I’m a big fan of healthy snacks that are easy to make and taste delicious, and these Coconut Energy Balls definitely fit the bill. They’re packed with wholesome ingredients like almonds, dates, and coconut, and they’re naturally sweetened, so you can feel good about indulging in a few.
I always keep a batch of these energy balls in my fridge for a quick and easy snack. They’re perfect for those afternoon slumps when I need a little boost of energy, or for a pre-workout snack to fuel my workouts. Plus, they’re great for on-the-go snacking, whether I’m running errands, hiking, or just need something to tide me over between meals.
Why You’ll Love These Coconut Energy Balls
- Healthy and Delicious: These energy balls are made with wholesome ingredients that are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, with just a few simple ingredients and no baking required.
- Perfect for Snacking: These energy balls are perfect for a quick and healthy snack on the go.
- Versatile: You can easily customize these energy balls with different types of nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
Ingredients for Coconut Energy Balls
Here’s what I use to make these delicious energy balls:
- Raw Almonds: Almonds add a nutty flavor and healthy fats.
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds a chewy texture and a touch of sweetness.
- Medjool Dates: These dates are naturally sweet and act as a binder for the energy balls.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Variations
Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the energy balls for an extra decadent treat.
- Different Nuts: Use walnuts, cashews, or even peanuts instead of almonds.
- Seeds: Add some chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds for extra nutrients.
- Dried Fruit: Add some chopped dried fruit, like cranberries or apricots, to the mixture.
How to Make Coconut Energy Balls
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
I start by combining the almonds, one cup of shredded coconut, and pitted Medjool dates in a food processor. I pulse until everything is well combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Then, I add the cocoa powder and continue blending until a thick dough forms.
Step 2: Adjust the Consistency
If the dough is too crumbly, I add a little bit of water or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Shape the Energy Balls
I transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and place the remaining shredded coconut on a plate. Then, I use my hands to form small balls of dough, rolling each one in the coconut until it’s fully coated.
Step 4: Chill and Enjoy
I place the energy balls on a plate and refrigerate them for at least an hour, or until they’re firm. Then, I enjoy them as a healthy and delicious snack!
Tips and Tricks
- Food Processor Power: A high-speed blender or food processor works best for this recipe.
- Date Texture: Make sure your Medjool dates are soft and pliable. If they’re too dry, you can soak them in warm water for a few minutes before blending.
- Chill Time: Chilling the energy balls helps them to firm up and makes them easier to eat.
How to Serve
These Coconut Energy Balls are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:
- Snack Time: Enjoy them as a quick and healthy snack between meals.
- Pre-Workout Fuel: These energy balls are a great source of energy for your workouts.
- Dessert: Serve them as a healthier dessert option.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can make these energy balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze these energy balls for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of date?
Yes, you can use other types of dates, but Medjool dates are the best for this recipe because they’re soft and sweet.
2. Can I make these energy balls without coconut?
Yes, you can roll them in chopped nuts or seeds instead of coconut.
3. Can I add other ingredients to the energy balls?
Absolutely! Try adding chia seeds, flax seeds, protein powder, or your favorite dried fruits.
4. How can I make these energy balls vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly!
There you have it! A simple, delicious, and healthy recipe for Coconut Energy Balls. Enjoy!
PrintNo-Bake Coconut Energy Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Blending Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (+ 1 hour chilling time)
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No Bake/No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Coconut Energy Balls are a healthy and delicious snack that’s perfect for a quick boost of energy. Made with wholesome ingredients like almonds, dates, and coconut, they’re naturally sweet and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut, divided
- 4 cups Medjool dates, pitted
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine your almonds, one cup of coconut, and dates. Pulse until combined, regularly scraping down the sides. Add your cocoa powder and continue blending until a thick dough remains.
- Adjust Consistency: If the dough is too crumbly, add some liquid (water or milk), one tablespoon at a time, until the batter is thick and smooth.
- Shape Energy Balls: Transfer your energy bites dough into a mixing bowl. On a large plate, add the remaining two cups of coconut. Using your hands, form 24 small balls of dough, rolling each one in the coconut until completely covered.
- Chill and Serve: Place energy balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until firm.
Notes
- Dates: Medjool dates are recommended for this recipe because they are soft and sticky, which helps bind the ingredients together. If you don’t have Medjool dates, you can use other types of dates, but you may need to add a little more liquid to the dough.
- Storage: Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.
- Variations: You can add other ingredients to your energy balls, such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 180kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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