We call these “Energy Packed Power Balls” because they pack a powerful nutritional punch! If you are looking for an easy snack that is healthy, satisfying, and delicious, then stop right here. Because these things are all of that, and so good it’s ridiculous.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
We love that these energy packed power balls are so simple to make, require no cooking or baking. We also love that they’re loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that are great for you (and your kids!).
The priority in our house has always been nutritious foods, and even more now on foods that will help P’s body through her treatment (and benefit all of us as well). I’m always trying to find ingredients that offer the most nutritious “bang for your buck” that the kids will like, and that’s how these power balls were born.
This recipe makes about 16 of these power balls, but feel free to double it. Because trust me when I tell you, they will fly! We almost always have a batch ready to go in our fridge.
I also personally love the flavor of raw tahini; it’s mild enough that the kids don’t taste it, and I love that it has calcium in it. We don’t eat much dairy in our home, so added calcium is always a bonus.
You can also make Whole30 Energy Balls by simply leaving out the chocolate chips!
The Ingredients
Before we get to the recipe, here’s some info about the all-star ingredients these babies are loaded with:
- Dates, which have a natural sweetness making the perfect consistency for power balls. They also offer a significant amount of fiber and antioxidants, along with iron, potassium, B vitamins, copper, and magnesium.
- Cashews, which are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and plant protein, and contain carotenoids and polyphenols.
- Flaxseed, which contains fiber, protein, thiamine, copper, magnesium, and selenium. And it’s rich in omega 3s.
- Pumpkin seeds, which are a great source of magnesium, protein, zinc, and iron.
- Tahini (my personal favorite), which is a good source of iron, potassium, and calcium.
- Cacao, which contains potassium, iron, and magnesium, most importantly in its raw form.
- Cardamom, which is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and can help with digestion.
- Dark chocolate, which is packed with fiber and antioxidants, and has been shown to improve blood flow and even strengthen your memory! (Just make sure you are buying over 72% cacao, and that it isn’t loaded with sugars and other additives.) **You can leave this ingredient out if you are doing the Whole30.***
Now, onto the recipe!
How to Make Energy-Packed Power Balls
First, place all ingredients into the food processor except for chocolate chips and raw cacao powder (if using). Process on high for 30 seconds until ingredients are chopped into small bits and can stick together easily. (You can check with your hands, and if it needs more time process for an additional 15-30 seconds.)
If using chocolate chips, remove blade from processor and add chips. Mix together with a spatula.
Using your hands, assemble mix into golf ball-sized bites.
If using cacao, roll each ball gently in the cacao to give it a light coating. (We did half coated with cacao, half without cacao.)
Enjoy! These were a total hit and are gone already!
Frequently Asked Questions
If I don’t have tahini, can I use nut butter?
I love tahini because of its health benefits, but if you don’t have it, nut butter would work well in this recipe as long as it is creamy. It would add some nice extra protein 🙂
Are these Whole30 friendly?
If you eliminate the chocolate chips, these are Whole30 friendly!
Lastly…
If you like these power balls, you might also love my Zucchini Cocoa Berry Smoothie and my Blueberry Chia Pudding. And if you make this recipe, please rate it, and leave me a comment letting me know how you liked it!
Energy Packed Power Balls: Recipe and Video
16
power balls10
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
12 Medjool dates (pits removed)
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup ground flax seeds
1/4 cup raw tahini
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (I use these), roughly chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder (optional, for dusting)
Directions
- Place all ingredients into the food processor except for chocolate chips and raw cacao powder (if using). Process on high for 30 seconds until ingredients are chopped into small bits and can stick together easily. (You can check with your hands, and if it needs more time process for an additional 15-30 seconds.) If using chocolate chips, remove blade from processor and add chips. Mix together with a spatula.
- Using your hands, assemble mix into golf ball-sized bites.
- If using cacao, roll each ball gently in the cacao to give it a light coating. (We did half coated with cacao, half without cacao.) Enjoy these power-packed energy balls!
Notes
- Leave out the chocolate chips to make these energy balls Whole30 compliant.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @missp290 on Instagram and hashtag it with
Like this recipe?
Follow @alessandramac on Pinterest
Join our Facebook Group!
Follow us on Facebook
