I plowed my way through the Peanut Butter, Date, & Oat Bites in no time, and reveled in each ball of sweet, dense deliciousness. I loved the portable and filling bites so much that I couldn’t help but whip up another batch… this time featuring a tropical flavor profile.
The flavor of these tasty little bites is reminiscent of my Tropical Granola, as I used the same mix of dried fruit. The cashew butter I used for this recipe is the brainchild of Ashley from The Edible Perspective, and it so lusciously thick and creamy that I had to restrain myself from eating it by the spoonful.
The smooth cashew butter is studded with chewy bits of dried banana, mango, pineapple, and coconut, as well as wholesome rolled oats. The pale-hued mixture is rolled into two-bite-sized balls, which can be dusted with additional coconut if you so desire.
Pure dried fruit sans added sugar and preservatives can be difficult to find, but are worth the search. I found all of the unsweetened & unsulfured dried fruit (except for the coconut flakes, which I picked up at Whole Foods) for this recipe at Trader Joe’s – each in its own packaging. If there’s any doubt, just sneak a peak at the nutrition label. The ONLY ingredient should be dried ____ [mango, banana, pineapple etc.].
As with the Peanut Butter, Date, & Oat Bites, these Tropical Dried Fruit & Cashew Bites are simple to prepare, easy to stash in a lunch bag or purse, full of healthy ingredients, and of course delicious to eat.
Tropical Dried Fruit & Cashew Butter Bites
yields 10-12 bites
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade cashew butter
- 1/2 cup chopped mixed dried tropical fruit, such as banana, mango, pineapple, and coconut, preferably unsweetened & unsulfured
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- extra coconut ships for rolling, optional
Directions:
- In a bowl, stir together the cashew butter and chopped dried fruit until well-mixed. Fold in the oats and mix until fully incorporated.
- Using a mini ice cream scoop or small spoon, scoop out spoonfuls of the mixture and roll into balls using your palms. If the “dough” is sticking to your hands, refrigerate the mixture until chilled or lightly coat palms with cooking spray.
- Roll bites in coconut chips, if desired.
- Store in the refrigerator.
