These blueberry, cacao and coconut energy balls are delectable healthy treats! They are full of goodness and provide a energy packed punch as a healthy snack that doubles up as a sweet treat. These Vegan energy balls are dairy free, sugar free (no dates!), Paleo friendly and low carb.
(This was originally published in July 2016, the recipe and post have been updated)
These nutritious Vegan energy balls make a great little snack when you are in need of a lift or are craving something sweet. Perfect to pop in lunchboxes, you will need only 15 min to prepare a batch that will last you the week.
The coconut milk gives these energy balls a luscious creaminess. They taste a little bit different to your standard bliss ball. These little bites of goodness are a bit more reminiscent of taking a bite out of a blueberry chocolate cheesecake - whats not to love about that?
Unlike your standard bliss or energy balls these contain no dates, so if you are keeping carbs to a minimum you can enjoy them too.
What's so good about these Vegan energy balls?
When you are craving that something chocolatey or sweet then these energy balls are a great little snack. You will find yourself surprisingly full after just one or two so no need to reach into the cupboards for further snacking!
They are full of goodness in a snack sized package with the following nutritious ingredients......
- Blueberries - They not only taste delicious but blueberries are known to be one the worlds fruits with a high level of antioxidants (1). These tiny blue powerhouses are potent free radical fighters, high in vitamin c and also high in fibre. If blueberries are not in season for you then frozen blueberries will work just as well.
- Raw cacao powder - Naturally high in antioxidants and phenolic compounds raw cacao powder is well known to have numerous health benefits (1),(2) and is naturally high in magnesium and iron (3).
- One of the great things about raw cacao is that it not only helps with alertness but it can help with a good mood!(4),(5). Cacao can increase levels of certain neurotransmitters that promote a sense of well-being. One of those neurotransmitters is called - phenylethylamine - the same brain chemical that is released when we experience feelings of love. Gotta love that!
- These Vegan energy balls contain protein from the almond meal and nuts and contain added fibre from the psyllium husks. The good fat, protein and fibre in these may help with any blood sugar fluctuations and can leave you feeling sustained.
Additional Recipe Tips
- If you are in a warm climate you may need to put the "dough" in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to help it firm up slightly. This will make it easier to roll into balls.
- If you use frozen berries then the "dough" may be a bit wet to so also put in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to make it firmer before rolling the mixture into balls.
- 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup or honey can be used instead of Stevia.
- Other berries may be used in place of blueberries.
Other recipes you might like to try:
Mango Chia Pudding with Coconut & Blueberries
Creamy Lemon Coconut Bliss Balls
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Please let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
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Have a lovely week!
Hope
Creamy Blueberry & Cacao Energy Balls
Ingredients
- ¾ cup almond meal
- ½ cup blueberries fresh or frozen
- ½ cup of desiccated coconut unsweetened
- ¼ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoon raw cacao powder
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon psyllium powder
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- 10 drops liquid stevia*
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to food processor and pulse at high speed until ingredients are blended.
- If the weather is hot where you are you may need to put the "dough" in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to harden it slightly. This will make it easier to roll into balls.
- Roll mixture into balls the size of a heaped teaspoon.
- Coat the balls in desiccated coconut.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes prior to eating.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- If the weather is hot where you are you may need to put the "dough" in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to harden it slightly. This will make it easier to roll into balls
- 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup or honey can be used instead of Stevia.
- Please see additional recipe notes in the post.
Nutrition
Nutrtition Information
This nutritional information is an estimate only and is provided as a courtesy to readers. It was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed in the recipe card. Please feel free to use your preferred nutrition calculator. Please consult your doctor about any specific dietary requirements.
