These Peach Pie Energy Bites are a delightful, nutrient-packed snack that combines the natural sweetness of freeze-dried peaches with protein-rich almonds and optional plant-based protein powder.
High in fiber and healthy fats, they provide lasting energy without refined sugar.
Quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep, these bite-sized treats are vegan, gluten-free, and ideal for busy mornings, post-workout snacks, or an anytime pick-me-up.
Peach Pie Energy Bites
Equipment
- 1 blender or food processor
- 1 Baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups freeze-dried peaches
- ½ cup raw almonds
- ½ cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 scoop plant-based protein powder optional
- ¼ cup almond butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup use 3 tablespoons for extra sweetness
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 –3 tablespoons water as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Prepare the Peaches: Start by placing the freeze-dried peaches into a blender or food processor. Pulse them continuously until they turn into a fine powder or almost powdery consistency. This will form the foundation of your energy bites and give them that concentrated peach flavor. If you like, reserve a small portion of this peach powder separately—it will be used later for rolling the finished bites, adding a pretty and flavorful coating.
- Grind the Almonds: Add the raw almonds to the remaining peach powder in your blender or food processor. Pulse them together until they become finely ground. The almonds provide a natural nutty flavor, healthy fats, and protein, giving your energy bites structure and a satisfying crunch without being too coarse. Make sure the mixture is evenly blended for a smooth dough later.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Now, add the gluten-free rolled oats and protein powder (if using) to the almond-peach mixture. This step ensures that the oats are evenly incorporated, providing fiber and a slightly chewy texture, while the protein powder adds a nutritional boost. Blend everything together briefly so the dry ingredients are fully combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add the almond butter, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract to your dry mixture. These ingredients bring moisture, sweetness, and flavor to your bites. Almond butter binds the mixture naturally, maple syrup adds a gentle sweetness, cinnamon contributes warmth, and vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma. Blend or pulse until the mixture begins to clump together into a sticky dough.
- Adjust Moisture with Water: Check the consistency of your dough. If it feels too dry or crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time, pulsing or stirring in between, until the mixture is sticky enough to hold its shape. Be careful not to add too much water—you want a dough that’s pliable and slightly tacky but not runny.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, measure out roughly 2 teaspoons of dough for each energy bite. Place the scooped portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step helps keep your work surface clean and ensures the bites are uniform in size for even texture and appearance.
- Shape the Bites: With slightly damp hands, gently roll each portion of dough into a smooth, round ball. The moisture on your hands prevents the dough from sticking while helping the balls form a perfect shape. Take your time to shape each bite neatly—this small step makes your energy bites look professional and appealing.
- Optional Peach Powder Coating: If you reserved some peach powder in Step 1, roll each energy bite lightly in the powder to coat the outside. This adds extra peach flavor, a subtle sweetness, and a visually appealing finish. It also gives the bites a slightly dry outer layer that prevents them from sticking together when stored.
- Store Properly: Once shaped, transfer your Peach Pie Energy Bites to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but for longer freshness, keep them in the freezer. Freezing ensures they maintain their texture and flavor, making them perfect for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go snack anytime.
- Serve and Enjoy: Peach Pie Energy Bites are ready to eat immediately, or you can chill them briefly for a firmer texture. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast boost, a pre- or post-workout snack, or a healthy dessert alternative. Their combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats makes them both satisfying and energizing, perfect for any time of day.
Notes
- Freeze-dried peaches are essential for an intense, natural peach flavor without adding extra moisture. Regular dried peaches can be substituted, but you may need to reduce the water slightly.
- Use almonds with skins for a slightly nuttier taste, or blanched almonds for a smoother texture.
- Protein powder is optional; plant-based powders work well for a vegan version, but any neutral-tasting powder will maintain flavor balance.
- Damp hands make rolling easier and prevent the sticky dough from sticking to your fingers.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the maple syrup; adding 3 tablespoons creates a slightly sweeter bite while 2 tablespoons keeps it subtly fruity.
Chef’s Secrets: Flavor And Texture Enhancements
To maximize flavor, pulse the freeze-dried peaches to a very fine powder—this releases natural fruit oils and intensifies the peach aroma.
For extra texture, lightly toast the almonds before grinding; this brings out a deeper nutty flavor.
Using cold-pressed almond butter enhances the creamy richness without overpowering the fruitiness.
Rolling the bites in reserved peach powder adds a visually appealing touch and an extra layer of natural sweetness.
Finally, letting the mixture rest for 10–15 minutes before shaping allows the ingredients to meld, producing more cohesive, flavorful bites.
Serving Suggestions: Ideas For Every Occasion
These energy bites are incredibly versatile.
Serve them as a quick breakfast on busy mornings or a convenient snack during the workday.
They pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or a smoothie for an energizing combo.
For kids’ lunchboxes, they make a healthy, naturally sweet treat.
You can even crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal to add texture, flavor, and a protein boost.
Their bite-sized format makes them ideal for entertaining, picnics, or post-workout recovery.
Storage Tips: Keep Fresh Longer
Peach Pie Energy Bites maintain their best texture and flavor when stored properly.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, which keeps them soft and chewy.
For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container; they will last up to three months and can be thawed at room temperature in minutes.
Avoid leaving them in warm, humid conditions, as moisture can cause the bites to become sticky or lose shape.
Freezing also makes them perfect for meal prep and on-the-go snacking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular dried peaches instead?
Yes, but you may need to reduce the added water slightly since regular dried peaches contain more moisture than freeze-dried ones. The flavor will be slightly less intense but still delicious.
2. Do I have to use almond butter?
No, you can substitute with other nut or seed butters, such as cashew, sunflower seed, or peanut butter. Just ensure it is creamy and unsweetened for best results.
3. Is protein powder necessary?
Not at all. Protein powder is optional and mainly boosts protein content. These bites are still nutritious and filling without it, thanks to almonds and oats.
4. How sticky should the dough be?
The dough should be tacky enough to hold together when rolled but not overly wet. Add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, to reach the right consistency.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bites are perfect for meal prep. Store in the fridge for a week or freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or enjoy chilled straight from the freezer.
