Let’s face it. We all could use a little more energy. Everyone has something in their life that steals their energy, whether it’s a demanding career, school, or being a mom. For me, it’s juggling being a wife and mother to a 3 year old and newborn that is robbing me of my usual energy levels.
These energy balls are helping me get through the day when I’m up to my elbows in spit up, trying to get Meghan to go to the bathroom before rushing out the door in time to make it to her gymnastics class.
They don’t work quite as well as a strong cup of coffee or a nice, long nap, but they are keeping me fueled when I need it most. I love that they are a grab-and-go snack that Meghan enjoys just as much as I do.
I make a lot of different varieties of fruit-and-nut balls and bars, but I don’t usually post the recipes. I’m posting this one because these are unique and full of incredible flavor. There is a strong orange flavor that is complimented perfectly by the dried plums, cinnamon, and vanilla.
The best part is that this is a no-bake snack that can be ready to consume inside of 15 minutes. For this busy mama who is seriously lacking energy, that is exactly the kind of snack I need. If that’s how you’re feeling these days, give these quick and easy energy balls a try.
PrintOrange Almond Energy Balls
No bake, perfect healthy snack ready in 10 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 30 1-inch balls 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup whole almonds (I used roasted, lightly salted)
- 1 cup prunes (dried plums)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a food processor. Process until the mixture is combined. You can make the balls as chunky or as uniform as you prefer. The picture shows them more chunky (less processed), but I have made them smoother (more processed). I have done it both ways and it’s great either way. If you will be feeding these to younger toddlers, I would recommend a smoother texture.
- Once the mixture is the texture you prefer, roll it into 1-inch balls. They can be stored at room temperature in an air-tight container. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 2.4g
- Sodium: trace
- Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 5.1g
- Protein: 1.6g
Keywords: energy balls
Question: Is anything stealing your energy lately? What’s your favorite snack to help with energy slumps?
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
January 22, 2012 at 9:58 pmThat’s a great picture!
Lisa says
January 22, 2012 at 10:29 pmI don’t know how you are finding time to post, but, these look incredible. Planning to try them this week for the kids’ lunchboxes. Thanks and I hope you get some rest soon, Mama. Take care!
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says
January 22, 2012 at 10:36 pmYUM! I make key lime ones (theres a recipe somewhere on p&c) and these orange balls o energy look divine girly!!!! must try! <3
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
January 23, 2012 at 7:11 amMy energy is GONE too! It is so hard to balance everything when you feel so tired you could fall into a pile! ….These do sound quite full of flavor! I’m definitely going to try them!
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
January 23, 2012 at 7:39 amThese will be so refreshing in the summertime! I’m wondering if you could use dried figs instead of the prunes?
Maryea says
January 24, 2012 at 7:36 amI think dried figs would work. The combination of orange+prunes is really good though!
Amy-Nutrition by Nature says
January 23, 2012 at 11:26 amI have zero energy still and I like the quick and easy part of these! Snacks I seem to be eating are carrots dipped in hummus and celery dipped in caesar dressing. Hang in there!
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
January 23, 2012 at 11:52 amOooh, these sounds like a great combination! I haven’t made any like these – they sound great. I’m actually not a fan of prunes but I dry my own plums and I absolutely love those so I know I’d like them in these 🙂 I’m really suffering in the energy department lately, but somehow I’m still nesting like crazy, haha. I always need something like these for a little pick me up, especially in the middle of the afternoon.
Maryea says
January 24, 2012 at 7:35 amYes! The middle of the afternoon is the hardest time for me, too. Well that and about 8pm when I’m ready to face plant into my bed. 🙂
Laura @ Gluten Free Pantry says
January 23, 2012 at 12:39 pmThese look and sound incredible. I love the combination of orange and almond in these balls. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe.
Lou says
January 23, 2012 at 3:22 pmYUM…. prunes and oranges go so well together. I love these kind of snacks 🙂 I find spirilina is a great energy booster, as is a nice glass of home brew kombucha.
Lisa @ Healthy Diaries says
January 23, 2012 at 4:17 pmThese sound absolutely wonderful! Such a great snack to have ready and I love the combo of orange and almonds. I’m 11 weeks pregnant so I’m pretty fatigued, especially in the afternoon and night!
Maryea says
January 24, 2012 at 7:34 amCongratulations, Lisa! How exciting. 🙂
Kristi Rimkus says
January 23, 2012 at 10:28 pmI love these easy energy balls. Perfect for a work day slump too. Enjoy every minute of those little ones. It truly does go by too fast. 🙂
[email protected] Free Eats says
January 23, 2012 at 11:11 pmI’m with you! As a fellow mom, juggling many different roles, I sometimes need a quick snack on the run. I always seem to make sure my kids sit down to three great meals, but me? Not so much! I would love to take this on camping and hiking trips too!
