These Cacao Coconut Energy Balls, filled with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids, will satisfy your sweet tooth and afternoon hunger!
I just love when a snack can be filled with nourishing, health-promoting ingredients, yet still provide ultimate satisfaction. That’s exactly what energy balls do for me.
Just take a look at my list of energy balls I’ve created through the years. Clearly, this house likes to snack on balls. Ummmm….that just sounds wrong, now doesn’t it? BITES. We like to snack on energy bites. 😉
For this recipe, I put together one of my favorite combinations: chocolate + coconut. This combination has a special place in my heart and also Luke’s. But these Cacao Coconut Energy Balls were a hit with the whole family.
If you’re getting an eye twitch wondering if I spelled cocoa wrong, it’s because I used raw cacao powder instead of cocoa powder. The difference is in the processing.
Cacao Powder Vs. Cocoa Powder
- Raw Cacao Powder is made by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans. This allows the living enzymes to remain and removes the fat. Raw cacao powder is high in minerals, such as magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper and manganese.
- Cocoa Powder is raw cacao that’s been roasted at a high temperature. This process changes the molecular structure, reducing the enzymes and lowering the nutritional value.
Raw Cacao Powder can be found in health food stores and well-stocked grocery stores, or you can purchase it on Amazon here. (affiliate link)
I also use walnuts in this recipe, which are a great source of plant-based omega 3 fatty acids. If you don’t have walnuts on hand, almonds can be substituted.
If you have a food processor, making homemade snacks like these Cacao Coconut Energy Balls is super easy. I have this Breville Food Processor and it’s a dream! <—-Highly recommend! (aff link)
If you try this recipe, let me know! It’s a new favorite in our family.
How to Make Cacao Coconut Energy Balls
PrintCacao Coconut Energy Balls
These Cacao Coconut Energy Balls are easy to make in a food processor and have great chocolate + coconut flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 balls 1x
- Category: recipes
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted dates
- 1 cup walnut pieces
- 3/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut, divided
- 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients except 1/4 of the coconut in a food processor.
- Process the ingredients until they are sticky enough to form a ball. (If you press a little of the mixture together with your fingers, it should stick together.)
- Roll the mixture into balls, and then roll the balls into the remaining shredded coconut.
- Store in the refrigerator. These may also be frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 79
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Fat: 4.4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams
- Fiber: 1.9 grams
- Protein: 1.4 grams
Keywords: Cacao Coconut Energy Balls
Favorite Energy Balls Recipes
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Balls
Strawberry Shortcake Energy Balls
Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Making us hungry over here!!!
super mario bros
★★★★★
I just made these today – they’re amazing!
I used water instead of the almond milk, which worked fine.
Thanks!
So glad to hear that!