Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon Poppyseed Energy Bites are the perfect blend of zesty, fresh lemon flavor and crunchy, satisfying oats. These no-bake bites are quick and easy to make, requiring only 10 minutes to prepare. They’re ideal for meal prep, post-workout fuel, or just a light snack when you need a quick pick-me-up. Vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, these bites are a wholesome, energy-boosting treat that’s perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1½ cups (135g) quick-cooking oats
- ½ cup (65g) raw cashews
- 2 tbsp (32g) cashew butter
- ¼ cup (60ml) real maple syrup
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp poppy seeds
- Pinch of salt

Directions
- Pulse Oats: Pulse the oats in a food processor until they form a fine flour.
- Grind Cashews: Add the raw cashews and pulse until finely ground.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cashew butter, maple syrup, lemon juice and zest, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor. Blend until a sticky dough forms.
- Mix in Poppy Seeds: Fold in the poppy seeds by hand, or pulse gently to combine.
- Form Bites: Use a tablespoon or scoop to form the dough into 12–14 bite-sized balls.
- Chill: Refrigerate the energy bites in an airtight container for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–14 bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Nut Substitution: Swap the cashews for almonds or sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace maple syrup with agave nectar or date syrup for a different sweetener.
- Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for an extra flavor layer.
- Add-ins: Mix in dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- Freezing: Store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let them thaw for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Refrigerating: If the dough is too sticky to roll, chill it for 10-15 minutes before shaping the bites.
FAQs
1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but you may need to pulse them a bit more to achieve the right texture for these energy bites.
2. Can I make these energy bites without a food processor?
If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the cashews by hand and use a blender or mix the ingredients by hand. You might need to adjust the texture, but it’s still doable.
3. Can I use another type of nut butter?
Yes, almond butter, sunflower butter, or peanut butter are all great alternatives to cashew butter.
4. How can I make these bites less sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it for a few minutes before rolling into balls or add a bit more oats to firm it up.
5. How long do these last in the fridge?
These energy bites will last in the fridge for up to 10 days if stored in an airtight container.
6. Can I add protein powder to these bites?
Yes, you can add a scoop of plant-based protein powder if you want an extra boost of protein in your bites. Just reduce the oats slightly to compensate for the added powder.
7. Can I skip the poppy seeds?
If you don’t have poppy seeds or prefer not to use them, feel free to omit them. The bites will still taste delicious.
8. Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?
Fresh lemon juice is always best for flavor, so definitely use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best results.
9. Can I make these energy bites larger or smaller?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the bites to your preference. Just note that the nutrition information will change based on the size.
10. Can I add chocolate chips to the energy bites?
Yes, you can add mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a sweet treat, though this will alter the nutritional profile.
Conclusion
Lemon Poppyseed Energy Bites are the perfect way to add some zest and energy to your day. These vegan, gluten-free bites are easy to make and are a great snack for any time you need a quick energy boost. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or need something refreshing post-workout, these bites are the perfect combination of flavor and nutrition!

Irresistible Lemon Poppyseed Energy Bites Recipe to Brighten Your Day
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: undefined
Description
Lemon Poppyseed Energy Bites are the perfect blend of zesty, fresh lemon flavor and crunchy oats. These no-bake bites are quick and easy to make, requiring only 10 minutes. Vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, they’re ideal for meal prep or a light snack.
Ingredients
1½ cups (135g) quick-cooking oats
½ cup (65g) raw cashews
2 tbsp (32g) cashew butter
¼ cup (60ml) real maple syrup
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp poppy seeds
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pulse Oats: Pulse the oats in a food processor until they form a fine flour.
- Grind Cashews: Add the raw cashews and pulse until finely ground.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cashew butter, maple syrup, lemon juice and zest, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor. Blend until a sticky dough forms.
- Mix in Poppy Seeds: Fold in the poppy seeds by hand, or pulse gently to combine.
- Form Bites: Use a tablespoon or scoop to form the dough into 12–14 bite-sized balls.
- Chill: Refrigerate the energy bites in an airtight container for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Notes
Swap the cashews for almonds or sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor.
Replace maple syrup with agave nectar or date syrup for a different sweetener.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for an extra flavor layer.
Mix in dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg