No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bites (Heart Healthy Gluten Free)
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No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bites (Heart Healthy Gluten Free) – a delicious bite sized sweet treat made from clean ingredients with heart healthy omega 3s!
A common misconception about clean eating is that desserts are taboo. Let me clarify. Eating clean means making mindful choices and avoiding processed junk as much as possible, but it doesn’t have to mean total avoidance of all indulgences. All or nothing diets NEVER work because they simply aren’t sustainable over the long haul. Which is why my philosophy is to indulge only occasionally so I never feel deprived. Treats and sweets can be enjoyed in moderation, especially when they are homemade with real ingredients and unrefined sugars. Rather than go for a package of store-bought cookies, why not make your own equally yummy, sweet snack using whole, healthy ingredients?! Check out this list of my favorite Heart Healthy Desserts to get started!
I created this recipe for No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bites with Omega 3-rich ingredients (walnuts and flax) so I can satisfy my sweet craving while still feeling good about what I’m putting in my body.
What are Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Why Are They Important?
Fatty acids are building bocks for our cell membranes. When we ingest healthy fats, they provide a source of energy, aid in absorption of vitamins, and make us feel full longer. We need a balance of different fats for optimal health, but Omega 3s are a type of fatty acids that play a special role, and also happen to be lacking in the general American diet. Higher levels of Omega 3s may promote heart health by lowering triglycerides and cholesterol. They are thought to be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body, preventing disease and for promoting brain function and preventing dementia and Alzheimers.
Food Sources of Omega 3s
Regularly adding any of these foods to our diet is a giant step towards good health!
Fatty fish (wild salmon and trout, sardines, mackarel, etc) – Garlic Herb Salmon Foil Packets with Potatoes is a favorite dinner recipe
Flaxseed – try adding to smoothies and energy bites
Walnuts – try them in homemade Mixed Herb Pesto
Chia seeds – add to smoothies, smoothie bowls, salads, etc.
What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe
Ground walnuts
Flaxseed
Natural crunchy peanut butter (or creamy peanut butter)
Whole Oats
Pure Honey
Vanilla extract
Mini Chocolate Chips
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bites
Begin by placing walnuts in a food processor and pulsing until they are a crumb like texture.
Combine the ground walnuts with the remaining ingredients and roll the mixture into small, bite sized balls.
The dough will be slightly sticky and the bites will need to be refrigerated to set them up.
Store them in the refrigerator.
Recipe Tips
Look for natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
Substitute other add-ins for the chocolate chips. Raisins and dried cranberries are a great option.
If you are avoiding dairy, try Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter in place of the peanut butter?
Sure – creamy natural peanut butter, almond butter, or mixed nut butter would all work well in this recipe.
Can these be frozen?
Yes! I often make a double batch and store some in the freezer for later. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container or bag for optimal freshness and thaw in the refrigerator when ready to eat.
Are oats heart healthy?
Oats are rich in soluble fiber (beta-glucan), which is believed to help reduce bad cholesterol.
More Healthy Treat Recipes
4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
No Bake Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Protein Bites
Nutty Oatmeal Cranberry Energy Bites
Mint Chocolate Chip Energy Bars
Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Grain Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters with Sea Salt
No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bites (Heart Healthy)
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 3/4 cup ground walnuts, see tip below
- 1/2 cup natural crunchy peanut butter, see tip
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir together.
- Using your hands roll into one inch balls and place on baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
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9 Comments on “No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bites (Heart Healthy Gluten Free)”
The best!
I was skeptical but my hubby loveeeeeees these. Crowd favorite! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Oh yum! Such delicious little bites. I especially love the use of the mini chocolate chips.
So good. I substituted agave for honey and used dairy-free chocolate chips. So yummy!
These were such a delicious snack. Easy to adapt too. I will definitely be making them again.
I’m always up for a heart healthy, nutritious and delicious afternoon snack like these easy no-bake bites.
These oat bites were delicious! Thank you for the recipe!
For me, these are a great pre-workout boost of energy. I keep them in the freezer and grab one or maybe two right before my weight training session.
Agreed, they are a great pre/post workout snack! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a rating and review!