Tropical Walnut Energy Balls
This post was sponsored by California Walnuts, but (as always!) all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the companies that make Lake Shore Lady possible!
It’s been a while since I made a batch of energy balls, but now that I’ve made this tropical flavor, I want them in my fridge at ALL TIMES. Sure, we don’t really need “on the go” snacks at the moment, but if you’re still busy with work and/or your kids, they’re SO nice to have on hand when you’re craving a snack during the day. I especially like them as a post workout treat!
Not only are these particular energy bites crazy delicious (they taste like a pina colada!), but they’re also really satisfying. That’s mostly thanks to walnuts, which has an incredible combination of protein, fiber, and good fats (omega-3 fatty acids ALA). Walnuts are also good for your heart, brain, and gut health, which is why I always have them on hand. Pro Tip: Keep them in your refrigerator so they last longer!
I also love this recipe because I only added 1 date to sweeten them! A lot of energy ball recipes have honey or maple syrup, but with the natural sweetness of (unsweetened!!!) pineapple along with the date, you don’t need it at all. No unnecessary sugar crash here! They’re also gluten free, which is nice if you have any allergies or intolerances in your household.
Tropical Walnut Energy Balls
Ingredients
1.5 cups California walnuts
2 tbsp coconut oil (firm at room temperature)
1 cup unsweetened dried pineapple
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (+ more for rolling)
1 medjool date (remove the pit)
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients to a food processor. If the dates you have are very firm, pour boiling water over the one you want to use and let it soak for 10 minutes. Then add it to your food processor – just don’t forget to remove the pit!
Process the mixture on high for 1-2 minutes until all of the pieces are chopped up into a crumbly consistency.
To form the balls, grab about a tablespoon of mixture and squeeze it in your hand so it sticks together. Form into a ball and set aside.
Roll each ball in shredded coconut so the outside is fully coated.
Transfer to a plate and let them set in the fridge for 30 minutes. After that, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for the rest of the week!
Energy Ball Variations
If you want to stick with the tropical theme, you could also add dried unsweetened mango or even a little lime juice into these balls. If you want to go a completely different direction, the possibilities are endless! Add your favorite dried fruits, peanut butter (or any of your favorite nut butters!), chia seeds, flax seeds… there so many options. I also love these Mint Chocolate Coconut Truffles (definitely a little more like dessert) that I made last year if you want to follow another recipe. So good!
Tips To Making Energy Balls
Only use unsweetened fruit!
Dried fruit is naturally really sweet, so make sure that you buy unsweetened fruit without any added sugar!
Press instead of roll.
If you’re making a ball, it feels natural to try to roll it like cookie dough or a meatball… but you actually need to PRESS the mixture together! If you press and form vs. roll, you’ll be much more successful!
Keep them in on layer when you first refrigerate them.
Instead of throwing them in a container right away, it’s helpful to keep them on a plate in one layer so they can firm up. After 30 minutes in the fridge, they’ll hold together really well so you can stack them.
Store them in the fridge in an airtight container.
After they have firmed, stack them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about a week.
If you make this recipe and enjoy it, I would love it if you left a comment rating below! (You can also just rate it without a comment.) All you need to enter is your name and email address. Thanks in advance!!!
Tropical Walnut Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups walnuts
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (firm at room temperature)
- 1 cup unsweetened dried pineapple
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (+ more for rolling)
- 1 medjool date (remove the pit)
Instructions
1. Add all of the ingredients to a food processor. If the dates you have are very firm, pour boiling water over the one you want to use and let it soak for 10 minutes. Then add it to your food processor - just don't forget to remove the pit!
2. Process the mixture on high for 1-2 minutes until all of the pieces are chopped up into a crumbly consistency.
3. To form the balls, grab about a tablespoon of mixture and squeeze it in your hand so it sticks together. Form into a ball and set aside.
4. Roll each ball in shredded coconut so the outside is fully coated.
5. Transfer to a plate and let them set in the fridge for 30 minutes. After that, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for the rest of the week! (If they last!)
Want to remember these Tropical Walnut Energy Balls later? Pin the image below!
PS. You might also like Pear & Walnut Oatmeal, Walnut Hummus, and Honey Mustard Walnut Crusted Salmon!
