Coconut & Ginger Energy Balls
Energy Balls are the answer to all of my snacking problems. I make sure to always have a batch of these protein packed bites in the freezer so when my stomach starts to growl, or I am experiencing one of my 6pm ravenous states, they are on hand and ready to eat.
I was never very sold on the idea of an energy ball, how tasty could a ball of ground up dried fruit and nuts really be? I added lots of fresh ginger to this recipe and I can honestly say they are absolutely bursting with flavour. I have made these balls with both toasted and raw Brazil nuts and I personally think when the nuts are toasted the flavour is a bit overpowering, but try them both ways and let me know which you prefer.
These Energy Balls will last for up to a week in the fridge or for over a month in the freezer ( I personally prefer eating them frozen). They are great for satisfying a sugar craving, giving you a protein boost before a workout, a quick breakfast, or for those 6pm snack attack moments when you are desperate for something to eat but want to steer clear of any unhealthy options.
If you make this recipe let me know in the comment section below, I would love to hear what you think or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram, I love seeing your photos!
Coconut & Ginger Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates
- 2 tbsp chopped raw Brazil nuts
- 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 tbsp honey or other sweetener
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger grated
Instructions
- Place the dates in a food processor or blender and blend for 1 minute. Add the Brazil Nuts, shredded coconut, honey and ginger and continue to blend until all nuts/dates have broken down into uniform size and a sticky batter has formed (this can take anywhere from 1-5 minutes depending on the strength of your machine)
- Scoop out tablespoon sized amounts of the mixture and roll into balls, depending on the stickiness you can wet your hands a touch to make the balls easier to roll
- Store the balls in the fridge in a sealed container for approximately a week, or you can keep them in the freezer for a month.
I love ginger, so added 2tbl of crystallized ginger for a bit of sweetness and texture – skipped the honey. Thanks for a healthyish alternative to ginger cookies I like so much!
Oohh crystallized ginger sounds like a great addition!! I’m so happy you enjoyed them!
hi, 2 T of chopped nuts doesn’t seem like very much, so I just want to check to make sure this is the correct amount. thanks!
i am going to answer my own question, i just tasted a brazil nut, they are very “earthy” tasting! i can see why there are only 2T used.
Hahaha yup! The small amount does the trick ????
Sorry if I missed it but what is the nutritional info so I can log in My Fitness Pal? Thanks! They are amaze-balls! (Get it???)
Haha thanks Tawna! Unfortunately I don’t calculate the nutritional value of recipes and instead focus on using all natural ingredients. That being said I know there are approximately 30 calories per ball although I do not know the fat/carbs/sugar content. Hope that helps!
I made my first batch today for my breakfast skipping wife – she loves them and now has something to eat before the school run that isn’t a starbucks muffin! Would love to see a carrot cake version.
Omg, so many dates! For those of us who detest dates and their even more sly cousins, the raisin, is there a good substitution/alternative to the dates?
Haha I used to hate raisin as well! Those sly little guys used to always appear in the most delicious looking carrot cakes, making them inedible. Now i am a massive fan and cant seem to get enough of them. Anyways, in this recipe dates are used to bind everything together, the taste is completely overpowered by the ginger, but if you are still not sold then increase the amount of honey and either add in a small amount of another dried fruit such as apples or increase the amount of coconut and brazil nuts. Let me know how it goes!
I have become obsessed with making your energy balls. These are the latest ones I made and I think they are my fave so far! Although the Key Lime are close! Such great recipes 🙂
haha these and the key lime pie are also my two favourite….although the cherry and tahini are also amazing, its too hard to pick just one! 🙂 I’m so glad you like them!
Did you use fresh medjool dates or are dried pitted dates okay? (Cheaper and easier!)
Im always a fan of the cheaper and easier option 🙂 I used dried and pitted dates but fresh medjool would also work although you may need to increase the amount of walnuts to absorb the moisture from the fresh dates.
Here you say walnuts, your recipe says Brazil nuts. I would think most any variety of nuts would work?
Thanks for pointing that out! You are absolutely correct, I love using Brazil nuts in this recipe but walnuts, almonds or even cashews would also work well. Depending on what you have in your cupboard you could also mix 2 or 3 different types of nuts.
These are way too good! Addictive…
Thanks Lisa! I calculated the calories for these, seems to be around 35-40 per ball so you can keep snacking, guilt free 🙂
I wanted to let you know that I just finished making my third batch of these in 3 weeks, they are a massive hit with my family! The ginger adds such a fantastic burst of flavor. Thanks for the great recipe!
I’m so happy that you enjoy the recipe!