Vanilla Bean Sea Salt Energy Bites
6 simple ingredients combine in Vanilla Bean Sea Salt Energy Bites for a dreamy, naturally-sweetened dessert or snack you can throw together anytime!
I have a serious sweet tooth. It’s kind of a problem. Especially when 3:00 pm rolls around. I don’t know why. What is it about mid-afternoon? I’m going along fine, eating salads and quinoa and all-the-kale. And then, bam. I turn into a crazy sugar monster. What is up with that?
And then there’s the after-dinner craving for sweets. The second I tuck Elle into bed my mind immediately turns to sugar. It’s definitely my weakness, and something I’m still working on. I always talk about this real food and healthy eating journey is a process. And I’m still midway through the process when it comes to sugar, that’s for sure.
Anyway, one of the best ways I’ve leaned so far when dealing with sugar cravings is to “crowd out” with healthy, naturally-sweetened, real food alternatives. I picked up this habit during my first barre3 Challenge and it’s stuck with me ever since. Having naturally-sweetened options on hand definitely helps me quell the cravings and keeps me from feeling deprived.
No-bake energy bites are the perfect option to keep on hand because they can be made in a matter of minutes, only require a few ingredients, and there’s no baking required. Pitted dates give the bites natural sweetness and help the bits to stick together. Just be sure your dates are nice and soft. If they’re not, soak them in hot water for a bit, then drain and proceed with the recipe.
Also, can we just talk about the vanilla + sea salt combo for a minute? I mean, seriously. If you can find whole vanilla beans (and your budget allows) the seeds lend such a lovely flavor to these, but pure vanilla extract also works beautifully. And sea salt is great if you have it, but kosher salt will work just fine. Now, let’s make some energy bites!
RECIPE & KID-FRIENDLY ADAPTATIONS
1 | Use pure vanilla extract if you don’t have whole vanilla beans.
2 | Swap kosher salt for sea salt.
3 | If you’re looking to make these bites with chocolate chips, be sure to try my recipe for these no bake & nut free energy bites too!
THIS RECIPE IS . . .
Naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Refined Sugar-Free, and Paleo Friendly

Vanilla Bean Sea Salt Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup very soft, pitted Medjool dates (about 8-9)*
- ½ cup unsalted, blanched, slivered almonds
- 1 cup raw, unsalted cashews
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds removed OR 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a food processor. Mix on high until very well combined, about 1-2 minutes, scraping the sides once or twice.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of the mixture, press together, then roll into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Store the energy bites in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.
These look delicious! My food processor just broke! 😥 I need to get a replacement so I can make these!
Oh no!! I hope you’re able to get a new one and enjoy these soon, Laura! 🙂
I love energy bites! They’re the perfect post-workout snack. And I love that you used sea salt + vanilla, one of my favorite combos!
Thanks Sarah, I hope you enjoy! 🙂
I love the addition of the sea salt in these energy bites! These looks divine and a great way to satisfy that sweet tooth 🙂
Love that salty sweet combo, Erin! Hope you enjoy these. 🙂
These look delicious; I love any kind of "bite" that I can make and share with friends and family! I’m also always looking for a way to use the very large bag of fresh (and oh so soft) vanilla beans I bought recently. I will definitely be making these soon!
I hope you enjoy these Megan! Sounds like the perfect use for those luscious vanilla beans. So yummy! 🙂