Hello and welcome back. So let’s talk energy balls because I’ve been making loads over the past year. There are a number of reasons why I have become slightly obsessed. They are easy and uncomplicated to make, it usually takes less than 15 minutes and it means I have a constant flow of healthy treats to snack on during the day and evening. I am a big snacker so this is huge for me. After trying a mixture of recipes here are my favourite which make for great after-school treats too.
Before we get into the recipes, if you haven’t heard of energy balls then you’re probably wondering wtf I am going on about. First up, there are no nasties in energy balls. No processed sugar and no flour. They’re packed with healthy fats, fibre, protein. They’re honestly one of the best snacks ever. And you don’t need an oven either because they’re no bake treats.
What you need to make energy balls
You need a food processor. Or a good blender without a deeper bottom so the mixture won’t stick there. I don’t have a kickass food processor like this one– though I’m hoping Santa will bring me one this Christmas- so I use a regular blender/food processor and work with smaller batches.
You will also need the main components of an energy ball which are: something wet, something dry and something that can help everything stick together. That translates to coconut oil or nut butter, nuts and/or seeds and dried fruit. You can use any ingredients you like as long as you include one of each category.
The ingredients you can use and what I always have in the pantry to ensure I can whip a batch up anytime:
- Medjool dates
- dried apricots
- dried strawberries
- dried cranberries
- raisins
- almonds
- cashew nuts
- pumpkin seeds
- chia seeds
- coconut oil
- cocoa powder
- almond butter
- hazelnut butter
- maple syrup
- honey
- desiccated coconut
There are so many combinations to chose from, so many ideas to mix and match, the possibilities are endless. However these are my favourite ingredients to use and I always have them on hand.
Fearne Cotton’s Lemon Cashew Balls
You will need:
- 100 gr raw unsalted cashew nuts
- 6 medjool dates or 10 regular dates, pitted
- Grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
- 2 tbsp desiccated coconut
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- small pinch of sea salt
What you do:
- Place all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and blitz for 1 minute or until the mixture sticks together when you press it between your fingers.
- Shape the mixture into 18-20 balls (roughly one heaped teaspoon for each). Store in an airtight container in the fridge of freezer.
Fearne Cotton’s Apricot Toffee Bites
You will need:
- 10 unsulphured apricots
- 80 gr of raw unsalted almonds
- 1 and a half tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tsp maca or unsweetened cocoa powder
What you do:
- Place all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and blitz for 1-2 minutes until they form a paste that sticks together when you press it between your fingers.
- Shape the mixture into 18-20 little balls (roughly 1 heaped teaspoon per ball) then place on a tray and chill for 30 minutes to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Choosing Chia’s Salted Caramel Coconut Bliss Balls
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup medjool dates
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 tsp salt
What you do:
- Add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until it forms a sticky dough.
- Then roll into bite-size balls and into a plate of shredded coconut if desired.
- Store in an airtight container.
Fit Foodie Finds Coconut Chocolate energy balls
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 15 medjool dates pitted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
What you do:
- First place almonds into a food processor and process on high until you’ve created a fine almond meal – though not too long because otherwise you’ll make nut butter.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and process on high until everything is combined – you may need to add a few teaspoons of water to the mixture depending on how sticky your dates are.
- Next scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. You can then roll it into more shredded coconut.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet in the freezer for 10-15 minutes and then store.
Cupful of Kale’s Easy no bake peanut butter chocolate bliss balls
What you’ll need:
- 12 medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cups of pecans
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
What you do:
- Blitz the pecans in a food processor for a few seconds until they are mostly fine.
- Add all the remaining ingredients and blitz until the mixture is combined and starts to clump together.
- Scoop a heaped teaspoon and roll into a ball. It should make 15 balls.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container.
This article really helped me simplify the idea of making energy balls and understand more about the nutritional boost they can give you. Please feel free to share any energy ball recipes you use.
Tip: Find a shop that sells nuts, dried fruit, flours and nut butters in bulk. I like Theoklitos Zorpas for the great selection and reasonable prices. You can even call ahead and order in advance, which is what I do when I don’t have the time or i have kids in the car.
