Cranberry Coconut Energy Balls (Vegan + GF)

 Who knew that cranberry coconut energy balls would make the perfect snack? Yep! These bite sized balls are no bake, very easy to make, tasty and yield an extra boost of energy made using a combination of walnuts, dates along with cranberries and shredded coconut.

Energy balls (the clue is in the name) are super duper filling, nutritious and so tasty that both adults and kids will enjoy them.

Learn to make this 6 ingredient simple recipe in a matter of minutes!!

Whenever I'm looking for a quick, slow releasing pick-me-up then I always turn to some energy balls.

Don't get some wrong I love my wholesome Orange Mango Green Smoothie and not forgetting my fruit loaded  Strawberry and Banana Smoothie but sometimes a girl just wants to eat her way to health rather than drink her way there.

So insert these cranberry coconut energy balls, quick, easy, delicious and handy. I tend to make a batch quantity of them and have them on my person when I'm on the road or need a burst of energy before working out.

The great things about energy balls is that you can pretty much add ANY dried fruit, nut or seed to them. My favourite ones are these Raw Cacao Energy Balls. and I also like these Tamarind Balls too.

You can even convert them into a post workout snack by adding a scoop of protein powder. If you are looking for an on the go snack or even something to consume first thing in the morning then try this!

Ingredients you will need

• Coconut Shredded: I like to use shredded coconut not chips as they breakdown with ease and are great for coating the balls.
• Cranberries: if possible buy cranberries, that are unadulterated, organic and free from additives like refined sugar
• Dates: Medjool dates are preferred because of their juiciness but other dried dates work. Just make sure they are pitted or pit the dates yourself.
• Walnuts/almonds: nuts are such a treat addition to energy balls I like to use two variations.
• Cinnamon: I love cinnamon so a little dash, yields subtle warmth.

Reasons to make energy balls

• They are super quick to whip up!
• No baking is required
• You only need to toss the ingredients in a food processor, roll into balls and coat.
• Eat them on the go/great for snacking
• You can add as many add in ingredients that you like

Other adds in

• Hemp hearts
• Bee pollen
• Chia Seeds
• Protein powder
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Oats
• Flaxseeds
• Fruit fruit

How to make cranberry coconut energy balls

• Grind the walnuts and almonds using an s-blade in a food processor on high speed until a fine consistency is formed (picture 1 & 2).

• Add the coconut and cinnamon - pulse for a few seconds to combine with the ground nuts (picture 3 & 4).

• Slowly add a few dates at a time until all are transferred to the processor and then add the cranberries.
• Continue to blend until the mixture pulls together (picture 5 & 6).

• Use hands to roll into mini balls and dust with the excess coconut (picture 7 & 8).

Can you freeze these energy balls?

To freeze them down, simply place the balls on a baking tray with parchment paper, spaced out and place the tray in the freezer for 20 minutes so they aren't cold enough to stick together.

From there, you can put them in a zip lock bag or sealed container for storage.

To thaw them out simply leave them to stand at room temperate until they soften.

I can't seem to get my ingredients to fully combine, help?

No problem! Assuming you are using soft dates or soaked ones, sometimes it depends on the power of your food processor.

Fear not, if you are having issues with your mixture coming together simply add a splash or warm water and see if that remedies the problem.

If not, then you may need to add a few more splashes, but don't go overboard as you don't want to end up with a sticky mess!

Notes and tips

• This batch makes roughly 12 balls but will vary depending on size.
• Medjools dates are super soft and best to use, if you can't get hold of any, simply use another pitted date and soak the dates in warm water for 30 minutes if necessary to soften first.
• You can stick to the recipe to hand or include some oats, seeds or additional dried fruit.
• These balls are freezer friendly, as mentioned in the post, part freeze them on parchment paper then transfer to a zip lock bag/sealed container for storage.
• The energy balls can be frozen for up to 3 months or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Don't add all of the ingredients at once to the food processor, add the ingredients in stages so they all breakdown evenly.
• For best results if you do not want to freeze your energy balls leave them to stand in your refrigerator for quality control.

Try these other on the go snacks

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Cranberry Coconut Energy Balls

These energy balls, are super quick, easy peasy and perfect to take on the go!

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 243kcal

Author: Charla

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup of medjool dates or soaked dates
• ▢ ½ cup of walnuts
• ▢ ½ cup of almonds
• ▢ ¼ cup of shredded coconut + excess of dusting
• ▢ ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
• ▢ 3 tablespoon dried cranberries

Instructions

• Grind the walnuts and almonds using an s-blade in a food processor on high speed until a fine consistency is formed.
• Add the coconut and cinnamon - pulse for a few seconds to combine with the ground nuts.
• Slowly add a few dates at a time until all are transferred to the processor and then add the cranberries.
• continue to blend until the mixture pulls together.
• Use hands to roll into mini balls and dust with the excess coconut.

Notes

• This batch makes roughly 12 balls but will vary depending on size.
• Medjools dates are super soft and best to use, if you can't get hold of any, simply use another pitted date and soak the dates in warm water for 30 minutes if necessary to soften first.
• You can stick to the recipe to hand or include some oats, seeds or additional dried fruit.
• These balls are freezer friendly, as mentioned in the post, part freeze them on parchment paper then transfer to a zip lock bag/sealed container for storage.
• The energy balls can be frozen for up to 3 months or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Don't add all of the ingredients at once to the food processor, add the ingredients in stages so they all breakdown evenly.
• For best results if you do not want to freeze your energy balls leave them to stand in your refrigerator for quality control.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 310mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 37IU | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg

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