Cinnamon Maca Energy Bites [Vegan, Gluten Free]

Cinnamon Maca Energy Bites are a delicious treat for a sweet end to a meal or snack to provide you sustained energy. These energy bites have a delicious caramel, malty flavor from the dates and maca powder that pair perfectly with the cinnamon. If you are a reader here on Diehard Foodie, you know that I am a huge energy bite fan.  Energy bites, like these cinnamon maca energy bites, are all over my WIAW posts. My favorite way of eating them is at the end of a meal for a sweet treat or as part of a snack to give me sustained energy to continue the day.

These cinnamon maca energy bites are SO delicious. The combination of the caramel flavor from the dates and the malty maca powder pairs perfectly with the cinnamon, oats, and maple syrup. Use the optional sea salt and vanilla extract to enhance those flavors. Hemp seeds are added for additional nutrition, but feel free to omit these if you do not have any on hand.

Maca powder is a new addition to my diet that I have already gushed on here (have you made my Jacked Up Java yet? So delish!) I have been using it for the past 6 months and love both the flavor and the health benefits it provides my body. I typically blend it into my coffee in the morning, but also add it into smoothies, oatmeal and energy bites- like in today's recipe!

Maca powder is an Andean root that has been used for thousands of years to provide energy, boost athletic performance, improve libido and regulate hormones (often used for menopause treatment). While I typically see women consuming maca, men can benefit from its  health benefits, too!

The brand I use is this one, and is actually a blend of maca with other superfoods like corgy-gen mushroom extract and ashwagandha. I know for some the cost may seem out of their price range, but I only consume 1/2-1 teaspoon a day, so this entire container has lasted me 6 months!

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Cinnamon Maca Energy Bites [Vegan, Gluten Free]

Ingredients

• 8 pitted dates

• 1/2 heaping cup nut butter (any nut butter will work)

• 1 1/2 cup rolled oats (use gluten free if needed)

• 1 T maca

• 1/2 T cinnamon

• 2 T hemp seeds

• 3 T pure maple syrup

• Optional: Pinch of sea salt, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a large food processor, first add the dates and nut butter of choice. Pulse until the two are combined and resemble a thick, paste like consistency.

2. Add the rest of the ingredients (including optional items if desired) and pulse in food processor until mixture becomes well combined and is thick.

3. Form into balls. I put coconut oil spray on my hands to prevent sticking.

Notes

Stores well in fridge for a week or two, will store in freezer for much longer.

If you make these delicious energy bites, show me your creations! Tag me at @the_diehard_foodie and use the hashtags #nourishyoself and #diehardfoodiefinds.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I plan to get a lot of work done on this little blog of mine (so many recipes I want to make for you guys!) and I am going to a bachelorette party on Saturday night. Should be a great mixture of fun, relaxation and productivity!

Nourish yo'self,

Victoria