Dishing Up the Dirt

Chocolate Tahini Oat Bites

Ever since Taylor traded his farmers hat in for a ski helmet I’ve made it a priority to whip up energy bars/bites weekly so he has something quick and nutritious to munch on at the mountain. I’ve made over a dozen different types of bars since December and he’s been vocal about which ones he’s loved versus the so-so ones. He really loved my bourbon truffles (those are more of a dessert and not really qualified as an energy bite) but he hasn’t been that fond of bars that don’t contain oats or another hearty grain in them. He needs something with a little more umph and these chocolate tahini oat bites fit the bill.

These little guys are packed with flavor and will satisfy your sweet tooth while providing enough energy to get you through an afternoon of work/chores. I’m excited that these have entered the picture because I know I’ll be whipping them up often during the farm season as quick fuel for us while we’re out in the fields.

These tiny delights are full of my favorite things all rolled up into a little ball. Dates, tahini, chocolate, oats and spices. To me, they are perfect. When paired with a mexican hot chocolate I’m in heaven.

I hope you all enjoy these little energy bites as much as Taylor and me. If you make them leave a comment or take a photo and tag #dishingupthedirt on instagram. Happy snacking!

chocolate tahini oat bites

Prep Time: 15 minutes    Cook Time: 0 minutes    Serves: 12-15 balls

  • 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted (if they aren't super soft pour a little boiling water over them to soften them up)
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 Tablespoons raw cocao powder
  • 1 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats (GF if necessary)
  • Sesame seeds for rolling (optional)

Preparation

  1. Place all the ingredients minus the oats in a bowl of a food processor and process until a dough ball forms. Taste test and adjust seasonings if need be.
  2. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and add half of the rolled oats. Mix well with a wooden spoon or your hands. The mixture will be very sticky but that's okay! Add the remaining oats and mix until well combined.
  3. Roll into small uniform balls. As an option roll some of the balls into sesame seeds for a little added flavor and crunch.
  4. Store bites in the refrigerator or freeze and thaw for a few minutes before enjoying

Notes

*Use this recipe as a guide. *Adjust measurements and ingredients as necessary. *Taste test as you go.


Leave a Reply

18 thoughts on “Chocolate Tahini Oat Bites

  1. I’m going on a trip next week and think these need to be in my carry-on! I love the addition of tahini!

  2. Just shared on our Tasting Jerusalem FB page. You had me at tahini, but medjool dates and maple syrup too!? I must try these.

  3. Samantha says:

    These look scrumptious! I try to limit my sugar intake, so I was wondering if you think these would hold up well without the maple syrup?

    1. Andrea says:

      I think they will be fine without the maple syrup. The mixture may end up too dry so a tablespoon or two of water may help with that. Let me know how it works!

  4. Alissa says:

    These will be perfect for my son’s school lunchbox as they are nut-free. I’m always struggling to think up vegan nut-free alternatives so you’ve offered the perfect solution.

  5. These looks amazing.
    What a great way to get through winter.
    Thanks for sharing.

  6. Mary says:

    Just made these. Delicious! Usually I can’t seem to prepare things as quickly as your prep time indicates because I’m not the speediest veggie chopper, but these really did only take me 15 minutes to make. Thanks for the recipe!

    1. Andrea says:

      I’m so happy you made these and enjoyed them! Thanks for the lovely comment. And yes, I think my chopping skills have gotten really fast over the years! Take the prep time with a grain of salt! XOXO

  7. Andi says:

    I have unsweetened cocoa powder in my pantry… is that considered “raw” or are you recommending something different? Help!

    1. Andrea says:

      You can substitute with unsweetened cocoa and the flavor will be very similar. The only difference being that unsweetened cocoa has been roasted. No biggie! Enjoy!

  8. Healthy, energizing AND sweet? SOLD. Love these bites!

  9. Ashley says:

    Just made these today as fuel for an early spring hike. They’re fabulous! Not too sweet and the tahini flavor really comes through. Thanks for the great recipe!

  10. Marilyn Heymann says:

    Do you think these would with cardamom instead of cinnamon?

    1. Andrea says:

      absolutely!

  11. Amy says:

    Amazing! and yummy! Thanks so very much

    1. Andrea says:

      so happy to hear!

  12. Kristi says:

    These are A-MA-ZING!!!!!

  13. Emily says:

    I made these this morning, and they are delicious! I substituted date syrup for the maple syrup but otherwise followed the recipe exactly.

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