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Toast the Seeds and Nuts:
To unlock their nutty flavors and aromas, dry roast the pumpkin seeds in a pan over medium heat until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly! Set the toasted pumpkin seeds aside.
Roast and Chop the Walnuts:
Using the same pan, dry roast the walnuts until they become fragrant and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. This toasting step intensifies their flavor significantly. Let the walnuts cool slightly, then chop or shred them into smaller pieces for easier eating.
Soften the Dates:
Soak the dates in warm water for 15 minutes. This helps soften them up and makes them easier to blend into a paste. After soaking, drain the water, remove the pits from the dates, and chop them roughly.
Blend the Fruit:
In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped dates and dried apricots. Blend until you have a smooth and sticky paste.
Combine and Mix:
In a large bowl, add the roasted pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts, date and apricot paste, and the zest of one orange. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
Shape and Coat:
With your hands, form the mixture into a long cylinder shape. In a separate pan, dry roast the sesame seeds until lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Roll the formed cylinder in the toasted sesame seeds, making sure it’s fully coated for a beautiful and crunchy exterior.
Freeze and Slice:
Place the coated cylinder in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm enough to slice. Freezing helps the bites set and retain their shape.
Enjoy!:
Once set, take the cylinder out of the freezer and slice it into rounds for individual servings. Now you have delicious and nutritious energy bites ready to enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
These bites are perfect for a post-workout snack, a mid-day energy boost, or a healthy dessert.
Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
Pack them for a picnic, hike, or as a travel-friendly snack.
Cooking Tips:
For a smoother texture, pulse the roasted pumpkin seeds and walnuts in a food processor before mixing them with the fruit paste.
Adjust the consistency by adding a bit of water or more dried fruit paste if the mixture is too dry to shape.
For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the sesame-coated cylinder before freezing.
Nutritional Benefits:
Pumpkin Seeds are rich in magnesium, iron, and healthy fats, which support heart health and energy levels.
Walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that are great for brain health.
Dates and Apricots are high in natural sugars, fiber, and essential vitamins, offering quick energy and digestive support.
Sesame Seeds add a boost of calcium, iron, and protein, enhancing the overall nutritional profile.
Dietary Information:
Gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
No added sugar; naturally sweetened with dates and apricots.
Can be made nut-free by substituting walnuts with sunflower seeds or more pumpkin seeds.
Nutritional Facts (per bite, approximate):
Calories: 80 kcal
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Fat: 4g
Storage Tips:
Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freeze the bites in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and Easy: No-bake and minimal preparation required.
Naturally Sweetened: Uses dried fruits for a healthy, natural sweetness.
Nutritious: Loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Versatile: Great for snacks, desserts, or as an energy booster.
Conclusion:
These Nutty Orange Energy Bites are a wholesome, nutritious, and delicious way to fuel your day. With the natural sweetness of dates and apricots combined with the nutty crunch of pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and sesame, these bites are sure to become a go-to snack in your kitchen. Easy to prepare and perfect for any time of day, they’re a tasty treat you’ll love making again and again.
10 Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I substitute other nuts for walnuts?
Yes, almonds, pecans, or cashews work well too.
Are these bites gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
No, fresh fruit would add too much moisture and affect the texture.
How long do these last in the fridge?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Can I omit the sesame seeds?
Yes, you can skip the sesame seeds or replace them with shredded coconut or crushed nuts.
What’s a good substitute for dates?
Prunes or figs can be used instead of dates for a different flavor.
How do I make the bites more protein-packed?
Add a scoop of protein powder to the fruit paste before mixing.
Can I make them without nuts for allergies?
Yes, replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or more pumpkin seeds.
Can I add spices to these bites?
Absolutely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom would be great additions.
How do I make these bites softer or firmer?
Adjust the firmness by modifying the amount of fruit paste or nuts. More paste makes them softer, while more nuts or seeds make them firmer.
