Coconut Cacao Energy Balls

Looking for a quick and easy snack to grab on the go while still eating something healthy and delicious? Aren't we all! Energy balls are one of my favorite things to make in mass and then store in my freezer for afternoons when that hanger strikes (we've all been there). This version includes a ton of protein packed ingredients and a nice sweetness from the cacao powder and the coconut; not only are they a great snack option but they also can be a perfect 2-bite dessert. The best part about them though? When you make these on your own they cost you about 1/10th of the price you see in those fancy coffee shops. Anyone else have a moral dilemma paying $4 for a small ball made of majority peanut butter and oats!? No way I'm alone in that.

Ingredients (makes ~12 balls):

Dry Ingredients

  • Rolled oats (¾ cup)

  • Hemp seeds (2 tblspns)

  • Almond flour (½ cup)

  • Cinnamon (1 tspn)

  • Cacao powder (2 tspns)

  • Cashews (½ cup)

  • Walnuts (½ cup)

Wet Ingredients:

  • Dates (3)

  • Maple syrup (2 tspns)

  • Almond milk (2 tblspns)

  • Coconut oil (1 tblspns)

  • Vanilla extract (2 tspns)

  • Shredded coconut (¼ cup)

Topping Ingredients:

  • Shredded coconut (1 cup)

Directions:

  1. Add the dates into a glass of warm water and allow to soak for ~5 minutes

  2. In a food processor, combine all of the dry ingredients and pulse for ~30 seconds or until everything is now a fine powder

  3. Add all of the wet ingredients into the food processor with the dry ingredients

  4. Continue to blend the mixture for ~2 minutes or until it has become a dough like texture. (The timing of this will depend on the machine you are using)

  5. If needed to help with the blending process, add an additional 1 tablespoon of almond milk and continue to blend

  6. Using your hands, roll the dough into balls with about a 1 inch diameter

  7. Place 1 cup of shredded coconut on a plate and roll the balls individually through the coconut for it to top the exterior

  8. Place the balls on parchment paper and store in the fridge if eating within the next few days or in the freezer if you would like to store them for longer

Allergen Information:

  • Dairy Free

  • Gluten Free

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