Okay, okay. We post a lot of delicious recipes to indulge in on our blog, but we also try to live a pretty healthy and balanced lifestyle (insert lots of cardio options here to burn off all these delicious treats!). Something that has been very popular and a great way to snack healthy are to make energy date balls! They are packed with wholesome ingredients, fruits and nuts that provide natural sugar, and are sure to keep your body going pre or post workout. They are even great for those of us looking for a quick on-the-go food that will keep you going throughout your day (or even as a late night snack option!). I have tried several different versions (there are endless options out there to try!), and am sharing the following recipes from our personal favorites with you!
NOTE: If you are looking for an energy bite option that includes protein powder, be sure to check out our girl Brittany Harrington-Smith’s Blog, youdoyou.me for an easy go-to option! Her blog also features awesome fitness tips (she is a Flywheel indoor cycling instructor after all, which is our favorite go-to cardio workout!), wine suggestions, amazing food recipes and much more! We love her, and we know you will too!
Things to Know Upfront/Quick Tips
- A high powered food processor is needed to handle chopping nuts and larger foods
- If you have a smaller food processor (4 cups), try halfing the recipe first to see how much yours can handle.
- These Power Bites will store perfectly in an airtight container/zip-loc bag for a week in the fridge and a month in the freezer.
Almond Coconut Power Bites
What You Need
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup dates (pitted)
- 1 cup almonds (raw)
- 2-3 Tbsp. cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- pinch of salt (according to taste)
Step By Step
- Combine all your ingredients above in a food processor and blend until everything is chopped and the mixture turns into a “dough”. It will start to whip around in the processor and that’s when you know it is mixed enough. If this does not happen, add 1 tsp. of water to the mixture at a time until your “dough” forms.
- Take the blade out of your processor.
- Roll your mixture into tablespoon sized balls
Dark Chocolate Cherry Power Bites
What You Need
Dry Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup dates (pitted)
- 1 cup almonds (raw)
- 2/3 cup dried cherries
- pinch of salt (according to taste)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (you can either add these to the mixture or melt them and drizzle on top of balls after forming them)
Step By Step
- Combine all your ingredients above in a food processor and blend until everything is chopped and the mixture turns into a “dough”. It will start to whip around in the processor and that’s when you know it is mixed enough. If this does not happen, add 1 tsp. of water to the mixture at a time until your “dough” forms.
- Take the blade out of your processor.
- Roll your mixture into tablespoon sized balls
Chocolate Peanut Power Bites
What You Need
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup dates (pitted)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (almond butter or regular peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup peanuts (raw/unsalted)
- 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder (unsweetened)
Step By Step
- Combine all your ingredients above in a food processor and blend until everything is chopped and the mixture turns into a “dough”. It will start to whip around in the processor and that’s when you know it is mixed enough. If this does not happen, add 1 tsp. of water to the mixture at a time until your “dough” forms.
- Take the blade out of your processor.
- Roll your mixture into tablespoon sized balls
Dark Chocolate Coconut Power Bites
What You Need
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cup dates (pitted)
- 1/3 cup almonds (raw)
- 1/3 cup pecans
- 1-2 Tbsp. cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 3 Tbsp. shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1-2 Tbsp. water (milk if you prefer)
- 1 cup shredded coconut, nuts, cocoa powder, etc. for rolling balls in afterwards
Step By Step
- Combine all your ingredients above in a food processor and blend until everything is chopped and the mixture turns into a “dough”. It will start to whip around in the processor and that’s when you know it is mixed enough. If this does not happen, add 1 tsp. of water to the mixture at a time until your “dough” forms.
- Take the blade out of your processor.
- Roll your mixture into tablespoon sized balls
- Roll your finished balls in whatever coating you would like such as sprinkles, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, etc. (or don’t and keep them as is!)
