Energy Balls

These Energy Balls are the easiest and most fun go-to snack recipe. After trying them, say goodbye to store-bought options and enjoy the ultimate boost to power through your day. These are my favorite homemade energy bites because they’re packed with nutritious and healthy ingredients, and they’re perfect to keep on hand for a quick and guilt-free treat anytime.

The first time I tried Energy Balls was in London, a city with lot of healthy options. I bought them from famous restaurant chain while looking for a quick snack to give me energy as I walked around the city all day. What I liked most was the fact that I could eat this snack while still going about my day. I tried to distinguish the ingredients because I wanted to replicate it once I got back home, knowing that since it’s raw, it couldn’t be that difficult to make.

Raw Energy Balls became popular in the early 21st century as a health snack, coinciding with the rise of minimally processed foods. This vegan treat is easy to digest and packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to traditional store-bought snacks, especially for those following a plant-based diet.

I keep some of the Energy Balls in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, storing them in an airtight container. Additionally, I like to put some in a plastic bag and place them in the freezer to have more on hand for a longer period.

Ingredients for raw oat balls

• Rolled oats: they provide the foundation of the Energy Balls, binding the other ingredients together and creating a cohesive structure. Oats absorb excess moisture released from peanut butter. Rolled oats are rich in fiber, which is beneficial for digestion, and provide a good source of energy due to their carbohydrates. I use certified gluten-free oats, making the raw balls suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet.

• Dates: this natural sweetener, with its caramel-like flavor, reduces the need for refined sugar. Medjool dates are the best choice for this recipe as they are naturally soft, but if you don’t have this variety, you should soak your dates in water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the blender. Dates are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and provides a feeling of fullness, along with potassium and magnesium.

• Coconut: shredded coconut adds a tropical note to the Energy Balls and provides a slight chewiness, making them more satisfying. It is an excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, and manganese. Moreover, I like to coat the Energy Balls with extra shredded coconut to make them more visually appealing and add an extra layer of flavor.

• Chia seeds: they absorb liquid, creating a gel-like consistency that helps bind all the other ingredients. Chia seeds support brain health, reduce inflammation, and promote digestive health. Moreover, their protein content boost energy levels, making the Energy Balls perfect for pre or post- workout snacks.

• Raisins: this ingredient is another natural sweetener that reduces the need for refined sugar. In addition, raisins provide a sticky texture, helping the Energy Balls hold their shape.

• Peanut butter: this creamy nut spread creates a cohesive mixture, binding the other components together. I use peanut butter, but others options, like the almond butter, also pair well. Peanut butter provides energy, promotes satiety, and is a good source of vitamins.

• Almonds: raw almonds add a satisfying crunch to raw balls, creating an enjoyable contrast in texture. Packed with essential nutrients, almonds make the Energy Balls even more nutritious, and their fiber content keeps you feeling full longer.

• Cacao powder: cacao contains compounds linked to mood enhancement and feelings of well-being. I use pure cacao powder because of its low sugar content while still enjoying a rich chocolatey flavor. Finally, this ingredient gives the Energy Balls a dark color.

• Flaxseeds: they are an excellent plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and promote brain function. Flax seeds aid digestion, support gut health, and help bind the ingredients together. Finally, they are naturally gluten-free, making the Energy Balls suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to prepare vegan energy bites

Put in a blender the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chia seeds, cacao powder, salt and almonds. Blend a few times to combine and achieve a rough texture.

Add the chopped dates and nut butter to the food processor, blending until it became sticky. If the consistency is too dry add some water, a little at a time. Incorporate the raisins and pulse briefly, keeping them whole.

Form the balls by taking a small amount of the mixture (about 1tbsp) and rolling it between your hands. Cover the balls with some shredded coconut. Place the energy balls on a lined plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

My tips for chewy raw bites

• You can store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.

• Raisins can be replaced with dried cranberries or apricots.

• You can substitute raw almonds with other nuts such as pecans or walnuts.

• If the mixture is already moist enough with the dates and nut butter, you might find you don’t need the water, or you could reduce the amount. Water is essential for binding, but if the consistency is right, you can skip it.

• If you don’t use Medjool dates, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to make them softer.

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with me tagging @nutritiouslysofia on Instagram!

Energy Balls

Course: Snacks, Dessert, BreakfastCuisine: vegan, gluten-free

Servings

25

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Ingredients

• Rolled Oats 160gr (2cup)

• Dates 1cup (10-12 dates)

• Shredded coconut 1cup + some for the coating

• Chia seeds 2tbsp

• Raisins (dried) 40gr (1/4cup)

• Peanut butter 125gr (1/2cup)

• Almonds 70gr (1/2cup)

• Salt 1/4tsp

• Water 2-3tbsp (as needed)

• Cacao powder 2tbsp

• Flaxseeds 1-2 tbsp

• Vanilla extract 1tsp

Directions

• Put in a blender the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chia seeds, cacao powder, salt and almonds. Blend a few times to combine and achieve a rough texture.
• Add the chopped dates and nut butter to the food processor, blending until it became sticky. If the consistency is too dry add some water, a little at a time.
• Incorporate the raisins and pulse briefly, keeping them whole.
• Form the balls by taking a small amount of the mixture (about 1tbsp) and rolling it between your hands.
• Cover the balls with some shredded coconut.
• Place the energy balls on a lined plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

• You can store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.
• Raisins can be replaced with dried cranberries or apricots.
• You can substitute raw almonds with other nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
• If the mixture is already moist enough with the dates and nut butter, you might find you don’t need the water, or you could reduce the amount. Water is essential for binding, but if the consistency is right, you can skip it.
• If you don’t use Medjool dates, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to make them softer.