Maryea says
January 24, 2012 at 7:39 amYes, these are perfect little snacks for traveling!
Sharon @ DiscoverExploreLearn says
January 24, 2012 at 7:28 amI make fruit & nut balls and bars often, and I’m always coming up with new flavor combinations to keep things interesting….but I don’t think I ever would’ve thought to combine these flavors. Thanks for the idea. I will be making these soon.
Maryea says
January 24, 2012 at 7:39 amLet me know what you think of this combo!
Michelle {the lively kitchen} says
January 24, 2012 at 9:11 amWhat does it say about me that I think of the SNL Schweddy Balls skit every time I see a recipe for fruit balls?
Wishing you energy!
Maryea says
January 24, 2012 at 4:12 pmYou are a funny lady!
Johanna says
January 29, 2012 at 1:44 pmI tried to make this recipe last night and was having much trouble with my food processor getting stuck and not moving it around. The motor would be running on high speed, or pulse, yet the blades weren’t moving. I took it all out and turned it on and it was fine. In general, do you have any hints for what order to put these ingredients in? Or do you just put it all in at once and your processor whips right through it? I just bought a brand new one 28 days ago, the latest Kitchen Aid, so I need to know if it’s performance isn’t great and I should consider another one. It did the same thing with cauliflower.
I noticed you have a few snack ball recipes so I thought you might have tips on it.
Maryea says
January 29, 2012 at 8:50 pmThat’s really strange. My processor doesn’t have any problems with these ingredients at all and I do put them all in at once. I have the 14 cup Cuisinart. The only thing I can think of is if you have a smaller model (like a 7 cup) you may need to do this in smaller batches. The KitchenAid should be a powerful enough machine to get the job done, so I can’t imagine any other reason you’d have this problem. Cauliflower definitely shouldn’t give it any issues. Maybe you have a defective model?? Has anything you tried worked well?
Johanna says
January 29, 2012 at 9:52 pmThank you for the quick response (since I have a 30 day warranty from the store to exchange it easy)! I think I will exchange it and get another one of the same since that would be easiest, then if it doesn’t work, I will have to consider a Cuisinart. This is the newest 13 cup Kitchen Aid, so I was hoping it would whip through anything for the price I paid for it!
This recipe smells amazing and we’ve been eating the mixture with a spoon since it isn’t exactly a consistency to make in to balls.
Kellee says
February 1, 2012 at 8:11 pmI don’t have a food processor, but I have a blender. Will that work or should I not even try. Want to make these yummy treats 🙂
Maryea says
February 5, 2012 at 7:55 amIf you have a high powered blender, like a Vita Mix or Blendtec, this will work for sure. I’m not positive about a regular blender, so I don’t want to say yes it will work. I used to make these kinds of snacks in my Magic Bullet all the time and it worked great, so maybe any blender will work. I hope you’re able to make some! 🙂
Jennifer says
February 6, 2012 at 11:35 amI love to see actual reviews of recipes once completed, so I thought I would add mine. I made the recipe exactly as instructed in my old trusty Cuisinart food processor and it turned out really well. I will say that I was skeptical- I don’t care for orange flavor in things; but this is a really nice recipe. Incredibly easy, very healthy, gluten free, dairy free, garbage free. It’s a win win in my book. Thanks!
Maryea says
February 7, 2012 at 9:23 amThank you so much for coming back to give your thoughts. I am the same way about recipes on the Internet, so I really appreciate when readers try a recipe and come back to let me know what they think. Glad you liked these!
jen says
February 16, 2012 at 12:08 pmOMG these look fantastic!! I don’t know how you find the time!! I am a working full-time mommy, with a 14 month old and a baby on the way! I have a side business, and I am running around constantly with my head cut off….I totally envy you!!! My blog looks like a 1980’s short film, compared to yours!! You have inspired me to start a new blog & get organized!!! I am going to try some of your recipes next week xx
Krisi says
April 1, 2013 at 3:31 pmThese are great! I used a blender because I don’t have a food processor, so I used slivered almonds and the plum-mazin tiny prune pieces to help compensate. I still had some trouble getting the consistency I needed so I added some ground flaxseed and honey. Very yummy!!
Maryea says
April 3, 2013 at 6:55 amGlad you liked these! This is one of my favorite snack recipes. 🙂