Sea Salt + Dark Chocolate Quinoa Energy Balls
Try this Sea Salt + Dark Chocolate Quinoa Energy Balls recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Sea Salt + Dark Chocolate Quinoa Energy Balls recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1 1/2 cups medjool dates pitted (about 15)
- 1 cup walnuts (or pecans)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- 1/4 cup quinoa crispies (learn how to make them at home)
- 1 (3 oz) bar of vegan dark chocolate (i like this va
- flaked sea salt to garnish (i use this one)
- Carbohydrate 3.83945999719713 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 9.24243499219372 g
- Fiber 0.923274997043649 g
- Protein 2.38218499800814 g
- Saturated Fat 0.877554999260054 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (17g)
- Sodium 437.811249998547 mg
- Sugar 2.91618500015349 g
- Trans Fat 0.429088999640463 g
- Calories 101 calories
Step-by-step
- To the food processor, add the dates. Process until broken apart and sticky, about 30 seconds.
- Add walnuts and process until ground and evenly distributed in the dates.
- With the food processor running, add the remaining ingredients (minus the crispies and chocolate bar) and process until a dough begins to form. You should be able to pinch it between your fingers and it will stay together.
- Pulse in the quinoa crispies.
- Form the dough into golf ball-sized truffles (you should get 14 - 16 balls).
- Place the ball on a parchment lined baking sheet and set aside.
- Melt the chocolate bar over a double boiler. Once melted, dip the top of each ball into the melted chocolate and return them to the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes while the chocolate is still shiny.
- Allow energy balls to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until chocolate has set, then serve.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days.
My Go-To Energy Balls: A Quick and Delicious Recipe
Let me tell you, juggling work, kids, and everything else life throws at me can be exhausting! Finding quick, healthy snacks that actually taste good is a constant struggle. That's where these Sea Salt + Dark Chocolate Quinoa Energy Balls come in. I discovered this recipe a few months ago and haven’t looked back. They're the perfect solution for those mid-afternoon slumps or pre-workout boosts. What makes them so special? They're incredibly easy to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and oh-so-delicious. Forget those sugary store-bought energy bars; these homemade delights are far superior.
Honestly, the best part is how adaptable this recipe is. I’ve experimented with different nuts and seeds, and even added dried cranberries or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture. The base recipe is already a winner, but the possibilities are endless. The combination of the dark chocolate’s richness and the subtle saltiness is addictive, making it hard to stop at just one – though I try! The quinoa crispies add a delightful crunch, offering a pleasant textural contrast to the soft, chewy center. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy all in one bite.
Why I Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: These energy balls come together in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with natural energy from dates, walnuts, and quinoa. They provide sustained energy without the sugar crash.
- Delicious and Customizable: The combination of dark chocolate and sea salt is heavenly, and you can easily customize the ingredients to your liking.
- Perfect for On-the-Go: These little energy bombs are portable and perfect for packing in your lunch bag or purse for a quick snack.
Tips and Variations:
- Nut Alternatives: Feel free to swap out the walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even a mix of your favorites.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Dried cranberries, shredded coconut, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds all make delicious additions.
- Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of dark chocolate – milk chocolate or even white chocolate would also work beautifully.
- Storage: Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Beyond the practical aspects, making these energy balls has become a little ritual for me. It's a moment of calm amidst the chaos, a chance to slow down and focus on creating something delicious and healthy for myself and my family. The process is simple, almost meditative – the whirring of the food processor, the satisfying thud as I roll the balls, the gentle melt of the dark chocolate. It's a small act of self-care that brings a big reward: a delicious and energy-boosting treat.
So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed or in need of a quick energy boost, give these Sea Salt + Dark Chocolate Quinoa Energy Balls a try. You might just discover your new favorite snack, too! And trust me, your taste buds (and your energy levels) will thank you for it.
