Quinoa Pecan Pie Energy Bites
Introduction
These quinoa pecan pie energy bites taste just like the pecan pie filling but without any refined sweeteners.
With just 7 pantry ingredients, this luscious, nutrient dense, vegan treat is easy to make and oh so satisfying.
How This Recipe Came About
Recently, I tried to make a vegan pecan pie.
I was missing one ingredient and the pie turned out softer than expected.
As a result, I cut it into small squares and presented them as pecan squares instead.
They were a hit.
Which got me thinking: energy bites would be an even more user friendly option.
The Energy Bite Formula
The starting formula for these energy bites was 1 part cooked grain to 1 part nuts to 1 part dried fruit by volume (i.e. 1/2 cup of each).
Feel free to test out other flavor variants with this base formula as a guideline.
Snack or Dessert
Each energy bite is about 80 calories: two or three will make a good snack size.
Having one of these flavor bombs at the end of a meal is also a satisfying dessert.
Ingredients Discussion
Why Quinoa?
Well, besides the fact that quinoa is the (pseudo) grain of the month in the Whole Grains 101 series, it is gluten-free and was renown as the fuel of the Inca warriors (particularly red quinoa).
Cooked, blended quinoa is also known for its creaminess and smoothness.
So quinoa is a perfect component of an energy bite.
After all, if it was good enough for Inca warriors, it should be good enough for you and me!
Another reason for quinoa is that it is a wonderful freezer friendly, batch cooking option.
Cook a big pot of quinoa for the week (or month) – use some for grain bowls, use some to make energy bites, turn some into a pilaf.
There you go, just like that, you have multiple meals and snacks taken care of with just one (pseudo) grain base.
Notes:
- This recipe uses a blend of white and red quinoa. Feel free to use red, white or tricolor quinoa. Black quinoa on its own however is not recommended because it will give grittier results.
- Find instructions for cooking quinoa on the stove top here.
- Find instructions for cooking quinoa with an Instant Pot here.
Where to Buy Quinoa in Bulk
Quinoa can easily be found in your local supermarket, warehouse store and online.
It can be a bit pricey and buying in bulk is typically a more economical option.
If you are interested in purchasing bulk quantities, this post on buying whole grains online includes a FREE download with 15 online sources of bulk quinoa at competitive prices.
Toasted Pecans
In this recipe, I quickly toast some pecans and the cooked quinoa to bring out the nuttiness of both.
If you are in a rush, you can skip the toasting part but the energy bites will have less intensity of flavor.
Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are the nutritious, high fiber sweetener in the recipe.
They also help to bind the energy bites together.
Other varieties of dates such as Deglet have a less creamy texture and you may want to add up to teaspoon of water per date to compensate.
Ground Flax Seeds
Ground flax seeds help to bind the energy bites and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
You could substitute with whole or ground chia seeds for a similar binding effect.
Spices
Vanilla, cinnamon and a pinch of salt are a great blend to enhance the flavor of the toasted pecans.
Some other spices you may want to consider are orange zest, cardamom and nutmeg.
Equipment Discussion
Baking Sheet
A baking sheet and parchment paper are great for toasting the pecans and quinoa with minimal cleanup.
Silicone Spatula
A silicone spatula comes in handy to handle the cooked quinoa and also transfer all the smooth paste from the blender.
High Speed Blender or Food Processor
A high speed blender or food processor will make quick work of blending the ingredients into a smooth paste.
Note: If you don’t have either, you can create a chunky version by finely chopping the dates and pecans and stirring all the other ingredients with a spoon.
Small Cookie Dough Scoop
A small cookie dough scoop is the perfect option to make uniform sized energy bites.
Now onward to the recipe…
Quinoa Pecan Pie Energy Bites Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup pecans ( 50 grams )
- ½ cup cooked quinoa ( 75 grams )
- 4 pitted Medjool dates, chopped ( 80 grams )
- 1 tbsp ground flax ( alternate chia seeds )
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Toast Cooked Quinoa and Pecans
- Spread out cooked quinoa about ½ inch thick on half of baking sheet.
- Spread out pecans one layer thick on other half of baking sheet.
- Place baking sheet in middle shelf of oven.
- Set to broil for 5 minutes.
- Remove immediately from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes
Blend Ingredients
- Transfer quinoa and pecans to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend.
Shape Energy Bites
- Shape energy bites using cookie dough scoop.
- Use palm of hands to roll out, wetting hands lightly if needed to keep from sticking.
Enjoy Now or Later
- Quinoa pecan energy bites can be enjoyed now.
- They can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- They will keep frozen in an airtight container for at least a month – thaw for about 10 minutes before consuming.
