These delicious raw cacao energy balls made from cacao, nuts, dates, raisins, vanilla and nutmeg. They quick and easy to make and perfect for snacking on.
If you’re a huge fan of anything with chocolate in then you;re going to go crazy for these double chocolate energy balls aka cacao energy balls. I really enjoy making my own energy balls because I have complete control over what ingredients are included and there’s the ability to explore your creative side
It’s a fun filled and healthy activity that even the kids will enjoy partaking in shaping the balls and of course reaping the benefits by eating what’s been made.
Is cacao vegan
Yes, it is. Many people often mistake cacao for cocoa. When in actuality they aren’t the produce the same. While both produce derive from the same source the Theobroma tree, the production is opposing.
Cacao is minimally processed so they it can obtain most of it’s original health benefits. The cacao beans are sun dried before under going a “cold pressing” to separate it’s fat content which is known as cacao butter.
Once the fat has been extracted from the beans the remainder is ground into cacao powder. It is pure, unadulterated with no milk content and had a strong bitter taste.
Cacao benefits
- Lowers blood pressure
- Cholesterol free saturated fats
- Less refined than cocoa powder
- It is said to be the highest form of antioxidants in all foods with the highest amount of magnesium
- Abundance of fibre, vitamins and minerals
- Releases a hormone called “endorphins” which is a utopia, happy feeling
Reason why you should make these cacao energy balls
These raw balls are imbued with fibrous, natural sweetness from the dates and the correct amount of carbohydrates to sustain stamina for exercise
Whether you’re eating these as a pre-workout snack
or simply consuming as a means to replnish the body after an intense workout, you will acquire the raw authentic nutrition that your body needs. Even if you don’t workout, that’s fine, simply nibble away at your leisure.
How to make raw chocolate energy balls
- Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes (picture 1)
- Blitz the almonds and walnuts on high speed for 45 seconds, using a S blade. You want the consistency to be semi fine, not chunks or completely ground – somewhere in between (picture 2)
- Add the cacao powder, salt, nutmeg cacao nibbs, raisins, vanilla and pitted dates to the nut mix (picture 3-4)
- Process for approximately 1 minute or until a huge ball is formed (picture 5)
- Roll the dough into miniature balls and dust in excess cacao powder (optional, not required) (picture 6)
Notes and tips for making raw cacao energy balls
- It is essential that you use a food processor in order to make the energy balls
- The amount of energy balls made will vary depending on size of each ball.
- Make sure to use “cacao” vegan chocolate powder and not “cocoa” which isn’t dairy free
- If you want to make more I would recommend making in separate batches so everything grinds down evenly.
- The balls are freezer friendly or refrigerate and consume within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to soak the dates and for how long
Yes, but only for 10 minutes, just so they have some moisture. You can alternatively add a few tablespoon at a time of water to the processor but I prefer to presoak at the initial stages
Can I nut butter or anything else
Yes, I’ve made some suggestion below as to what you could include
Do I have to excess the chocolate energy bites in cacao
Nope, that’s an optional step. If you don’t like the taste of raw cacao then skip this step
Can I use another type of date depends medjool
Yes, absolutely. Medjools are extra sweet and juicy but costly and not easy to obtain for some. Substitute with another form of date if necessary.
Other ingredients you could add when making your chocolate energy balls
You can add a tablespoon or two of any of the following. Simply add the suggested item to your food processor when combining all of the ingredients together –
- Peanut butter
- Protein powder
- shredded coconut
- seed – flaxseed, pumpkin or sunflower seeds
- Bee pollen
Other energy balls recipes you may like
Coconut cranberry energy balls
Raw cacao energy balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pitted medjool dates 150g
- 2 tsp of raw cacao powder
- 2 tbsp of raw cacao nibs
- 1/2 cup of almonds 75g
- 1/2 cup of walnuts 60g
- 1/8 tsp of vanilla powder
- 2 tbsp of raisins
- 1/8 tsp of nutmeg
- pinch of himalayan pink salt
- Extra cacao for dusting optional
Instructions
- Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes
- Blitz the almonds and walnuts on high speed for 45 seconds, using a S blade. You want the consistency to be semi fine, not chunks or completely ground - somewhere in between.
- Add the cacao powder, salt, nutmeg cacao nibs, raisins, vanilla and pitted dates to the nut mix
- Process for approximately 1 minute or until a huge ball is formed
- Roll the dough into miniature balls and dust in excess cacao powder (optional, not required)
Notes
- It is essential that you use a food processor in order to make the energy balls
- The amount of energy balls made will vary depending on size of each ball.
- Make sure to use "cacao" vegan chocolate powder and not "cocoa" which isn't dairy free
- If you want to make more I would recommend making in separate batches so everything grinds down evenly.
- The balls are freezer friendly or refrigerate and consume within a few days.
- You can use another form of date if you can't get hold of medjools
Nutrition
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