Healthy Hazelnut & Cacao Energy Balls
The complex flavor of these vegan, gluten-free, no-bake energy balls may remind you of chocolate brownies or cake; however, you will not experience the energy slump that comes about when eating a sugar-dense dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts (can sub with equal amount almonds, lightly toasted or raw)
- 2 tbsp raw cacao powder (or sub with equal amount pure cocoa powder)
- 2 tbsp sun butter (can sub with equal amount almond butter)
- 3 medjool dates (seeded, or any other variety)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/8 tsp Pink Himalayan salt (preferably coarse crystals, optional)
Instructions
- Lightly toast, about 2-3 minutes, the hazelnuts over medium heat in an iron skillet. Alternatively, you can also toast hazelnuts in a toaster oven. Skip this step if using raw.
- Start by processing oats in a food processor. Add toasted hazelnuts and process till the mixture attains a coarse consistency.
- Add dates, sun butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cacao powder, and Pink Himalayan Salt, and unsweetened shredded coconut. Process till the mixture comes together and forms a ball.
- Take the mixture out in a plate and form into balls. Enjoy as a snack or dessert.
Notes
I have not tried it yet, but you can also use a blender to make this recipe.
Make it heart-healthy: Skip the unsweetened shredded coconut and Pink Himalayan salt.
Make it diabetes-friendly: Omit the unsweetened shredded coconut and replace maple syrup with 3 dates 1 tbsp sun or almond butter.
Nutrition
Serving: 1oz (1 ball)Calories: 123kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 42mgPotassium: 143mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 112IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 2mg
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