Salted Maple Pecan Collagen Bites
I’m so excited to share the next recipe in my One-Handed Postpartum Snack of the Week series! I am a big fan of energy balls, energy bites, and all of the protein, good fat and mineral-rich one-handed snack bites - I mean, how can you not love them? No oven or freezer needed, one-bowl prep in just 10 minutes, perfect for stocking by your bed-side, in your purse, or grabbing at a moments notice for a pick-me-up, and delicious too!
Lately, though? I am all about these Salted Maple Pecan Collagen Bites from my new cookbook, The Nourished Mother. I used collagen powder here because it can be tricky to get in enough protein during postpartum and recent research shows that your protein needs for this stage, especially with breastfeeding, are a lot higher than previously believed. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and it’s one of the most important components of healing and repair postpartum.
The great thing about this recipe is that you can the collagen powder if you have it, or omit it if you don’t - so don’t wait to make these! The Salted Maple Pecan Collagen Bites are still a perfect snack full of the nutrients you need most in postpartum (and motherhood!)
Why Salted Maple Pecan Collagen Bites Are Ideal for Postpartum
Collagen powder (optional but beneficial): Supports tissue healing, skin elasticity, joint health, and hair recovery—all especially helpful in postpartum. My favourite collagen is the Collagen Protein by Needed and I’ve been using it for years. It’s made specifically for pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood, is Clean Label Certified, and mixes so well into food and drinks (you can use my discount code THEFOODDOULA right here)
Rolled oats: Provide steady energy, gut-friendly fiber, and are a traditional food to help support milk supply.
Flaxseed meal: Adds plant-based omega-3s, fiber, and phytoestrogens, which can gently support hormone balance.
Almond butter: Full of healthy fats to keep blood sugar steady and energy stable (fats are so important to healing, mental health and mood, and breastfeeding!).
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener with minerals like manganese and zinc—plus, it gives these bites a comforting depth of flavor.
Pecans: Rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and healthy fats—key nutrients for calming the nervous system and replenishing what pregnancy often depletes.
Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and helps replenish electrolytes, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Together, these ingredients create a snack that’s satisfying, delicious, and super practical for real life postpartum.
Batch-Prep & Freezer Tips For Salted Maple Pecan Collagen Bites
Make Ahead: Double the recipe and store half in the freezer. To freeze, place the rolled bites on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Storage: Keep on the counter for a few days, in the fridge for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months for best quality.
Grab & Go: Pull a few out of the freezer in the morning, and they’ll be ready to eat by the time you need a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Collagen Bites (Step-by-Step)
Combine dry ingredients.
Put 2 cups rolled oats, 2 scoops or heaped tablespoons of collagen powder (if using), ¼ cup flaxseed meal, and 1 tsp sea salt into a large mixing bowl.
Whisk or stir briefly to evenly distribute the flax, collagen, and salt through the oats. This prevents clumps and ensures an even texture in every bite.
2. Add wet ingredients.
In a medium bowl (or simply on top of your dry ingredients), add ½ cup maple syrup, ⅔ cup almond butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
It’s ideal if your almond butter is runny (as in the picture below), not dry.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
Using a spatula, mix until until you no longer see dry oats, scraping down the bowl as necessary.
4. Add the pecans.
Stir in 1 cup chopped pecans.
5. Check the texture.
Ideal texture: sticky and cohesive—should hold together when pressed in your hand or rolled into a ball.
If it’s too dry & crumbly, add almond butter 1 tbsp at a time (or a splash of maple syrup) until it holds.
If it’s too wet, add oats 1–2 tbsp at a time or 1 tbsp of flaxseed meal to absorb moisture.
If balls crumble or your kitchen is quite warm, it can help to chill your mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes.
6. Roll your bites!
Use a 1–1.5 tbsp cookie scoop (or just your hands!) and roll into balls, pressing firmly so they stay compact.
7. Store.
Transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week, or prepare for freezer storage if batching (see below).
8. Label if freezing.
If freezing, label the container or bag with the date—these are best within 3 months.
Batch-prep & freezer strategy (step-by-step)
Double the recipe if you want a long-term stash. Mixing in a bowl that’s at least twice the final volume avoids spills.
Portion on a tray for flash freeze. After rolling, place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet single layer and freeze 1–2 hours until solid. This prevents them from clumping together in a bag.
Transfer to containers. Move frozen bites to a freezer bag or airtight container, squeeze out excess air, and freeze up to 3 months.
Defrosting: Move the number you want to a fridge shelf the evening before, or thaw at room temperature 10–20 minutes if you’re in a hurry. They’re tasty cold or slightly softened.
Salted Maple Pecan Collagen Bites FAQ
Can I freeze these bites?
Yes! Roll and set them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep up to 3 months. To enjoy, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.What can I use instead of almond butter?
You can swap in cashew butter for a milder taste or peanut butter for a classic twist. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seed butter works well—just know it may give a slightly stronger flavor.How do I fix the mixture if it’s too crumbly?
This usually means it needs more binder. Add 1 tablespoon of almond butter (or maple syrup if you like things sweeter), mix well, and try again. If it’s too sticky, chill the bowl for 10 minutes before rolling.
Salted Maple Pecan Collagen Bites Recipe from The Nourished Mother Cookbook
Time needed: 15 minutes
Makes: 24 bites
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
2 scoops collagen powder (about 2 tbsp, optional)
¼ cup flaxseed meal
1 tsp sea salt
½ cup maple syrup
⅔ cup almond butter, plus more if needed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
How to make them:
In a large bowl, stir together oats, collagen powder (if using), flaxseed meal, and sea salt.
Add maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla, and pecans. Mix until well combined.
Roll into bite-sized balls. If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate for 10 minutes before rolling.
More Nourishing Recipes For Postpartum + Family Life
Want more simple, one-handed snacks, easy protein options for quick meals, family-friendly recipes that are both delicious and nutrient-packed, plus breastfeeding-friendly favorites? Pre-order your copy of The Nourished Mother today!