I’m not much of a doughnut person…I’d rather have a heaping bowl of peanut butter chocolate ice cream if I’m indulging in a treat. However, I must say, a warm, gooey Maple Bar doughnut will hit the spot anytime.
These Salted Maple Energy Bites are the perfect solution to any maple-bar doughnut cravings. They’re made with only FOUR natural, healthy ingredients, (plus the salt, of course). And you still get that rich, nutty taste of pure maple, without the unfortunate side effects of stuffing your face with a giant doughnut. Hello doughnut gut.
There’s just something about that rich maple flavor. It reminds me of my childhood family trip to the East Coast. It was such a long time ago, I don’t remember the details of it, but I vaguely remember learning about the harvesting of maple syrup. Pretty sure we were in Vermont. Yes, that makes sense. Vermont maple syrup, right?
If you’re not familiar with the tedious process of harvesting pure maple syrup, let me enlighten you.
The farmer taps a little metal tube into the side of the tree. The sap comes out of the tree, SLOWLY…
It tastes like slightly sweetened water, and has to be boiled down into maple syrup. It takes approximately 20 gallons of sap to make about one gallon of maple syrup. No wonder that stuff is so dang expensive! (But worth every penny 😉 )
This recipe uses pure maple extract…basically maple syrup on steroids. It’s incredibly potent stuff…after making these energy bites, my hands smelled like maple for two days. So, you’ve been warned. If you don’t want to walk around with a cloud of maple aroma trailing behind you, wear gloves when you roll these bad boys into energy bites. Or make your kids do it. They don’t mind when their hands smell weirdly like food, (or anything else for that matter).
So…feeling a maple bar craving coming on? Set yourself up for success. Instead of turning to a maple doughnut when you need a treat, whip up some of these Salted Energy Bites. You’ll be glad you did.
Ingredients
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup raw cashews + 1/4 cup crushed
- 1/2 cup raw pecans + 1/4 cup crushed
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt + more for sprinkling if desired
- 1 tsp. pure maple extract
Instructions
- Combine pitted dates, 1 cup cashews, 1/2 cup pecans, 1/2 tsp. salt and maple extract in a food processor. Pulse until a sticky dough forms. (If it's not coming together, add a tsp. or two of warm water, but don't add too much or it will become very sticky and hard to work with).
- Remove from food processor and with your hands, mix in 1/4 cup crushed pecans and 1/4 cup cashews.
- Roll into small balls, sprinkle with a little bit of sea salt (only if desired, they are already fairly salty) and place in an air-tight container in the freezer to harden.
- Store in the fridge or freezer. Best when eaten cold.
4 Comments
Yum! Those look so delicious!
Kari
http://sweetteasweetie.com/
These look so good! I have got try making them soon! I have never worked with maple extract before but I think I will love the smell 🙂
Indu, the maple and salt are great together. If you like maple flavor, these will be a winner:) Hope you like them!
Indu, if you like the taste of maple, I think you’ll love these! They’re yummy. Let us know what you think!