Lemon Energy Balls
User Reviews
4.2
Lemon Energy Balls
Description
This recipe creates bite-sized energy balls by processing almonds and pitted dates with fresh lemon juice and zest, vanilla extract, and sea salt until a dough forms. The lemon adds brightness and a fresh zing to the naturally sweet and nutty mixture. The formed balls are rolled in finely shredded unsweetened coconut, adding a delicate texture and mild flavor. The process is simple, requiring only a food processor and no baking.
The texture is chewy and moist from the dates, with the almonds providing a subtle crunch and the coconut coating a gentle finish. These snack balls are convenient for packed lunches, hikes, or whenever a wholesome quick snack is needed. They keep refrigerated for one to two weeks or freeze solidly for longer storage.
If dates are dry, soaking them briefly softens the mixture. Adjusting the amount of dates or adding a little water helps if the dough feels too crumbly during preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds raw or roasted (no salt added)
- 1 cup Medjool dates 10-12, pitted
- lemon juice about 2-3 tablespoons, juice from 1 lemon
- lemon zest from 1
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- ⅓ cup coconut unsweetened, shredded
Instructions
- Process: Add almonds, dates, lemon juice, zest, vanilla and sea salt into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the S-shaped blade. Pulse until almonds are chopped and a soft “dough” forms, you may need to scrape the sides of the processor a couple times between pulses.
- Form balls: Once mixture is combined, use your hands to form the dough into balls, using about 1 Tablespoon of dough for each ball.
- Roll in coconut: Put shredded coconut into a small bowl and roll each ball into the coconut until evenly coated. Enjoy right away or store for later.
- To store: Place balls into a sealed storage container and store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Soak hard or dry dates in warm water for 10-15 minutes, then drain to soften before using.
- If dough is crumbly, add extra dates or a teaspoon of water at a time to help it bind better.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 15balls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 93 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1ball | |
| Calories | 93kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Sodium | 79mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.