AWWW yeah, the energy balls are back, baby! I meant to post this recipe last summer, but lemon balm was out of season by the time I got around to it... But it's here now! Lemon balm is the flavor of summer, and paired with raspberry, these energy balls can't be beat and will help you beat the summer heat. See what I did there? Anyways... these energy balls are delicious and nutritious, but I think I should really call them "tranquility balls" because the lemon balm herb has calming and relaxing properties. But still, these energy balls are great and perfect for summer, with a bright magenta color for all the summer vibes.
These energy balls are delectable and are vegan, gluten-free, fruit-sweetened, naturally colored, and are so quick and easy to make!
For the sake of brevity and getting this recipe posted, I'm going to keep this post short.
Future Recipes Sneak Peek
Wanna hear 5 new recipes I'm working on that are on their way to The Dimpled Date ASAP? Keep reading! 5 new recipes that are perfected or that I'm experimenting with are:
Vegan/GF Vodka Penne (tastes like the real deal!)
Bananas Foster Overnight Oats
Barbie Cocktail/Mocktail (pink, fruity, and sweet!)
Barbie Mochi Ice Cream
Barbie Boba (Barbie Bubble Tea w/ Dalgona Strawberry)
...AND MORE! Keep posted for the latest & greatest!
Enjoy!
-K.
Raspberry Lemon Balm Energy Balls (Vegan, GF, Fruit-Sweetened, Natural, No-Bake)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Chill Time: 30 to 45 minutes (as needed)
Total Time: up to 1 hour (I know this sounds intimidating, but it's mostly optional chilling time)
Makes: abt 12 energy balls
Ingredients:
-1 cup Medjool dates, soaked in hot water for 5 to 15 min
-1/2 cup coconut butter, softened
-1/4 cup raw unsalted cashews (can sub raw unsalted almonds)
-1/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats (AKA gluten-free old-fashioned oats)
-1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, bought or picked fresh from your herb garden and rinsed well
-1/2 tsp lemon zest
-1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
-3/8 tsp natural raspberry extract
-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-pinch sea salt (optional)
-1 tsp to 1 Tbsp red dragon fruit powder (AKA red pitaya powder // optional // to naturally color the balls a raspberry hue // depending on how pink you want it. Less for a "rose gold" effect, more for a vibrant raspberry hue)
Directions:
1. Make sure you soak the dates and soften the coconut butter ahead of time. Line a baking sheet or large plate w/ parchment paper. Pick and rinse the lemon balm leaves and juice & zest the lemon.
2. Add the soaked & drained dates to a food processor along with the softened coconut butter, cashews, and oats. Blend until combined and a dough forms.
3. Add the lemon balm leaves, lemon juice & zest, raspberry extract, vanilla, and salt to the food processor and blend until incorporated.
4. (Optionally): Add the dragon fruit powder to the food processor and blend until incorporated and the dough is pinkish-red. If you used 1 tsp and want more color, you can add up to 2 more tsp dragon fruit powder (1 Tbsp total at maximum).
5. If needed, chill the energy ball dough in the fridge until firm enough to roll into balls, at least 30 minutes.
6. Once the dough is firm enough to roll into balls, remove it from the fridge and using a 1.5 Tbsp cookie scoop or 1 Tbsp measuring spoon, scoop up a chunk of the dough and roll it between the palms of your hands to form a ball. Place onto the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
7. Serve as is, or if desired, pop in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving for a cooler, more solid treat. Serve as a snack, a pick-me up on the go, or as a post-workout reward. Enjoy!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts:
Per Serving (1 energy ball):
Calories: 174 Total Fat: 12 grams Saturated Fat: 10 grams
Sodium: 1% (DV) Total Carbohydrates: 16 grams Fiber: 4 grams
Sugars: 10 grams* Protein: 2 grams Calcium: 1% (DV) Iron: 5% (DV)
Potassium: 2% (DV)
*Please note that the sugars in this recipe come from fruit, so they don't count towards your daily limit of sugar intake. The sugar in fruit is natural and the fruit comes w/ many other beneficial nutrients, such as fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins & minerals. Fiber is esp. beneficial because it slows the release of the natural fruit sugar into the bloodstream, meaning its glycemic index is low.
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