Quick and easy vanilla LATTE energy bites! No espresso machine required. (Free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar! Vegan & Paleo + a low-carb option!) 
CAFFEINE QUEEN
I'm a self-professed caffeine queen. Can not live without it. My absolute favorite part of the day is when I get to sip my coffee in the morning. (French PRESS, baby!!)
COFFEE... There's nothing like that flavor. And the CAFFEINE kick! With two young kids, plus creating recipes and running a blog, working another freelance business, and managing a household, this mama needs all the caffeine she can GET. 😉
So these little latte bites are the PERFECT mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up, when I have ZERO time, but I need a boost. (Right about now!)
Making a batch takes just 2 minutes, and then when they're made I can swing by the freezer and grab a quick energy bite.
NO ESPRESSO MACHINE
The quickest way to achieve the delicious espresso flavor *without* an espresso machine: Instant Espresso Powder! It's actually freeze dried espresso (not coffee grounds).
It's such a time saver. No pulling shots of espresso (because who actually has a machine in their home?? not me!). And no waiting for coffee to brew. Simply dissolve a few teaspoons of this powder with any milk that you like and BAM. Delicious latte flavor.
For that VANILLA latte flavor, all you need is a little vanilla extract and a splash of maple syrup or stevia for sweetness. So yummy!
THROW IT TOGETHER
What I LOVE about these is how SIMPLE they are to make! Let the food processor do the work.
Throw the ingredients together (almonds, espresso, sweetener, milk and vanilla) and pulse for 30-60 seconds. Yes, under ONE MINUTE. That's it!
Scoop & roll into balls. TIP: Using a cookie scoop makes it even easier (and makes them all uniform in size).
Then savor each caffeinated bite of vanilla latte flavor. 🙂
I'm totally going to have these after I pick my kids up from school and I need some MOM FUEL, haha. But they'd be perfect ANY time of the day!
Looking for more coffee flavored desserts? Check out this Cappuccino Tart, Tiramisu, and Mocha Mousse!
If you make these, be sure to tag me on Instagram @emily.likes.food #prettypies 😀 I love to see your creations!
>>Click image below to save this recipe on Pinterest:
Easy Vanilla Latte Bites (Vegan & Paleo)
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds
- 2 Tbs maple syrup - *or stevia, see notes
- 1 ½ Tbs non-dairy milk
- 2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1 Tbs coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Whisk together milk, espresso powder, maple syrup (or stevia) and vanilla in a small bowl.
- Add almonds, coconut oil, and espresso mixture to a food processor and blend 30-60 seconds until a loose ball of dough forms.
- Taste and adjust flavor and sweetness, if needed (adding a ½ teaspoon more espresso powder, or a drizzle of maple syrup, and blend again to incorporate)
- Use a cookie scoop to form balls. Roll smooth with your hands.
- Freeze for about 5 minutes to firm up, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Cuisinart Food Processor
Dry roasted almonds from Aldi
Pure Maple Syrup from Aldi
Megdalia d'Oro Instant Espresso Powder
Mexican Vanilla Extract
Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
To make these LOW CARB: replace maple syrup with 2 Tbs coconut milk + pinch of pure stevia powder, to taste, or 25 drops Sweet Leaf Vanilla Creme Stevia Drops, to taste. *always taste and adjust to preferred sweetness*
To store: Keep tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for 7-10 days, or freezer for 1 month.
Sue
These are so good!!!! Thank you!
Emily
Yay! So glad you liked them! You are welcome
Debbie
I dont have whole almonds, would this work with almond flour? if so how much to start with
Emily
Yes, it will just be a little different texture- more like cookie dough I would start with 2/3 cup. You can always add more flour or liquid to get to the right consistency. Let me know how they turn out if you try it! Enjoy!