So much to do, so little time.
The girls and I took a lot of time off over the summer. Our aim was to squeeze as much fun into summer together as possible. At some point near the end of the school year, I suddenly became very conscious of the changes come September. Our littlest one was flying the coop, so to speak, and that triggered something in me: a need to appreciate the growth, maturity, new perceptions and reactions of the girls. Going forward, the girls would be spending more and more time without me and the thought of this really struck a chord. It shouldn’t be so soon!
How fortunate that we had the luxury of sharing in the beauty of summer together – the sunshine, bubbles, beaches, parks, music, picnics, walks and so much more. It’s overwhelming, in a way, just how much we managed to do over our short summer season. It makes my heart so full. How did you fill your summer? And are you, like me, counting down the months until summer vacation again?
Between all the fun and games, we still played in our kitchen and over the coming posts, we have so much to share including these snack bites. Like so many families, we are often on the run, so having healthy and easy-to-make snacks available to us is important. These come together in no time and the girls enjoy them as much as I do. They are nut-free, ultimately customizable and great as a school snack too. For the fall, there’s a pumpkin pie version and for whenever the mood strikes, the straight chocolate chip version.
With these tasty treats in your arsenal, you’ll be ever so prepared when the kids (or grownups alike!) are looking for a quick bite on the run!
No-Bake Healthy Chocolate Chip Bites, 2 ways
Pumpkin Pie Bites
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, uncooked
- 1/2 cup rice cereal
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup sunflower seed or soy butter
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, rice cereal, coconut sugar, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Set aside.
In a small bowl, warm the sunflower or soybutter until softened (about 12-15 seconds on HIGH). Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla until well combined. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Scoop by tablespoonfuls and shape each into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Chocolate Chip Bites
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, uncooked
- 1/2 cup rice cereal
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup sunflower seed or soy butter
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, rice cereal, coconut sugar, ground flaxseed and cinnamon until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Set aside.
In a small bowl, warm the sunflower seed or soybutter until softened (about 12-15 seconds on HIGH). Stir in the vanilla until well combined. Pour the sunflower seed butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Scoop by tablespoonfuls and shape each into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Tips and Suggestions:
- This recipe is so easily adaptable. Substitute maple syrup for the coconut sugar, or try using dried fruit in place of the chocolate chips.
- No concerns with nuts? Feel free to substitute a nut butter for the sunflower seed or soy butter.
EmmaEats...and Katie too! 
I am all over these. They’d be PERFECT for a hike!
Indeed — with the gorgeous fall weather this weekend, that sounds like a fabulous plan!
What can I put if I don’t have coconut sugar?
Hi Victoria – 1 tablespoon of brown sugar works too. I have been meaning to try maple syrup but you might need to adjust the dry ingredients ever so slightly if it’s too sticky when you mix it in.