Energy balls with dates are a great paleo and vegan snack. This recipe is made with dates, lime, coconut and nuts. They are easy to make using a food processor and I love that you can just grab one from the freezer when you need a quick bite.
How do you make energy balls with dates?
Dates are a great ingredient to add to your paleo energy balls. Not only do they add a delicious chewy texture and the perfect amount of sweetness, they are high in fiber and heart healthy antioxidants. Dates are also used as the “glue” to hold everything together, making them the perfect addition to these energy balls. To make energy balls with dates:
1) Place the almonds and cashews into your food processor and process until small and crumbly.
2) Take the pits out of your dates. I recommend using organic medjool dates. They are softer, chewier, and sweeter than other varieties of dates.
3) Add the lime juice, lime zest, and pitted dates to the nut mixture in your food processor.
4) Blend until well combined. The mixture may form into one giant ball in your processor.
5) Using a cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and roll it into a ball with your hands.
6) Roll the ball in flaked coconut (shredded is fine too).
7) Place into the freezer for at least an hour to chill.
How long can you keep energy balls?
These energy balls will last a week in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer. I personally like eating them straight from the freezer (just like these maple nut clusters!) The texture is firm and chewy – my favorite! I also love that I can make a big batch and grab one from the freezer for school lunches, or as I’m running out the door for a quick and easy healthy snack.
Are energy balls healthy?
For the most part, yes! Most homemade energy balls are made with wholesome ingredients that will fuel your body! Some may contain added sugars – so be careful. Also, store bought energy balls could have GMO ingredients and preservatives. Both of which are harmful to the body and you should try your best to avoid! This recipe is 100% healthy and good for you.
Health benefits of energy balls
These paleo energy balls contain almonds, cashews, dates, lime, and coconut.
-Almonds are high in healthy fats, protein, fiber and magnesium.
-Cashews are a great source of iron, magnesium, and zinc.
-Like stated above, carbohydrate rich dates pack a good amount of fiber, and heart healthy antioxidants, which are great for digestion and immune support.
-Limes contain magnesium and potassium and can aid in digestion.
-Coconut is a great source of healthy fats and can provide instant energy due to their medium chain fatty acids.
These balls are awesome.
Paleo Energy Balls with Dates, Coconut, and Lime
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted organic medjool dates about 12-15 dates
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lime juice about 2 limes
- 1/4 teaspoon lime zest optional
- 1/2 cup flaked or shredded coconut
Instructions
- Place the almonds and cashews into your food processor and process until small and crumbly.
- Remove the pits from the dates.
- Add the lime juice, lime zest, and pitted dates to the nut mixture in your food processor.
- Blend until well combined. The mixture should form into one giant ball in your processor.
- Using a cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and roll it into a ball with your hands.
- Roll the ball in flaked coconut (shredded works too)
- Place the balls onto a parchment lined baking sheet and put into the freezer for at least an hour to chill.
- Store the balls in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week, or the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
I like to eat these straight from the freezer because they are firm and chewy. Eating them straight from the fridge is just fine, they will just have a softer texture.
Other Jillicious snacks to try:
Paleo candied pecans
Lazy guacamole
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