gluten free, nut free, dairy free, guilt free, vegan, no bake/raw
There are so many different ingredients to add to this type of ball. I’ve given this particular energy fuelled ball recipe a good nutritional punch, sweetened with medjool dates, powered with seed butter, lots of little seed crunch, anti-oxidant rich cacao (or cocoa – both are great) powder, seed butter and option to add a fermented vegan protein powder or collagen powder (for protein but also great for healthy skin & bones).
I make this ball double the size of some of my other balls since it’s intended to provide that extra fuel to carry you through to a meal or just a bit longer than other snacks might. My son prefers more of a date taste, so I use 1/3 c often. If you prefer more of a seed/nut butter taste/texture, use 1/2 c. If you are new to sunflower seed butter or prefer a more chocolatey taste, you might want to add .5-1 tbsp extra cacao/cocoa.
cacao power balls
forgot to count how many this made, approx 10 med-large
• 14 pitted medjool dates
• 1/3 c sunflower seed butter* (if you prefer more seed/nutty taste/texture, use 1/2 c)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder (both healthy)
• 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tbsp hemp seeds (gives a great crunch/pop to some bites)
• 1/2 tbsp hemp hearts
• (optional) genuine health vegan+ protein powder, unflavoured – 1 scoop
(You might want to add .5-1 tbsp cocoa to cover slight powdery taste. I don’t mind it without but my 11 yr old didn’t like it with just the 1 tbsp of cocoa. I prefer the below collagen option as it is 100% flavourless and does not have a powdery texture at all.)
OR
• (optional) Vital Proteins grass-fed collagen peptides powder, unflavoured/flavourless – 1 scoop
*If you’re going to sub in a nut butter, I prefer cashew butter over almond butter as cashew butter hardens nicer and leaves a firmer ball, but almond butter works great as well.
Blend first three ingredients (plus optional powder if using) in high-powered blender or food processor until mixed well. Empty into a bowl, and add the remaining ingredients and stir. Form balls with your hands. Place in air tight container and into fridge for a few hours, even better over night. Enjoy
