If you have yet to experience the delicious-ness and convenience of energy balls, you are seriously missing out. Fear not, because you can whip up this recipe in no time (also see our Coco Cashew Energy Ballz Recipe here). These things are the ultimate grab-and-go snack and taste so dang good that they feel more like a treat than just a means of tiding you over. You know we are all about simplicity and convenience, so a batch of these ballz can be easily prepared and stored so you can snack on ‘em all week long. The concept of our Energy Ballz are to provide a compact source of healthy fats, proteins, amino acids, and antioxidants to give you long lasting energy and satiety to get you through your day. Have a couple mid morning, late afternoon, pre or post workout, or even for dessert.
Beyond the amazing fuel that the proteins and fats provide, our Coffee Cacao Energy Balls give you a little caffeine kick, making these even more perfect as a pick-me-up. Tired and hungry? These kill two birds with one stone (how’s that for efficiency?). Between the cacao and the coffee, you will feel awake, alert, and ready to conquer whatever tasks are ahead. Plus, that java-chocolate flavor combo is the best. Cacao offers more than just a chocolate flavor and a little caffeine. It is also loaded with antioxidants, which help us fight oxidative stress, cancer, and chronic illnesses (you can read more about the benefits of cacao here). A batch makes about 12-14 balls. Since they are so nutrient-dense, a serving of 1-2 balls is typically perfect, but if you wanna go for a third, we won’t tell anyone. Here’s what you’ll do.
Ingredients:
1 cup raw almonds (can use nut of preference, but almonds compliment this flavoring well)
1 Tbsp coconut oil
4 heaping Tbsp raw almond butter
2 Tbsp cacao powder
2 Tbsp ground coffee
¼ cup hemp hearts
4-6 pitted dates (this determines the sweetness)
Instructions:
1. Add almonds and coconut oil to Vitamix blender or food processor and blend until nearly the consistency of nut butter.
2. Add the remainder of the ingredients, blend until fairly smooth. Although some texture is OK, the smoother you get it the doughier they will be in the end.
3. Put the “dough” into the freezer for 15-20 minutes to allow it to chill and harden a bit (makes the balls stay together better).
4. Use a melon baller or a spoon to scoop the dough and use your hands to roll them into balls.
5. Optional: Roll the balls into additional cacao powder, or simply add a sprinkle of cacao on top of the balls.
6. Store in the freezer and enjoy a few balls daily as snacks or dessert throughout the week!
