
Including right here in our peanut butter and chocolate chip energy bites – a healthier twist on the classic peanut butter cup thanks to the addition of flax and chia seeds and whole grain oats. You can take the portable little bites of peanut butter and chocolate heaven with you on the go or savor them slowly with a cup of tea. They freeze beautifully so you can double the batch and keep some in the freezer when the mood strikes or when you need a quick after school snack or something special to tuck into a lunchbox.
If you have kids this is the perfect recipe to get them involved in the kitchen and spend some quality time with them. Kids love to mix, add, stir and roll. I find that the best time to really talk with my kids is when we’re in the kitchen cooking together. There’s less pressure on them when we’re side by side and they’re not on the spot to give an answer to something like, “How was your day at school?” (which as you can guess, usually gets the answer “fine”).
And there’ll be lots of finger licking and chocolate chip nibbling too so be sure to put a hearty meal or snack in those little bellies before you get started on these. Although they’re better for you than candy bars and they’re sweetened with all natural honey, they’re still a treat and meant to be enjoyed in moderation.
That said, if their peanut butter and chocolate goodness is just too much to resist try portioning them out into small zip-top baggies and storing them in the freezer so they’re more out of sight and out of mind than if they’re right there on the counter or in the fridge.
Are you weak in the knees for these peanut butter and chocolate chip energy bites yet?
Ok, sorry. No more teasing! Here’s the recipe.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Bites
Peanut butter and chocolate come together with whole grain oats, flax and chia seeds for a healthier twist on a craveable candy bar classic.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 28-32 Bites (14-16 servings)
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup flaxseed meal (may sub almond flour, oat flour or flour of choice)
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup dairy-free, mini chocolate chips (such as Enjoy Life! brand)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. chia seeds, divided
- 3/4 cup organic peanut butter* (may sub any nut or seed butter of choice)
- 2 Tbsp. coconut oil
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup to make ’em vegan)
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup protein powder or collagen (may need to add 1-2 tbsp. water)
Instructions
- Mix 1 Tbsp. of chia seeds with 2 Tbsp. of water and set aside to form a gel.
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, flaxseed meal, coconut flakes, and remaining 1/2 Tbsp. chia seeds. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over low heat combine coconut oil, peanut butter, honey, vanilla and salt. Stir until just melted then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Add cooled peanut butter mixture and chia gel to oat mixture and stir with wooden spoon, in a mixer or with hands (hands work best). Note: the dough needs to be mixed very well before to come together. If dough doesn’t come together add 1 tbsp. of water at a time until it starts sticking together. You shouldn’t need more than 1-2 Tbsp. of water.
- Mix in chocolate chips.
- Oil hands with coconut oil and roll dough firmly into small round bites.
- Store in covered container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
*use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Bites with protein
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
What’s your favorite way to enjoy peanut butter and chocolate together? Please leave a comment below and if you try this recipe, we’d love to hear what you think.
Pin now, make later!
These are delicious! A great pre- or post-workout treat. I used almond butter and added a couple of tablespoons of vanilla protein powder, and they’re great. I also (accidentally) didn’t let the almond butter mixture cool very much and the chocolate chips kind of melted into the oat mixture, but it almost enhanced the taste of these because the flavor got dispersed throughout. Great recipe!
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Thanks, Angela! You’re right, they do make a great pre- or post-workout treat. We love them for skiing and hiking and sometimes we can’t wait long enough for the nut butter mixture to cool and we get that delicious melty chocolate thing going on too.
Yes, I too add a scoop of protein or two sometimes! Such a perfect little snack! Thanks for the feedback 🙂
I make something very similar but do both chia seeds and flax meal and also add brewer’s yeast to promote lactation while breastfeeding. Such a great snack!
Great idea to add brewer’s yeast! I was never so hungry as I was when I was breastfeeding my kiddos – these would have been the perfect portable snack.
Any suggestions to sub for the coconut oil? My son has peanut/treenut allergies, but now has a sensitivity to coconut….thanks so much!
Hi Cynthia,
I would either substitute additional seed butter (like tahini or sunflower) for the coconut oil or just leave it out and add a little more honey to bring the mixture together.
I have made many, many Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Bars – these are, by far, the very best. Great flavor & texture. My family thanks you and I do too!
★★★★★
Great to hear!! 🙂
I made these and my boyfriend was hooked and he has great taste in food. Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
★★★★★