This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
This coconut energy balls recipe makes for sweet, chewy, and kid-approved bites! They’re made with healthy ingredients, and my family swears they taste like candy!
Table of Contents
Low-effort and high reward with coconut energy balls.
When I’m hungry, it’s not always convenient. In the event I don’t have time to make an elaborate lunch, I turn to energy balls and bars. Since my family claims these coconut balls taste exactly like Bounty Bars, we make them often.
These energy balls are surprisingly filling, and they fit into any time of day, whether we need to fill lunchboxes or have a late-night treat. You only need a blender, and they’re freezer-friendly, so you can make them in bulk and store them for months.
If you love no-bake energy bites, try my almond butter balls, protein balls, or peanut butter oatmeal balls next.
Key ingredients
- Almonds. I used almonds because I’m obsessed with Almond Joys, but you could use any nut, like pecans or cashews.
- Shredded coconut. I prefer unsweetened shredded coconut since we’re using dates for sweetness. Avoid coconut flakes, as they’re too big and will make the balls fall apart.
- Medjool dates. These are the only dates in my pantry. Not only are they soft and sweet, but when they’re blended, they taste exactly like caramel! Buy them pitted or pit them before blending.
- Cocoa powder. Use Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder for a mild, earthy chocolate flavor.
How to make coconut energy balls
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Blend. Using a blender or food processor, blend the almonds, one cup of coconut, and dates. Once smooth, blend the cocoa powder.
Step 2- Adjust texture. Add splashes of liquid as needed to get a smooth, cohesive batter.
Step 3- Shape. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add the remaining coconut to a plate. Shape the batter into 12 balls and toss them in the coconut.
Step 4- Chill. Place the balls on a plate and chill until firm.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Lightly oil your hands. So the batter doesn’t get messy. I like to use coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor. Or use a lightly greased cookie scoop.
- Add more sweetness. Taste the mixture, and if it’s not sweet enough, add a little maple syrup or honey.
Variations
- Make energy bars. When I don’t feel like rolling the dough into balls, I’ll press it into a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Once firm, slice them into bars.
- Nut-free. Use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or hemp seeds.
- Omit coconut. Replace them with oats.
- Mix-ins. Add 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate chips, flax seeds, or chia seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Different brands of dates can yield different results. If your batter isn’t smooth or it feels crumbly, add a splash of liquid or maple syrup and continue to mix until it’s smooth.
Coconut Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut divided
- 2 cups Medjool dates pitted
- 3 tablespoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine your almonds, one cup of coconut and dates. Pulse until combined, regularly scraping down the sides. Add your cocoa powder and continue blending until a thick dough remains.
- If the dough is too crumbly, add some liquid (water or milk), one tablespoon at a time, until the batter is thick and smooth.
- Transfer your energy bites dough into a mixing bowl. On a large plate, add the remaining half cup of coconut. Using your hands, form 12 small balls of dough, rolling each one in the coconut until completely covered.
- Place energy balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until firm.
I like the chocolate ball it’s so good my parents love it
Delicious 😋 Simple to make. Thank you for sharing👍