Irresistible M&M Cashew Crunch Energy Bites: Your Ultimate Peanut-Free Snack!
Craving a delicious, satisfying snack that’s both salty and sweet? Look no further than these incredible M&M Cashew Crunch Energy Bites! They’re not only incredibly tasty but also a fantastic peanut-free option, perfect for anyone with allergies or for school-safe lunches.
Why You’ll Love These M&M Cashew Energy Bites
When developing recipes, especially for my cookbook, I always prioritize creating delicious and inclusive options. That’s why I’m particularly excited about these M&M Cashew Crunch Energy Bites, specifically crafted as a wonderful alternative to traditional peanut butter snacks. I understand that peanut butter isn’t an option for everyone, whether due to allergies or school restrictions, and these bites fill that gap perfectly with their delightful flavor and texture.
These energy bites are truly special. They feature rich, creamy cashew butter as their base, providing a smooth and satisfying foundation. But the magic doesn’t stop there – we’ve introduced an amazing textural contrast by mixing in finely chopped salted cashews, delivering an irresistible crunch with every bite. And let’s be honest, who can resist the joyful pop of mini M&M’s? They add a burst of color and a touch of classic chocolatey sweetness that makes these bites truly crave-worthy.
If you’re new to the world of cashew butter, this recipe is an excellent introduction. It’s a fun way to experiment with different nut butters and discover new favorite flavors. Beyond the cashew star, these bites are packed with all the go-to ingredients for a fantastic energy snack: wholesome oats for sustained energy, a boost of protein powder for satiety, a hint of vanilla for warmth, and just the right amount of sweetener to bind it all together into perfect, bite-sized treats. They are quick to prepare, require no baking, and are ideal for meal prepping, ensuring you always have a healthy, homemade snack on hand.
Key Ingredients for Your M&M Cashew Crunch Energy Bites
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delectable energy balls. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- Natural Creamy Cashew Butter: This is the star of our peanut-free snack! Opt for natural cashew butter where the only ingredients are cashews, a small amount of oil, and salt. Its rich, buttery, and slightly sweet flavor provides a wonderful creamy base and acts as the primary binder for these bites. It’s also packed with healthy fats and protein.
- Rolled Oats (Old Fashioned Oats): These provide the foundational structure and a satisfying chewy texture to your energy bites. Rolled oats are a great source of fiber, helping you feel full and providing sustained energy release, making these bites truly “energizing.”
- Roasted Salted Cashews: For that irresistible “crunch” in “Cashew Crunch”! Chopping these up and mixing them in adds a fantastic salty contrast to the sweetness of the M&M’s and honey, elevating the flavor profile and adding an extra layer of texture. They also contribute more healthy fats and protein.
- Honey: Our natural sticky sweetener! Honey not only provides a lovely, subtle sweetness but is crucial for binding all the ingredients together, ensuring your energy bites hold their shape. You can also use maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: A wonderful addition to boost the protein content, making these bites even more satisfying and perfect for a post-workout snack or a filling treat. Vanilla flavor complements the cashews and M&M’s beautifully. Feel free to use your preferred brand and type (whey, plant-based, etc.).
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note that makes these bites taste even more gourmet.
- Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of salt in sweet recipes! It balances the flavors, preventing the bites from being overly sweet and highlighting the nutty and chocolatey notes. Please refer to the “Notes” section below for guidance on how much salt to add based on your cashew butter’s sodium content.
- Mini M&M’s: The fun, colorful, and utterly delicious element! These mini chocolate candies provide a delightful sweetness and a playful texture, making these energy bites a hit with kids and adults alike. Their small size integrates perfectly into the bites.
How to Make M&M Cashew Crunch Energy Bites: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful energy bites is incredibly simple and requires no baking. Just a few easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of wholesome, delicious snacks ready to enjoy!
Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Crunch
Begin by processing your roasted salted cashews. Place them into a food processor and pulse until they are broken down into small, chunky pieces. You want them finely chopped but still with enough texture to provide a satisfying crunch in the final bites.
Recipe Tip: No Food Processor? No Problem!
If you don’t have a food processor, you can easily achieve the desired cashew texture by placing the roasted cashews in a Ziploc bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Alternatively, a sharp knife and cutting board work just as well for roughly chopping them.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add all the prepared ingredients: the creamy natural cashew butter, rolled oats, finely chopped roasted salted cashews, honey, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Now, with a sturdy rubber spatula or a strong spoon, thoroughly mix everything together. Keep mixing until all ingredients are well combined and a thick, uniform “batter” or dough forms. It should be sticky enough to hold its shape when pressed.
Step 3: Scoop and Shape the Energy Bites
Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper – this will prevent the bites from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Using a mini cookie scoop (I recommend a 1.5 tablespoon size for perfect, uniform bites), portion out balls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Once scooped, use your hands to gently roll each ball, smoothing out any rough edges and ensuring a perfectly round shape. This step is satisfying and helps compact the bites.
Joy’s Tip: The Mini Cookie Scoop Difference
A mini cookie scoop is truly a game-changer when making energy bites! It ensures that all your bites are uniform in size, which is great for presentation and portion control. More importantly, it speeds up the scooping process significantly and makes cleanup much easier by keeping your hands less sticky. If you make energy bites often, it’s a worthwhile investment!
Step 4: Chill to Perfection
Once all your energy bites are shaped and placed on the baking sheet, transfer the sheet into the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least 1 hour, or until the balls have hardened and firmed up. This chilling time is crucial as it helps the bites maintain their shape, improves their texture, and makes them easier to handle and store.
Storing Your M&M Cashew Crunch Energy Bites
These energy bites are fantastic for meal prep! Once chilled and firm, transfer them to an airtight container or a sealed bag. They will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for 2-3 months. Simply thaw them slightly before enjoying for a quick, wholesome snack anytime!
