Almond Cacao Balls

These little heavenly balls taste like chocolate truffles, but they're full of good stuff: healthy fats from the almonds, hemp and coconut, natural sugars from the dates, and antioxidants from the raw cacao powder and cacao nibs. You can make them on the weekend and keep them in the fridge for your snack needs throughout the week.

I find that using high-quality vanilla in this recipe makes a world of a difference! I've been using an amazing vanilla extract I got in Mexico last winter and it really makes them so much more delicious. I highly recommend that you get your hands on a good one.

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Almond Cacao Energy Balls

Makes 16 balls

Ingredients

• 200 g. soft pitted dates (approx 12 large Medjool dates)

• 1/2 cup raw almonds

• 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats

• 1/4 cup shredded coconut

• 1/4 cup hemp hearts

• 1/4 cup almond butter

• 1/4 cup cacao powder

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp plant-based milk (almond, cashew, oat, etc.), or more as needed

• 1/4 cup raw cacao nibs

Instructions

1. Place all the ingredients except the milk and cacao nibs in your food processor, pulse a few times to get things moving, then blend on high.

2. Stop the machine, add the milk (you might need more or less depending on how soft your dates are), and pulse again. Add more milk if needed until you get a sticky paste and the mixture holds together when you press it between your fingers.

3. Then add the cacao nibs and pulse a few more times to combine.

4. Roll into 1-inch balls. Then roll the balls in shredded coconut or cacao powder if you'd like (optional).

5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and grab one every time you’re hungry or are craving something sweet.:)