One taste and you would never guess these are sugar-free! Or you can add the optional TBSP of low-glycemic agave if you prefer. Either way, these power balls are big on both nutrition and taste!
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone liner, or aluminum foil. Place in the oven to preheat as well.
CHEF'S SECRET: To chop the sticky cherries, toss them with a bit of the oat flour, and chop with a sharp knife. Help keep the cherries from sticking to the knife. This works well for all kinds of dried fruit.
In the bowl of your mixer: Zest the lemon. Set the rest of the lemon aside. Add the remaining dry ingredients. Stir to combine.
In a separate bowl: Squeeze in the juice of the zested lemon. Add the applesauce and agave and stir to combine. Mix on low until the ingredients come together.
Add the good stuff! Add the cacao nibs and nuts to the dough and mix lightly to distribute. Mix in the peanut butter until it is well incorporated.
Bake the cookies: Use a 2 TBSP scoop to form spherical cookies. Space cookies evenly on the baking sheet.
Bake for 18 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate to let cool completely.
Notes
OAT FLOUR: Make your own, gluten-free oat flour. Put 2 cups (180 g) gluten-free, quick-cooking rolled oats in a high-speed blender. Pulse to grind the oats into a powdery consistency. Yield is about 1-3/4 cup oat flour.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls
Amount per Serving
Calories
124.27
% Daily Value*
Fat
6.97
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
1.28
g
8
%
Sodium
100.91
mg
4
%
Potassium
88.72
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
12.75
g
4
%
Fiber
2.31
g
10
%
Sugar
5
g
6
%
Protein
4.39
g
9
%
Vitamin A
159.62
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
4.91
mg
6
%
Calcium
36.3
mg
4
%
Iron
1.18
mg
7
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.