These tasty balls are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and a little dose of protein (plus potassium, zinc, and iron). Plus, they’re great for hydration thanks to chia seeds, salt, and potassium-rich seeds. I love them as a travel snack, for fueling outdoor adventures, as a post meal treat or afternoon pick-me-up. They get their key lime pie vibes from lime juice and zest, coconut flakes, and vanilla. A touch of maple syrup gives them the perfect amount of sweetness so they won’t spike your blood sugar.
Ingredient highlihgt
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 20 balls
Prep Time 10 minutes Ingredients
- 2 tbsp chia seeds + ¼ cup hot water
- ¼ cup (63g) tahini, almond butter, or cashew butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Zest from 2 limes
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup (145g) raw or toasted pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup (60g) unsweetened coconut flakes + plus more for coating
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add chia seeds and hot water and stir together. Let sit for at least 2 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.
- Add the nut or seed butter, maple syrup, lime zest + juice, vanilla, and salt and stir until combined.
- In a high-speed blender, add the pumpkin seeds and coconut and blend on high into a meal. Pour into the bowl and use a spoon to gently mix everything until the moment it starts to all stick together, then use your hands to gently finish mixing until just combined (overmixing will cause the oils to separate, which is fine but not ideal!). Roll them into bite-sized balls.
- Optional: add a scant ½ cup coconut flakes to the blender and blend again on high into a coarse meal. Pour into a plate or bowl and roll the balls to coat in the coconut.
- Transfer to the freezer to chill for at least 1 hour. I like these best straight out of the freezer or after letting them sit for a couple of minutes. You can store them in the fridge, but they will be much softer in texture. I enjoy the denser fudgier texture you get from the freezer.
Items you can prep ahead (optional)
- Make the balls.
Substitutions:
- N/A
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Leftovers + Repurposing:
- I like these best when I take them out of the freezer and let them sit for a couple of minutes. You can eat them out of the fridge, but they will be much softer in texture. I enjoy the denser fudgier texture you get from the freezer.
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