Bright, citrusy, lemon energy bites are a perfect summertime snack option! With just six ingredients, these are easy to make and taste great. The citrus flavor is an invigorating treat any time of day.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by NOW Foods. As always, all opinions are my own.
Note: This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated in 2022.
Ingredients
Here are the six ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Lemon – I mean, we can’t really make this recipe without ’em, right? 😉 Quick tip – roll your lemons around on the counter while pressing on them to help release the juice inside, which makes for an easier time getting all the lemon juice outta there. (Or use a citrus squeezer of course).
- Golden raisins – While many energy balls use dates, I also like using golden raisins sometimes as an alternative. They have a similar sweetness and also provide the necessary stickiness to keep the energy ball together.
- Rolled oats – Oats are a good source of soluble fiber, which is helpful for heart and gut health.
- Chia seeds – Ch-ch-ch-chia! These seeds – which yes, are the same thing chia pets were made from – are actually rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
- Cashews – Bring on the healthy fats! Cashews also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Coconut – I love that you can find unsweetened shredded coconut on the market these days! It’s a great way to add richness and flavor to an energy ball.
I grabbed all of the ingredients (except the lemon and golden raisins from NOW Foods (I’ve been partnering with them for a while and the quality of their natural food is amazing!). You can get 20% off your NOW order with code CHRISSY.
Instructions
Once you’ve got all your ingredients, just measure everything out, toss it in a food processor, and pulse a few times. Roll ’em in your hand and boom – delish lemon energy balls!
You can use these as a convenient grab-and-go snack option when you want a punch of citrusy sweetness, and they’re great for the kiddos too. And for anyone with dietary limitations, these are vegan, and can be made gluten-free as long as you specifically seek out certified gluten-free oats.
Recipe FAQ
Here are some questions that may come up as you prepare this recipe:
Stored properly in the refrigerator, these will stay good for up to five days.
No, steel cut oats are coarser and may not grind down in a food processor properly. Use rolled oats or instant oats.
Yes! Feel free to pop them in the freezer; they’ll retain their quality for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just set it out on the counter for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition
These lemon energy balls are sweet but only about 100 calories each, so they’re a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With the blend of carbs and healthy fats is great for active women, and popping one or two will keep you satiated for a while.
Plus, this version actually has no added sugar – all the sugar comes naturally from the lemon juice and golden raisins. (Though if you find yours need a little more moisture or sweetness, you can certainly add a spoonful or two of honey or maple syrup).
More Energy Bite Recipes
If you just love a good energy-boosting snack, you’re in luck – I’ve got tons of options here on the blog:
- Peanut butter apple energy balls
- Chocolate cherry energy bites
- Hungarian cookie energy balls
- Banana peanut butter energy balls
- Pumpkin spice energy balls
I hope you’ll give these lemon ones – or any of the other flavors! – a whirl soon! If you get a chance to try them, feel free to leave a recipe rating or comment below.
Lemon Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- ½ cup cashews
- ½ cup rolled oats (if gluten free, look for certified gluten free)
- ⅓ cup golden raisins
- ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a food processor. Turn on for about 10-20 seconds, or until the ingredients look well combined.
- Roll mixture in your hand to form 10 energy balls. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- If your energy balls seem a bit dry, you can add a little more lemon juice.
- If your energy balls are not sticking together, try adding another 1-2 tablespoons of golden raisins, or 1-2 tbsp of honey/maple syrup.
Nutrition
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This sounds like the perfect little energy booster! The cashews and coconut happen to be favorites of mine, and I think this would be a great snack for after a workout!
Thanks Lisa! I love cashews too – such a rich flavor, right?!
These little energy bites are so big on flavor! So perfect for breakfast or even an afternoon pick me up!
Thanks so much Shashi! 🙂
These look awesome. There are so many yummy things in this recipe that I know these have to be super flavorful!
Yes! The lemon especially really shines through and I love that citrusy pop.
Yes!!!! Love energy bites. Great fle anytime of the day. Pinning these to try soon. Wonderful recipe!!!!
Awesome, hope you love them!
Making homemade energy treats is best. We will be having the grandkids here 2 days a week this summer. I know they would welcome these…and me too….I will need all the energy I can get!
Haha, I’m sure you’ll need energy chasing after the two grandkids!
Made these today. These are just what I was looking for. They’re perfect and delicious! Thanks for a great recipe!
Of course! 🙂 So glad you enjoyed them!
Finally! Energy bites are usually so blah sounding. Can the coconut be omitted or substituted? I like neither the texture nor the flavor.
Hi Celeste! Yep, you can leave out the coconut if you’d like 🙂 Recipe should still work fine without it. Enjoy!
I accidentally bought sweetened coconut can I still use it. Can I use dates or regular raisins instead of golden raisins ?
You can definitely use sweetened coconut; that’s no problem. You can also substitute dates or regular raisins if you prefer; it’ll just change the taste slightly but either should work.