Name: Sticky Bun-Inspired Energy Balls
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 cup pecan halves plus 1 tablespoon, divided; 1/2 cup cashew butter; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 2 1/8 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons caramel sauce

Sticky Bun-Inspired Energy Balls

4.8

(5)

3 Reviews

This energy ball is packed with just the right amount of sugar and spice. To really emulate a sticky bun, we added a caramel pecan topping for a nice extra crunch. You can substitute any nut butter for the cashew butter if you prefer.

Amanda Holstein

Published on October 24, 2023

Tested by

Craig Ruff

Reviewed by Dietitian

Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Ingredients

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup pecan halves plus 1 tablespoon, divided
1/2 cup cashew butter
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 1/8 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons caramel syrup

Directions

Combine oats, 1/2 cup pecans, cashew butter, maple syrup, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, vanilla and salt in a food processor. Process until fully combined and a thick paste forms, 1 to 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or measuring spoon, scoop 16 portions of the oat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. With clean hands, roll each portion into a ball.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Finely chop the remaining 1 tablespoon pecans; transfer to a small bowl. Stir in caramel syrup and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon. Spoon 1/4 teaspoon of the caramel mixture over each energy ball.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

To make ahead

Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Equipment

Parchment paper

EatingWell.com, October 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

98	Calories
6g	Fat
10g	Carbs
2g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Serving Size 1 energy ball
Calories 98
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 10g	4%
Dietary Fiber 1g	4%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 2g	4%
Total Fat 6g	8%
Saturated Fat 1g	5%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Vitamin A 0Âµg
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Vitamin D 0Âµg
Vitamin E 0mg	3%
Folate 6Âµg
Vitamin K 3Âµg
Sodium 66mg	3%
Calcium 17mg	1%
Iron 1mg	4%
Magnesium 27mg	6%
Potassium 73mg	2%
Zinc 1mg	6%
Vitamin B12 0Âµg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.