September 2023 Fit Foodie Cooking Club: Seasonal Recipes

We’re back after our summer break! Welcome to the September 2023 edition of the Fit Foodie Cooking Club. This month we’re sharing one of our most-loved snack recipes — Snickers Energy Balls — a quick, no-bake treat that channels the flavors of a classic Snickers bar with dates for caramel, peanuts, and a chocolate finish.

Fit foodie cooking club stickers energy balls.

What is the Fit Foodie Cooking Club?

The Fit Foodie Cooking Club is a monthly cooking challenge designed to get you into the kitchen and cooking from scratch. Each month we choose one recipe for our community to prepare together — a fun way to celebrate real food, share photos, and connect over simple, satisfying recipes.

September 2023 – The Details

Read the details below carefully so your entry counts. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments of this post.

Recipe of the Month: Snickers Energy Balls

We’ve been making energy balls since we launched the site in 2010, and these Snickers Energy Balls are a long-time favorite. The recipe has been refined to be simpler and more accessible, using fewer ingredients while keeping the rich, crunchy, and sweet notes that make them irresistible. They aren’t a direct replica of a Snickers bar, but they pair chewy dates (for caramel-like texture), crunchy peanuts, and a chocolate coating to recreate the spirit of that flavor profile.

a food processor filled with ingredients for a peanut butter granola.

All About Snickers Energy Balls

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Medjool dates: choose soft, sticky Medjool dates for the best caramel-like texture.
  • Oats: either rolled or quick oats work well to bind the mixture.
  • Peanut butter: use a drippy, all-natural peanut butter for flavor and consistency.
  • Honey: adds sweetness and helps the mixture stick together; swap with maple syrup for a vegan option.
  • Dark chocolate: a simple chocolate coating elevates the finished balls.
  • Salted peanuts: a handful of chopped salted peanuts on top gives crunch and contrasts the sweetness.
jar of peanut butter.

Our favorite

Peanut Butter

Choose a smooth, natural peanut butter that is spreadable—this helps the mixture come together and gives the best texture.

a food processor filled with peanuts and other ingredients.

Tools You’ll Need

At minimum you’ll want a food processor or a strong blender to chop the dates and mix the oats and peanut butter, plus a bowl and a tray for shaping and chilling the balls. Parchment paper is helpful for easy cleanup.

A Few Tips

Make them your own: Energy balls are highly adaptable. If you prefer another nut butter, almond or cashew butter both work well. Swap in semi-sweet or dairy-free chocolate if you like.

Freeze for convenience: Store the energy balls in the freezer so you can pull out a few for a quick dessert or snack. They thaw quickly and keep well.

Vegan alternative: Replace the honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.

peanut butter balls on a plate with a spatula.

How to Enter

Ready to share your version? Here’s how to submit your entry.

  1. Visit the Snickers Energy Balls recipe post on our site.
  2. Make the recipe and take a clear photo of your finished energy balls.
  3. Leave a comment on that recipe post with your photo and a brief note about how the recipe worked for you. A star rating is welcome but not required. Be sure to include your name and email in the comment form so we can contact the winners.

Join the Fit Foodie Cooking Club on Facebook

Join our free Facebook group to share photos, ask questions, and connect with other members who are making the monthly recipes. It’s a friendly place to swap tips and inspiration.

a person dipping a doughnut into chocolate sauce.

Important Dates

September 5, 2023 — entries open.

September 26, 2023 — final day to submit your photo and comment.

September 27, 2023 — winners will be selected randomly and announced on this post and across our social channels.

The Prize

Two participants will each win a $100 lululemon gift card. Winners will be chosen at random from comments submitted between September 5 and September 26, 2023, and announced on the last Wednesday of the month.

Charity of the Month

Brave Like Gabe

Each month we spotlight a charity to support. For September 2023 we are supporting the Brave Like Gabe Foundation. In addition to the giveaway, we’ll match and double the donation amount tied to the prize to contribute $400 to the foundation to support rare cancer research and survivor programs.

Brave Like Gabe honors the memory of Gabe Grunewald and promotes research and activities that empower cancer survivors through running and community support. The foundation’s work helps raise awareness and funding for rare cancer research while encouraging physical activity as part of recovery and wellness.

Donate

If you’d like to support the charity of the month, consider making a donation to Brave Like Gabe to help further their mission.

peanut butter and chocolate bites on a baking sheet.