I’m probably not alone in that it took until my adult years to appreciate the fig, outside of a cookie (though even as a kid, I’d always pick chocolate chip over a fig newtown.) And lately I’ve been enjoying fresh figs more frequently – I was the very fortunate recipient of fresh figs a couple times this summer as I wrote about here (along with a recipe for Figgy Bacon, Ricotta & Thyme Pizza.)
Figs are a food-loving dietitian’s dream – chock-full of nutrients (fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus) AND delicious all on their own. Dried figs are more concentrated so they are higher in nutrients but also calories.
Though I adore fresh figs, their prime season (June- September) is just ending plus I knew dried figs would work best for this recipe. It seems like raw, no-bake and protein balls are all the rage nowadays – which are basically snacked sized bites loaded with nutrient-rich foods like flax, oats, nuts and dried fruit. I thought I’d do my version of the no-bake bite (call me juvenile but I just continuously giggle if they are referred to as balls.) Dried figs and honey provided the sweetness while pecans give the crunch and salty flavor. Other “power” ingredients include oats, ground flax and coconut flour. You could really swap in any dried fruit, flour or nut you’d like – endless possibilities here.
PrintFig Pecan No Bake Bites
- Yield: 16 balls 1x
Description
No-bake fruit nut bites or balls are a snap to make and a great power snack! This recipe features dried fruit, pecans, coconut flour, oats and honey.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup diced dried figs (about 8 )
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or powdered peanut butter)
- Unsweetened shredded coconut, optional
Instructions
- Chill all ingredients (except the honey) in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before beginning to prevent the ingredients from being too sticky.
- In a large bowl, mix together figs, pecans, oats, flaxseed and peanut butter.
- Add 2 tablespoons honey.
- Mix together with your hands – if dough seems too sticky, add an additional tablespoon of flour.
- To assemble each bite, scoop 1 tablespoon of batter and roll into a ball.
- If desired, roll balls in unsweetened shredded coconut.
Cheap Ethnic Eatz (@cethniceatz)
Wednesday 10th of October 2012
I would enjoy these figs balls so much more then a protein bar. So excellent with figs, and no bake! Bookmarking this one to make soon. Happy #figlove
Deanna
Wednesday 10th of October 2012
I know, not a fan of the protein bars (KIND bars are the only ones I keep in my cupboard) Thanks for the bookmark :)
sheilaly
Monday 8th of October 2012
This looks lovely! I am always looking for good snacks!!
Deanna
Wednesday 10th of October 2012
Thanks! I know - I always get in snack "ruts" :)
TR Crumbley (@TRCrumbley)
Sunday 7th of October 2012
These look so easy to make, and sound super healthy! I'll have to try it with gluten free oats!
Deanna
Sunday 7th of October 2012
Yes, let me know if you make the GF version - thanks for arranging #figlove this month!
valerie
Sunday 7th of October 2012
Good looking and sounds delicious!
Deanna
Sunday 7th of October 2012
Thanks much Valerie - look forward to reading your post!
EA-The Spicy RD
Saturday 6th of October 2012
Oh, yum!!! These fig balls (giggle, giggle :-) look delicious! Pinning to my healthy snacks board now, and sending you lots of #figlove all month long!
Deanna
Sunday 7th of October 2012
Hee heeh - your post made me laugh too (and drool) yay #figlove!