Chocolate Chia Cherry Walnut Energy Balls
These balls!
Seriously, I can’t get enough. They are sweet, tart, chewy, nutty and chocolatey. In short, each perfect bite is packed with texture and feels somewhat indulgent. But what I love the most about these is the fact that they’re very nutritious. They pack more fiber than you know what to do with, plus they are loaded with Omega-3s, and antioxidants. I even threw some chia seeds into the mix because you can never have too many superfoods in one place.
I’m obsessed. and I think you will be too…
As far as quick and easy recipes go, this one’s a grand slam. Once you have everything you need, it’s just a matter of creating the dough. You just place the sweet & sticky dates in the food processor and pulse them a few times, then add cocoa powder, chia seeds, vanilla, coconut and then pulse. Lastly, add walnuts and dried cherries and pulse once more to combine. Now, push up your sleeves and roll the dough into balls. There’s maybe 10 minutes hands-on time, and you’re left with 18-20 little bites of heaven that will keep well in the fridge or in the freezer. A perfect pre-workout snack or a healthy way to satisfy an afternoon sweet tooth.
Delicious & Nourishing.
Chocolate Chia Cherry Walnut Energy Balls
1 1/2 cups dates
1/3 cup cocoa powder or raw cacao
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup walnuts
1/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries
Place dates in a food processor; pulse until a thick paste forms. Add cocoa powder, chia seeds, vanilla, and coconut. Pulse until all ingredients are combined. Next add walnuts and cherries and pulse until combined. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place “dough” into a medium sized bowl. Break off even sized pieces and roll into balls. Place on baking sheet and place in the freezer to set. Balls can be stored in an airtight container in your freezer or fridge.
Notes: You could easily make these into bars instead of balls. I have also made these balls/bars and dipped them in melted dark chocolate.