Energy Balls

You know that moment when it’s after dinner and you want a treat, but don’t have anything around the house and don’t feel like baking? These are for that moment. And for the next day, when you want a snack – kinda like a granola bar but more satisfying. I love that these are all ingredients that I have in my pantry. They come together quickly. Feel healthy yet decadent

The name energy balls reminds me of how, at an office I worked at in SF, we’d refer to peanut m&m’s as power pellets. I am not sure the exact origin of this internet recipe, but I’ll credit Sara, who first gave me one of these and shared a screenshot of the ingredients list.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil

2 tablespoons sunflower seed butter [you can also use peanut butter, or almond butter. PB takes on a bit more of a dominant flavor than sunflower]

1/4 unsweetened cocoa

1/4 cup pure maple syrup, or to taste

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Dry ingredients

7 tablespoons rolled oats

6 tablespoons shredded coconut

I like to throw in a handful of raisins but you could leave as-is or add any dried fruit or nut etc. Can also add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds etc. 

Just keep in mind – if you are going to go crazy with the ad-ins you might need more of the top-category binders. or sub out from the oats & coconut category. 

Directions: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the top category of ingredients (coconut oil, nut butter, cocoa, syrup, and vanilla). Then mix in your dried ingredients.

I like to put them in the fridge for about 30 mins to firm up a bit and then use a cookie scoop to make balls that are about 1-in in diameter. Store in the fridge.

These have been rolled in shredded coconut purely for the aesthetics of the photo. Chris believes they are best enjoyed with a glass of milk.