Spiced Almond and Tahini Energy Bites
Delve into the delightful world of Middle Eastern flavors with these Spiced Almond and Tahini Energy Bites. This sophisticated brunch treat offers a unique combination of wholesome ingredients that are both nutritious and decadent. Perfect as finger food for tea parties or as elegant hors d'oeuvres at intimate dinner gatherings, these vegan bites are a guilt-free indulgence. With the warmth of cinnamon and the creamy richness of tahini, complemented by the natural sweetness of dates, each bite is a harmony of taste and texture. For a twist, consider adding ground pistachios, a hint of cardamom, or even a drizzle of honey to enhance the flavor profile. These bites are not only easy to make, but they also store well, making them excellent for meal prep or on-the-go snacks. Uncover the versatility of your pantry with this delightful recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
sliced or whole almonds
2 cups (sliced or whole (if using whole, chop finely in food processor))
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
tahini
2 teaspoons (smooth)
medium dried dates
18 (pitted (approximately 25 if using smaller Chinese red dates))
Instructions
1
Preheat your food processor and add the sliced or whole almonds and cinnamon. Pulse until the almonds are finely chopped and crumbly.
2
Next, incorporate the tahini into the almond mixture, pulsing until the ingredients form a cohesive mixture.
3
Carefully add the pitless dried dates to the food processor. Continue to pulse until the dates are fully blended in and the mixture is sticky and holds together.
4
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture (about 1 inch in diameter) and roll them into balls.
5
Place the formed balls onto a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
6
Serve chilled or at room temperature. These energy bites are great for snacking and can easily be packed for lunch or travel.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Almond and Tahini Energy Bites?
They are a nutritious and decadent snack featuring Middle Eastern flavors like tahini and cinnamon, combined with almonds and dates.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like almonds, dates, and tahini.
How many ingredients do I need?
You only need four main ingredients: almonds, cinnamon, tahini, and dried dates.
What type of almonds should I use?
You can use either sliced or whole almonds. If using whole almonds, you will pulse them in the food processor until finely chopped.
How many dates are required?
The recipe calls for 18 medium dried dates, or approximately 25 if you are using smaller Chinese red dates.
Do the dates need to be pitted?
Yes, ensure the dates are pitless before adding them to the food processor to avoid damaging the blades.
How much tahini is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of smooth tahini.
What equipment is needed?
A food processor is the primary tool needed to blend the almonds, dates, and tahini into a cohesive mixture.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to pulse the almonds and cinnamon in a food processor until the nuts are finely chopped and crumbly.
When do I add the tahini?
Incorporate the tahini after the almonds have been finely chopped, pulsing until the mixture becomes cohesive.
How do I know when the mixture is ready for rolling?
The mixture is ready when the dates are fully blended in and the consistency is sticky enough to hold together.
What size should the energy bites be?
It is recommended to roll the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
How long do the bites need to refrigerate?
The energy bites should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
What is the best way to serve these?
They can be served either chilled or at room temperature as snacks or elegant hors d'oeuvres.
Can I use these for meal prep?
Yes, these bites store well and are excellent for meal prep or packing into lunches.
Are these energy bites suitable for travel?
Yes, their portable size and firm texture make them great for on-the-go snacking and travel.
Can I add other flavors to this recipe?
Yes, you can enhance the flavor profile by adding ground pistachios, a hint of cardamom, or a drizzle of honey.
Is there a suggested garnish for these bites?
While not required, ground pistachios make a beautiful and flavorful addition to the exterior or interior.
What occasion are these bites best for?
They are perfect for tea parties, intimate dinner gatherings, brunch, or as simple healthy snacks.
What is the flavor profile of this snack?
They offer a harmony of warm cinnamon, creamy tahini, and natural sweetness from the dates.
Are these energy bites gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (almonds, cinnamon, tahini, dates), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How many cups of almonds are needed?
You will need 2 cups of sliced or whole almonds.
What type of cinnamon should be used?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Can I use a liquid sweetener instead of dates?
The dates provide the structure and stickiness needed for the bites; a liquid sweetener might make the mixture too soft to roll.
Do I need to cook anything?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that only requires a food processor and refrigeration.
Can I use almond meal instead of whole almonds?
While the recipe calls for whole or sliced almonds to be pulsed, almond meal could work but may result in a softer texture.
How should I prepare the tray for chilling?
Place the formed balls onto a parchment-lined tray to prevent them from sticking while they firm up in the fridge.
What makes these bites 'energy bites'?
They are packed with healthy fats from almonds and tahini, plus natural sugars from dates, providing a quick energy boost.
What is the texture of the final product?
They have a crumbly yet cohesive and sticky texture that becomes firm once chilled.
Are these bites refined sugar-free?
Yes, they are sweetened naturally with dates rather than refined sugar.