Homemade Sunbutter Bites – Delicious and Nutritious
These homemade sunbutter bites are super easy to make, taste great, and are good for you. With no grains, flour, or baking, they are a delicious treat using sunflower seeds, dates, and coconut oil. They make a great homemade alternative to expensive snack and protein bars.
Good for You
Sunflower seed butter is such an underappreciated food! Peanut butter, almond butter, and even cashew butters seem to get all the attention and glory. But the humble sunflower seed? Neglected.
Not to mention, sunflower seeds are a great replacement for nuts in a world full of nut allergies!
Sunflower seeds and sunflower seed butter are a great way to add healthy fats and protein to our diet, and their flavor is mild making them incredibly versatile. With just a food processor, you can easily make these sunflower bites.
I love sharing these little treats with my family for several reasons – sunflower seeds are high in the antioxidant vitamin E, are a good source of magnesium, and they are full of healthy fats.
Because about 15% of their calories come from protein, they provide long-lasting energy and satiety. This is great for people with a history of low blood sugars and sensitivities to simple carbohydrates (that’s me!)
Of course there are lots of energy and snack bars to choose from, but the truly high quality ones are expensive. These homemade sunbutter cookies make a great homemade alternative to protein bars.
And did I mention they are tasty and easy to make?
INGREDIENTS:
(Makes about one dozen “buttons”)
- 2 cups unsalted sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup medjool dates (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Place sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor until the seeds are finely ground and starting to stick together. Scrape down the sides as needed. This will take a minute or two.
Add the dates, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla or almond extract. Process until combined and sticky. A ball will probably form in the food processor after about 30 seconds. Stop and break it up, then process for another 30 seconds.
Remove from the food processor and form into bite-sized snack balls. I enjoy mine rolled in coconut flakes. You could also use cacao powder for a special treat!
These can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, or frozen for later.
If you enjoy homemade alternatives to store-bought, homemade granola is another super-easy and delicious way to go!
Enjoy!
~ Michelle