Coconut Vanilla Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cashews unsalted
- 10 dates large
- 1 cup shredded coconut unsweetened, split in half
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seed
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder (we love a plant based protein powder like Vegs)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Place the cashews in a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
- Add the dates, half the coconut, flax seed, protein powder, coconut oil, and water to the food processor and combine for about 30 seconds until everything is very well blended with few large bits remaining (if the mixture is too runny, add in some more coconut/cashews to thicken it up, if the mixture is too thick, add in a little more water to thin it out – you want it to be thick enough to hold its shape when formed into balls).
- Place the mixture in a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes (this makes the mixture a little easier to work with).
- Pour the remaining coconut into a bowl. Form the mixture into one inch balls in your hands and then drop into the coconut, toss to coat, and place on a plate (this will be messy, the mixture is very sticky so don’t worry about making perfect balls, it won’t happen).
- Refrigerate for 1 hour before eating or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
~Amanda~
Protein/Energy Balls are all the hype right now, and for very good reason – they are amazing! They’re a perfect boost of energy in the mornings or throughout the day. I love waking up and working out every morning and always need a good energy/protein boost when I’m done, so I pretty much always have some version on these balls made and stored in my fridge for a quick little bite after I’m done. I pack them with as many good-for-you, clean ingredients as I can and make them raw, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and paleo so they are nothing but good for you and give you the perfect boost of energy (and muscle-repairing protein) you need before or after a good work out – or just as a yummy snack or treat to give you a boost of energy during the day! Plus these Coconut Vanilla balls are great for curbing hunger because they contain protein, nuts, flax seed, and coconut oil so you’re not craving more food anytime soon!
Let’s talk protein powder real quick before we get into the recipe – a lot of people hear the words ‘protein powder’ and instantly get the image of big body builders in their minds. But, that’s not what you should be thinking… as a woman, if you’re working out and trying to get TONED (not bulky, but toned), getting your pre/post work out protein is super important to getting good results. Protein helps build and repair tissues in our bodies as well as aids in the production of enzymes and hormones. I also am set on using plant based protein powders and not whey based. Plant based protein powders are just as effective and cause so much less stress on your digestive system and if you have any lactose/dairy sensitivities, I would highly recommend them, you’ll definitely see a difference.
Now, how do you make these delicious protein balls!? First, pulse some cashews in a food processor until they are finely ground. Then add in some dates, shredded coconut, ground flax seed, vanilla protein powder, coconut oil, and water. Once the mixture is made, refrigerate for about 30 minutes so it’s a little bit easier to work with and form into balls. Next, place some shredded coconut into a bowl and then form the mixture into balls and roll it in the coconut and place on a plate. WARNING – This is messy! The mixture is going to be sticky from the dates, so don’t be alarmed, once you get the balls rolled in coconut they’ll be a little easier to work with and form. After you make all the balls, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and enjoy as a delicious boost of protein and energy before and/or after your work outs!
