Lemon Bar Energy Bites

These simple no-bake snack bites are quick to make, filled with wholesome, satisfying ingredients, and perfect for mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack breaks. They also taste just like a decadent dessert!

Lemon Bar Energy Bites are packed with dates for energy, nuts for healthy fats and protein, and flaxseed for fiber. Lots of zest from a Perfectly Imperfect lemon or two adds the perfect pop of freshness to these sweet-tart bites, just in time for spring. They hold up well for a week in the fridge, or up to a month in the freezer. While delicious on their own, you can jazz them up by rolling them in flaked coconut, chia seeds or extra lemon zest, or by topping them with a simple lemon glaze (instructions below).

You’ll need just a handful of ingredients and your food processor to whip up a batch in about 15 minutes. Roasted cashews and dried dates are the base for these energy bites, though almonds or mixed nuts work well, too. Ground flaxseed is a great binder here, but you can substitute rolled oats, or use a combination of the two. If your dates are on the dry side, start with less flaxseed or oats and add more as needed to form a sticky dough.

Lemon Bar Energy Bites

Active time: 15 Min.

Total time: 15 Min.

Servings: 12 balls

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted roasted cashews

1 cup medjool dates, pitted (about 9-10 dates)

3-4 tablespoons ground flaxseed*

2 packed teaspoons Perfectly Imperfect lemon zest

½ teaspoon vanilla extract or ¼ teaspoon almond extract

¼ teaspoon sea salt (omit if using salted nuts)

Optional glaze:

1 tablespoon powdered sugar

½ teaspoon Perfectly Imperfect lemon juice

Optional toppings:

Flaked unsweetened coconut

Chia seeds

Extra lemon zest

*If your dates are drier, you may need less ground flaxseed. You can also add more if the dough is too sticky. Feel free to substitute rolled oats for some or all of the flaxseed.

Instructions:

Combine the cashews and dates in the container of a food processor. Pulse 10 to 20 times, then add the ground flaxseed, lemon zest, vanilla or almond extract and sea salt. Run the motor until a soft, sticky dough forms (this will take about 1 minute).

Scoop out dough by heaping tablespoons and roll into 12 balls. Top with optional glaze and/or roll in toppings. Refrigerate for 30 minutes for best texture.

To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle on the energy bites and refrigerate until set.

Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

We can't wait to see all the spring-inspired recipes you're making in your own kitchen with this week's produce! Don't forget to snap a pic, post to social, and tag us @perfectlyimperfectproduce so we can share your creations to inspire others.

By Carolyn Hodges, MS, RDN