This recipe was inspired by member Harriet who requested I come up with a recipe for a favorite energy ball she likes to buy in Portland (we’ll see if she says they make the cut!). These energy balls taste like a chocolate cherry fudge ball and are packed with fiber, healthy fats, protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Plus, it all comes together in one bowl (no blender needed)!
Ingredient Highlight
Chia seeds! These small but mighty seeds pack in the omega-3 fats, fiber, calcium, and zinc. They are also a complete protein, containing all of our essential amino acids, making them a great plant-based protein option. Chia seeds are great for hydration because they absorb a lot of water, which helps regulate body fluids and retain electrolytes.
Servings 16 balls
Prep Time 10 minutes Ingredients
- 2 tbsp chia seeds + ¼ cup hot or boiling water
- ½ cup natural almond butter
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup cacao or cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chopped dried tart cherries
- Tart cherries are best, but you can use any type of dried cherry or cranberry instead.
- Note: add in ¼ cup hemp seeds for an extra protein boost.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add chia seeds and boiling water and stir together. Let sit for at least 2 minutes to thicken (you could also just do this in the medium mixing bowl and wait 2 minutes).
- In a medium bowl, add the chia mixture, almond butter, coconut, cacao or cocoa powder, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla. Mix together until thoroughly combined, then stir in the dried cherries until well combined.
- Scoop and roll into balls, then roll the balls in shredded coconut and/or cacao nibs. Sprinkle flaky salt on top (optional). Place in the freezer to chill for 30 minutes or the fridge to chill for 2 hours.
- Store in the freezer or fridge.
Items you can prep ahead (optional)
- Make the balls!
Substitutions:
- To make nut-free, use a seed butter (like sunflower or tahini)
- Sub the coconut with hemp seeds for extra protein
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Leftovers + Repurposing:
- If eating out of the freezer, let them sit out for 10 minutes or so to soften. If eating out of the fridge, they will be a bit softer and fudgier, whereas out of the freezer they will be denser and chewier.
