Coconut-Cashew Breakfast Bites
These no-bake breakfast bites offer a wholesome, energizing start to your day, combining quick oats, coconut, dates, and cashew butter. Infused with dried apricots, cashews, and a hint of ginger, they are easily prepared and perfect for on-the-go nourishment, optionally served with vanilla Greek yogurt.
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor Essential for processing dates and combining ingredients efficiently.
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For transferring and final mixing if needed, and for rolling the bites.
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate ingredient measurements.
- 1 Rubber Spatula For scraping down the food processor and mixing.
- 1 Baking sheet or plate For chilling the formed bites.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3 whole pitted Medjool dates
- ¼ cup boiling water
- ⅓ cup cashew butter or peanut butter
- ¼ cup dried apricots quartered
- 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds or flaxmeal
- 2 tablespoons roasted salted cashews
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dark chocolate Optional
- 1 5.3 ounce container nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Place pitted Medjool dates and ¼ cup boiling water in a food processor; process until a smooth, cohesive paste forms.
- Add quick-cooking rolled oats, unsweetened shredded coconut, cashew butter, quartered dried apricots, ground chia seeds, roasted salted cashews, ground ginger, and salt to the food processor with the date paste.
- Process until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture forms a sticky dough that holds together when pressed.
- If using, add finely chopped dark chocolate to the food processor and pulse briefly to incorporate it evenly into the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture from the food processor to a large mixing bowl.
- Using clean hands, roll the mixture into approximately 18-20 uniform, bite-sized balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Arrange the formed breakfast bites on a baking sheet or plate, ensuring they are not touching.
- Refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes, or until firm, to allow them to set.
- Serve chilled, either on their own or with a side of nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt for an added creamy element.
Notes
Ensure the Medjool dates are fully softened by the boiling water and processed into a smooth, even paste; this is crucial for the bites' binding and texture. If your cashew butter is particularly thick, you may need to add a tiny splash more boiling water to achieve a pliable consistency, or reduce slightly if the mixture is too wet. For an enhanced flavor, lightly toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the mixture. The optional dark chocolate should be finely chopped to integrate smoothly and provide a pleasant textural contrast. Always chill the bites thoroughly before serving to allow them to firm up, improving their shape and mouthfeel. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.