Deluxe Peanut Butter-Oat Energy Bites...Featuring PBFit Powdered Peanut Butter #quarantainecooking #PBFit #energybites #kidfriendly #sponsored

I've got a perfect snack that's perfect for our new #StayAtHome lifestyle! Many of us are eating for comfort lately...and maybe even overdoing the sweet treats a bit. Today, I'm sharing a snack made with natural ingredients! My Deluxe Peanut Butter-Oat Energy Bites taste decadent, but they're a healthier option. Instead of high-fat peanut butter, they're made with Original PB Fit Powdered Nut Butter. This amazing product has all of the taste of peanut butter -- but 87% less fat and 1/3 less calories! I love adding it to my smoothies, and it works amazingly well in these energy bites. The base is PB Fit and oats...sweetened with honey and a bit of maple syrup instead of cane sugar. These energy bites contain some tasty mix-ins...and they're drizzled with a bit of melted dark chocolate. They're no bake, so they're also an excellent kitchen project to get your kids involved in leading up to Easter this weekend. Simply mix, roll balls, drizzle with chocolate, and place in Easter candycups. This recipe is crafty and delicious!

Deluxe Peanut Butter-Oat Energy Bites

adapted from PBFit

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups quick cook oatmeal
• 3/4 cup Original PB Fit Powdered Peanut Butter
• 3/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped honey roasted peanuts
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• Pinch sea salt
• 1/2 cup dried fruit -- I used tart dried cranberries
• 2 tbs. coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

For drizzle:

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp. coconut oil

Directions:

Step 1: Add the oats, PBFit, coconut, chopped peanuts, cinnamon, and sea salt to a large mixing bowl. Add the coconut oil, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir until the ingredients are combined -- it will be quite sticky. Remove half of the mixture to a second bowl, then add the dried fruit to the remaining half of the mixture. You will now have two flavors of protein balls

Step 2: Spray your hands with a bit of non-stick spray. Use a cookie scoop to form evenly sized protein bites. Roll the mixture into balls and place on a sheet of foil. Repeat until you have approximately 24 balls. To make the chocolate drizzle, place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small bowl. Heat in the microwave for approximately 1 minute, stirring until the chips are melted and smooth. Use a fork to drizzle chocolate on top of the energy bites.

Step 3: Place the drizzled energy bites on a small patter and place in the fridge so the chocolate can harden and the protein bites become firm. To serve, place on a decorative plate OR inside decorative paper Easter candy cups.

These protein bites are delicious...and full of good-for-you ingredients! The peanut butter and honey flavors are the first thing you taste...then you notice the coconut and chopped peanuts. I made half with and half without the dried cranberries, because not everyone in my family likes dried fruit. I store these protein bites in a covered container in the fridge to ensure a perfect eating consistency -- because they become quite soft at room temperature.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it's totally adaptable to whatever you have in your pantry -- without having to shop for ingredients. Use raisins or dried apricots instead of dried cranberries...chopped pecans or walnuts instead of peanuts...or even add a spoonful of cocoa powder to the base! Have fun -- and let the kiddos help roll the balls or drizzle the chocolate.

Disclosure: PBFit sent me a sample container of their powdered peanut butter to facilitate recipe development for this article. All opinions are solely my own.