Cocoa, date and oat energy balls
Cocoa, date and oat energy balls are a great, healthy snack that feels indulgent and decadent but can be enjoyed guilt-free.
You guys, what is happening with this year? How is it almost Valentine’s day?! I’m not even properly back into the swing of things yet and we already have to focus on this day filled with hearts and love and shmooziness? I just don’t feel like I’m ready for it. But then I remember that chocolate comes along with this day I don’t really celebrate and my mood lifts a little.
And even though I never feel guilt when eating chocolate (you only live once, you know?), I know many people do so I thought of ways to get you that intense chocolate hit with no guilt and I decided to turn the date and oat balls I always make into a super-chocolatey, delectable little bite of yumminess. I’ve stuffed them with good-for-you ingredients that not only add flavor but also add texture and crunch.
The other wonderful thing about these little bites is that they are completely customizable. Don’t like peanut butter? No problem, exchange it for cashew, almond or macadamia butter. Want them to be more Nutella-y? Add a handful of hazelnuts instead of the salted peanuts. You can use agave, honey or another alternative instead of the maple syrup, etc. The only ingredients that have to stay are the dates, oats and good quality cocoa powder. Other than that, go crazy.
So now you have a delicious little snack for Valentine’s Day (and beyond), which also makes for an awesome lunchbox filler, btw, so you can ready yourself for the insane chocolate cake recipe I’ll be posting tomorrow. Get excited!
Cocoa, date and oat bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 3 cups pitted Medjool dates
- 3/4 cup good quality cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- pinch of salt flakes
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
for the coating
- desiccated coconut
- cocoa powder
- chopped nuts
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and blend until relatively smooth. The mixture will start clumping together.
- With damp hands, form the mixture into little balls then roll into coconut, chopped nuts or cocoa powder.
- Place on a plate lined with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for at least an hour before eating. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to a week.
