You guys have been requesting quick, healthy, and tasty snacks on the go, and this is one of my many answers to your questions and requests. These Coconut Cashew Energy Balls fit the bill! They’re nutrient and calorically dense to keep you fueled throughout the day or to help curb hunger. These energy balls are filled with fiber, plant-based protein, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats, especially those found from coconut! Give this a go the next time you’re jonesing for something sweet and simple to make.
Crazy for coconut
I have to be honest, my self-care post I shared a couple weeks ago about work-life balance has been put to the test with having little Luna in my life. It’s been such a beautiful experience, and I keep reminding myself that these are the times to implement my own advice and slow down from working so much and spend these vital weeks with her to get settled into our new life together. Honestly, it’s so hard to do! I’m used to working 10-12 hour days and pushing through, but it’s been a nice change of pace to cut back work to 4-6 hour days (for now!).
Cashews are great sources of copper, magnesium, protein, and fiber. If you love cashews, you’ll love this Classic Cashew Cheese or the Sweet Lemon Cashew Cream spread on bagel, toasts, or used as a dip for fresh fruit which is sublime. If you’re allergic to cashews you can use sunflower seed (and sunflower seed butter) or almonds. Otherwise always leave your question in the comments section so I can answer!
Coconut is one of my favorite foods and ingredients I think everyone should be eating more of. I’ve talked at length about coconut and coconut oil here on the blog which you can read more about here. Coconut oil is one of my favorite oils to use loaded with medium chain triglycerides, which as you remember are digested differently than “normal” long chain fatty acids like olive oil. MCT (medium chain triglycerides) make an appearance in the Turmeric Milk Latte and Coffee Elevated. Coconut oil not only makes them both frothy but also adds healthful fats that are utilized like carbohydrates, meaning quickly for energy. I recommend making a couple batches of this recipe at a time and storing half in the fridge for immediate use throughout the week and the other half in the freezer for later to thaw out when you’re in need of a “911” snack!
- 1 cup cashews, coarsely ground
- 10 pitted dates, soaked in hot water to soften (water discarded)
- 2 heaping tablespoons cashew butter
- Dash of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- In a high speed blender or food processor, grind all the ingredients (except shredded coconut) into a thick, moist dough. Pour into a large bowl and mix in shredded coconut until well combined.
- Firmly press 1 tablespoon of the dough into balls and put in the freezer on a plate or flat surface to firm, for about 20 minutes.
- Store in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for a month; make large batches to store snacks ahead of time.
Ingredients I used in this recipe: coconut oil, shredded coconut, cashew butter, cashews, and this container for storage (and to make extra for the freezer!).