Sticky Bun-Inspired Energy Balls

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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.

a photo of the Maple Pecan Energy Balls
Photo:

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

Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
16 servings
 a photo of the ingredients to make the Sticky Bun inspired Energy Balls

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

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

  1. 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.

    a step to make the Sticky Bun inspired Energy Balls

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

  2. 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.

    a step to make the Sticky Bun inspired Energy Balls

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

  3. 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.

    a step to make the Sticky Bun inspired Energy Balls

    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 0µg
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 0mg 3%
Folate 6µg
Vitamin K 3µg
Sodium 66mg 3%
Calcium 17mg 1%
Iron 1mg 4%
Magnesium 27mg 6%
Potassium 73mg 2%
Zinc 1mg 6%
Vitamin B12 0µg
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.

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