Packed with two superfoods and only 5 ingredients, these maca cacao energy bites are the perfect pre-workout snack or afternoon pick me up!
Have you ever been in TJ Maxx / Home Goods / Marshalls and wandered the aisle where the packaged food is?
I used to be totally put off by it. Why is it there and why is it totally disorganized? It felt really out of place to me; like it was weird leftover food from the grocery store that never was sold. Then last spring, I heard an interview by the founders of Wild Friends who said that getting their product on the shelves at Marshalls is just like getting their product on the shelves in Target or Whole Foods. It’s not leftover from another store – it’s supposed to be there.
That made me feel a whole lot better and now I LOVE checking out these stores for new food products. It’s a fun way for me to try out new products without spending a lot of money.
Enter: maca powder. I had seen it on the shelves at Marshalls and always passed over it because I had no idea what the heck it was. After a while, I decided to do a little research and ultimately made the purchase because of the health benefits maca powder boasts.
Check dat shiz out:
- Increases fertility in both men and women.
- Improves your hormone balance.
- Boosts your immune system.
- Increases your energy and stamina.
- Improves memory and focus.
Great. Yes please. Perfect. Sign me up. Hallelujah.
So I decided that the best way to consume maca powder would be alongside another superfood – cacao. And of course combine them to create Maca Cacao Energy Bites! Energy bites are my go-to when trying to incorporate new superfoods into my diet because they usually come in the form of powder, or seeds, or nibs, or something like that.
These Maca Cacao Energy Bites only require 5 ingredients and 10 minutes to make.
Raw unsalted cashews and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are blitzed in your food processor to break them down. Then the dates, maca powder, and cacao powder are added and processed until the dough sticks together when pressed between your fingers. Scoop the dough out and roll/press between your two hands. EAT.
Tell me: Do you buy food from Marshalls? Or does that totally freak you out?
If you make these maca cacao energy bites or any of my recipes, post a picture on social media and use the hashtag #imhungrybynature for a chance to be featured!
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Maca Cacao Energy Bites
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 24 small or 12 large bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Food Processor
Description
Packed with two superfoods and only 5 ingredients, these maca cacao energy bites are the perfect pre-workout snack or afternoon pick me up!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cashews, raw and unsalted
- 1/2 cup pepitas
- 1 cup packed pitted dates
- 2 Tablespoons maca powder
- 1 Tablespoon cacao powder
Instructions
- Add cashews and pepitas to the basin of a food processor or high powdered blender. Pulse 5 or 6 times to begin to break down the nuts.
- Add dates, maca powder, and cacao powder. Process until the mixture becomes a course meal. It should be crumbly, but will hold together if you pinch it between your fingers.
- Using a 2 teaspoon scoop, scoop dough into hands and firmly press and roll into balls. This will yield 24 small bites. Using a tablespoon sized scoop will yield 12 bites.
Keywords: energy bite, energy ball, no bake
Looking for more energy bite recipes? Here are my favorites:
Peanut Butter Protein Bliss Bites
5-Ingredient Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites
Ooh wow maca sounds like an awesome superfood! I think it’s so amazing how God made different foods to heal and to help our bodies and minds. And I’ve never been to T.J. Maxx but I really want to go. There’s one that just opened up about 20-25 minutes from us.
I 100% agree Emily – we are so blessed with all of the foods he has given us to nourish our bodies! And you must go!! I usually have less luck at TJ Maxx than I do at Marshalls or Homegoods but they are all owned by the same parent company so you should check out their food section!
The maca balls look satiating, Ellie. Since maca is known for its stimulatory effects, is it better to eat these before evening? It maybe just me but when I had maca in the past, I found it hard to sleep when I took it in the evening.
★★★★★
I think it’s a personal preference! I usually have one or two of these before a workout, but I also workout early in the morning. I would also have one as dessert and had no issues with sleep. But it’s great that you know how maca affects you and can avoid eating it at night!