Have you ever wished that you had the ultimate base recipe for energy balls? One that was delicious on its own, but neutral enough in flavour that you could add to it whatever takes your fancy? Us too, so we did some work in our test kitchen and came up with this beauty of a recipe.
Simple and delicious, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again. Each time with the confidence to customize the energy ball recipe to suit your tastes and wellness goals. Energy balls are so simple to make! They require no cooking, taste great, are super portable, and are the perfect vehicle to add your favourite superfoods.
Don’t be intimidated – put on your apron, and pull out that food processor. Once you get in the habit of making these you’ll always want to have a batch on hand in your fridge or freezer.
Optional Boosters
Superfoods & Flavours |
Why include me? |
| Grass fed or wild caught marine collagen powder (we suggest 2 scoops Sproos grass fed or wild-caught marine collagen) | Adding collagen to your diet promotes better skin and hair, and supports gut and joint health. Plus, it is a clean source of protein and is flavourless, perfect for incorporating into many recipes. |
| Moringa powder | Moringa leaf powder a is highly nutritious green food which is rich in various antioxidants, including quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Great to add to your diet for its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine qualities. Adding mint and/or lemon or lime zest can help balance the stronger flavour of moringa. |
| Spirulina powder | One of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, this blue green algae is naturally rich in essential amino acids, iron and antioxidants. Studies show many benefits including detoxing heaving metals, improving candida, and lowering blood pressure. |
| Probiotic powder | Probiotics promote gut health and improve our immunity. They are also flavourless, and a small amount goes a long way. Simply break open a couple probiotic capsules and add the powder inside to the base ingredients. |
| Ashwagandha powder | An ancient medicinal herb, Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps our body manage stress. It also helps lower blood sugar levels, reduce cortisol, boost brain function and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression. |
| Baobab powder | With a slightly sour, fruity taste, baobab mixes well with fruit and citrus flavours. This powder is made from the fruit of African baobab tree and is very rich in vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants. |
| Turmeric | We all know this powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant! Turmeric tastes best paired with warm spices like cinnamon and also zesty ginger. |
| Cinnamon | One of the healthiest and best tasting spices on earth, cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant, is anti-fungal and anti-microbial, and helps regulate blood sugar. |
| Fresh grated or powdered ginger | Ginger is wonderful for adding zesty, peppery flavour. It is rich in therapeutic compounds and is soothing for digestion as well as being anti-fungal. |
| Lemon, orange or lime zest | Citrus zest adds a zingy, fresh flavour, and orange peel in particular has shown to be beneficial for heart as well as digestive health. |
| Freeze dried powdered berries like blueberries or raspberries | Berries are rich in anti-oxidants, and full of flavour! And, dried berries, because they are dehydrated, are easy to include in energy balls because they won’t add moisture like fresh berries would. |
| Mint extract, oil or minced mint leaves | Bright and fresh, mint is a delicious compliment to cacao and can also help balance the flavour of spirulina or moringa. It is also known to be great for digestion. |
| Raw cacao powder or cacao nibs | Raw cacao powder or cacao nibs add delicious dark chocolate flavour and are incredibly rich in anti-oxidants and also in magnesium. |
RECIPE
PREP TIME: 20 min / TOTAL TIME: 20 min
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup packed pitted Medjool dates
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 3/4 cup (60 g) unsweetened find coconut
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
METHOD
- Put all the base ingredients in a food processor, and processor until very fine and coming together into a mass.
- Add your superfood and flavour inclusions, typically between 1 teaspoon and 2 tablespoons depending on your choices, pulsing to combine. (Tip- Add a small amount at a time and then taste to make sure the flavour is what you are hoping for.)
- Roll tablespoon size amounts of the mixture into balls using your hands, then place on a tray or plate.
- Cover and refrigerate, or, if you prefer, freeze.
- These energy balls will keep well in the fridge for about a week, or in the freezer for three months.