Variations and Substitutions for Your Energy Bites
One of the best things about energy bites is how versatile they are! Feel free to customize this M&M Cashew Crunch recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Nut Butter Alternatives: While cashew butter is highlighted here, you can experiment with other creamy nut or seed butters. Almond butter works wonderfully, or for a completely nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter (SunButter). Just be aware that the flavor profile will change.
- Sweetener Swaps: If you prefer, maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version. Agave nectar is another good liquid sweetener option.
- Add-ins for Extra Crunch & Flavor:
- Other Nuts/Seeds: Beyond cashews, consider adding chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds for added nutrition and texture.
- Chocolate Chips: If you don’t have M&M’s, or want more chocolate, mini chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) are a fantastic substitute.
- Dried Fruit: For a different kind of sweetness and chewiness, mix in finely diced dried cranberries, raisins, apricots, or cherries.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted or untoasted coconut flakes can add a tropical flavor and unique texture.
- Protein Powder Flavors: While vanilla is recommended, feel free to use unflavored protein powder if you want the cashew and M&M flavors to truly shine, or a chocolate protein powder for a double chocolate treat!
- Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats to make these bites suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Flavor Boosters: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a cozy warmth, especially if you’re experimenting with other spices.
Frequently Asked Questions About M&M Cashew Crunch Energy Bites
Here are some common questions you might have when making these delicious energy bites:
- Can I make these vegan? Yes! Simply substitute the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar, and ensure your protein powder is plant-based.
- What if my mixture is too sticky? If the mixture feels too sticky to roll, try adding a tablespoon or two of extra oats or protein powder until it reaches a more manageable consistency. Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling can also help significantly.
- What if my mixture is too dry and crumbly? If your mixture is too dry, it likely needs more binder. Add a tablespoon or two of extra cashew butter or honey (or your chosen liquid sweetener) until the mixture comes together and can be easily rolled into balls.
- Are these good for meal prep? Absolutely! These M&M Cashew Crunch Energy Bites are perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch at the beginning of the week, and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick, grab-and-go snacks.
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? While rolled oats provide the best chewy texture, quick oats can be used in a pinch. However, the texture of the bites might be softer and less defined.
- How many calories are in one energy bite? The nutrition information provided in the recipe card gives an estimate of 162 kcal per serving, assuming 19 servings. Please note that exact nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient quantities used.
Explore More Delicious Energy Bite Recipes
If you loved these M&M Cashew Crunch Energy Bites, you’re in for a treat! Energy bites are a versatile and healthy snack that can be adapted to countless flavor profiles. Dive into our collection of other popular energy bite recipes and discover your next favorite:
- Classic Peanut Butter Energy Bites
- Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Energy Bites
- Refreshing Strawberry Energy Balls
- Energizing Espresso Energy Bites
- Salty Sweet Peanut Butter Pretzel Energy Bites
- Rich Chocolate Protein Balls
- Fun Monster Cookie Energy Bites
- Comforting Oatmeal Cookie Energy Balls
- Decadent Cookies & Cream Protein Balls
- Homestyle Banana Bread Energy Bites
- Nutty Almond Butter Protein Balls
- Celebratory Birthday Cake Protein Balls
- Holiday-Inspired Pecan Pie Energy Bites
- Seasonal White Chocolate Pumpkin Energy Bites
M&M Cashew Crunch Energy Bites
Joy Shull
15 minutes
19
Saved!
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural creamy cashew butter, see notes
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup roasted salted cashews
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt, see notes
- ½ cup mini m&m’s
Instructions
-
Use a food processor to pulse the roasted salted cashews into small, chunky pieces. If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop them by hand or crush them in a bag with a rolling pin.
-
Add the cashew butter, rolled oats, chopped cashews, honey, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, salt, and mini M&M’s to a large mixing bowl. Use a rubber spatula or sturdy spoon to mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until a thick, uniform batter forms. Ensure everything is well combined and sticky enough to hold its shape.
-
Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Using a mini cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoon size), drop portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
-
Gently roll each ball between your hands to smooth out the edges and form perfectly round energy bites. This also helps to compact the ingredients.
-
Place the baking sheet with the formed energy bites into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the balls are sufficiently hardened and firm. This chilling time is essential for texture and stability.
-
Once chilled, transfer the M&M Cashew Crunch Energy Bites to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months for longer enjoyment.
Notes
Cashew Butter Selection Note
For the best results and flavor, always opt for natural creamy cashew butter. This means the cashew butter should primarily consist of cashews, with minimal or no added sugars or unnecessary oils. Typically, the ingredients list should simply state “cashews, oil, and salt” (or just cashews if it’s truly unsalted). Avoid heavily processed or sweetened varieties for a healthier and more balanced flavor profile in your energy bites.
Adjusting Salt Content
The amount of salt you add is crucial for balancing the sweet and savory elements of these energy bites. If your natural cashew butter already contains added salt (check the ingredients label), we recommend adding only ¼ teaspoon of salt to the batter. This prevents the bites from becoming too salty. However, if your cashew butter is completely unsalted, feel free to use the full 1 teaspoon of salt as listed in the recipe. Always taste a small bit of the mixed batter before rolling to adjust the salt to your personal preference. A little extra salt can truly enhance the flavors!
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 14g,
Protein: 5g,
Fat: 10g,
Saturated Fat: 3g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g,
Trans Fat: 0.01g,
Cholesterol: 7mg,
Sodium: 159mg,
Potassium: 117mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 8g,
Vitamin A: 12IU,
Vitamin C: 0.1mg,
Calcium: 30mg,
Iron: 1mg
Loved this recipe? Share your thoughts and rate it below!