Are you looking for the perfect hiking and trail snack that's both delicious and nutritious? Look no further than these Chocolate Oatmeal Bites! Made with only eight simple ingredients, these gluten-free and vegan treats are ideal for fueling your adventures.
Whether you're hitting the trails for a day hike or need a good vegan road trip snack, these bites provide the perfect combination of energy and satisfaction. Packed with oats, nut butter, and rich cocoa, they're easy to make and even easier to enjoy. I brought these with me on hikes and paddles around Banff on my recent visit, and they are the perfect fuel! Between these and my savory granola, I was happy and well-fueled.
These Easy Chocolate Oatmeal Bites are perfect for serving to those who are picky, or who have allergies, since they're naturally:
- Gluten-Free, Vegan & Dairy-Free
- Refined Sugar-Free
- Easy to make nut-free
- Ready in 5 minutes
- Super delicious!
Here's what you need to make these oatmeal bites:
- Nut Butter: I used peanut butter, but you can use your favorite nut or seed butter.
- Maple Syrup: as our refined sugar-free sweetener. You can also use honey (not vegan, though), date syrup, or agave syrup.
- Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: these add such a delicious texture to the bites. I like thick rolled oats, though quick oats would also work.
- Gluten-Free Oat Flour or Almond Flour: this helps hold our bites together. The amounts are slightly different, so make sure to reference the ingredients list.
- Cocoa Powder: for bold chocolate flavor and antioxidant boosting power!
- Vanilla Extract & Salt: our flavor agents. These all add delicious extra flavor to our bites. Skip or reduce the salt if you're using a salted nut butter.
- Chocolate Chips: I like a combination of mini chocolate chips and regular size.
Putting these bites together couldn't be simpler either. Just stir together all of the ingredients, divide the dough into about 15 balls (I love using my OXO small cookie scoop for this), roll them into perfectly round balls, and devour!
Ways to customize this recipe:
Add Protein with Hemp and Chia Seeds: Incorporate a tablespoon each of hemp seeds and chia seeds into the mixture for an extra protein and omega-3 boost.
Boost Fiber with Flaxseeds: Add ground flaxseeds to the mix to increase the fiber content, helping to keep you fuller longer.
Include Dried Fruits: Mix in chopped dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or raisins for added sweetness and texture.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom, to give the bites a warm flavor.
Add Coconut: Add finely shredded coconut for a tropical twist! Reduce the flour by one tablespoon and replace with two tablespoons finely shredded coconut for this option.
To store:
You can eat these immediately, but I like prepping them ahead of time to have on hand for road trip snacks, bringing on a hike, or on a long paddle (such as along the Bow River in Banff, pictured above!).
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.They're so great to have on hand when you need a quick pick-me-up. Because they're made with nut or seed butter, they're loaded with healthy fats to help keep you full!
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