Rich, fudgy, and packed with bold coffee and chocolate flavor, these no-bake Mocha Energy Bites are my go-to when I need a quick and nourishing snack. With ingredients like almonds, dates, cacao, and coffee, each bite delivers a perfect balance of energy and indulgence—without refined sugar or processed additives. They’re naturally sweetened, gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based, making them ideal for clean eating or a post-workout treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these Mocha Energy Bites come together in just minutes with minimal ingredients. They’re the perfect answer to a sweet craving without the guilt. The coffee gives them a subtle buzz, while the cacao and almond butter add richness and depth. Whether I’m in need of a quick energy boost or a healthier dessert option, these bites never disappoint.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup raw almonds
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
2 tablespoons cacao powder
1 tablespoon ground coffee (or instant espresso)
1 tablespoon almond butter
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
Optional: mini chocolate chips for topping
Directions
I start by pulsing the raw almonds in a food processor until they’re finely ground.
Then I add the dates, cacao powder, ground coffee, almond butter, melted coconut oil, and sea salt.
I blend the mixture until everything sticks together and is well combined, scraping down the sides if needed.
Using a tablespoon, I scoop out portions and roll them into balls.
For a little extra indulgence, I like pressing a few mini chocolate chips on top of each one.
I place the bites on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate them for at least 20 minutes so they firm up.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 bites.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Each bite contains approximately 110 kcal.
Variations
I sometimes swap almonds for cashews or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
For an extra chocolatey kick, I mix mini chocolate chips directly into the dough before rolling.
If I want a caffeine-free version, I just skip the coffee or use a coffee substitute like roasted chicory.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract gives them a warm and cozy twist.
Storage/Reheating
I store the Mocha Energy Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. They also freeze beautifully—when I make a bigger batch, I just keep them in the freezer and grab a few whenever I need a quick snack. There’s no need to reheat—just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes if frozen.
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FAQs
How much caffeine is in each bite?
Since I use 1 tablespoon of ground coffee for the batch, each bite has a small amount of caffeine—similar to a few sips of coffee. It’s enough to give me a gentle boost without being overwhelming.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of dates?
Dates are key to the texture and natural sweetness here, but I’ve tried using dried figs or raisins in a pinch. The flavor changes slightly, but it still works.
What can I use instead of almond butter?
I often substitute with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. Each one gives the bites a unique taste.
Are these bites suitable for kids?
Yes, but I keep in mind the caffeine content from the coffee. For a kid-friendly version, I leave out the coffee altogether or use a caffeine-free alternative.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely. When I want to meal prep snacks for the week, I double the batch and freeze half. It’s an easy way to always have something healthy on hand.
Conclusion
These Mocha Energy Bites are a perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition. I love how quick they are to make, how easily they store, and how satisfying each bite is. Whether I’m looking for a midday snack, a pre-workout energy boost, or a healthy sweet treat, this recipe always hits the spot.
📖 Recipe:
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Mocha Energy Bites
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Rich, fudgy, and packed with bold coffee and chocolate flavor, these no-bake Mocha Energy Bites are naturally sweetened, gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based. Made with almonds, dates, cacao, and coffee, they’re perfect for a quick, nourishing snack or a post-workout treat.
Ingredients
1 cup raw almonds
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
2 tablespoons cacao powder
1 tablespoon ground coffee (or instant espresso)
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Optional: mini chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
- Pulse the raw almonds in a food processor until finely ground.
- Add the dates, cacao powder, ground coffee, almond butter, melted coconut oil, and sea salt.
- Blend the mixture until well combined and sticky, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions and roll them into balls.
- Press a few mini chocolate chips on top of each ball if desired.
- Place the bites on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until firm.
Notes
Swap almonds with cashews or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
Mix mini chocolate chips directly into the dough for extra richness.
For a caffeine-free version, omit the coffee or use a substitute like roasted chicory.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract gives a warm twist.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
