Description
These Espresso Energy Balls are a perfect no-bake, vegan snack packed with natural energy boosters from espresso, walnuts, and dates. Ideal for a quick pick-me-up, they combine rich cacao flavor with a hint of coffee, creating a deliciously satisfying treat that’s gluten-free and made with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup walnuts
- 3 tablespoons raw cacao powder (or regular cocoa powder)
- 1 scoop vegan protein powder (or substitute 2 tablespoons coconut flour)
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 8 pitted Medjool dates, softened
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
Optional
- 1 tablespoon dried unsweetened coconut, for rolling
Instructions
- Process Oats and Walnuts: Place the rolled oats and walnuts into a food processor and blend until they become fine crumbs. This step creates the base texture of the energy balls.
- Add Dates: Add the softened Medjool dates to the food processor and pulse again until the mixture holds together, forming a sticky dough.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Incorporate the vegan protein powder, raw cacao powder, dissolved espresso, almond milk, and pinch of salt into the processor. Pulse until a uniform dough forms that sticks to the blade.
- Shape the Balls: Scoop the dough and roll it into about 15 one-inch balls. This size is perfect for quick, bite-sized energy boosts.
- Optional Coating: Roll the formed balls in dried unsweetened coconut if desired to add texture and extra flavor.
- Store: Place the energy balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator or freezer to keep firm and fresh.
Notes
- Soften Medjool dates by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes if they are too hard.
- These energy balls are naturally sweetened by dates; no additional sugar is needed.
- You can substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans if preferred.
- For a caffeine-free version, omit the espresso powder and replace with an equal amount of cocoa powder.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: espresso energy balls, vegan energy balls, no bake snack, healthy snack, gluten free snack, vegan protein bites, cacao energy balls
