Cacao Coconut Energy Balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
• ½ cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• ½ cup protein powder (whey, casein, pea, or your choice)
• ¼ cup nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew)
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional Coatings
• Shredded coconut
• Cacao powder
• Chopped nuts

Instructions

1. 1.Soak dates (optional): if your dates are very dry, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes to soften. Drain well.
2. 2.Add dates, oats, protein powder, nut butter, chia seeds, flaxseed meal, almond milk, vanilla, and salt to a food processor.
3. 3.Blend until the mixture sticks together and forms a soft, slightly sticky dough. If too dry, add 1 tsp more almond milk at a time.
4. 4.Scoop and roll into 1-inch balls using your hands.
5. 5.If desired, roll each ball in shredded coconut, cacao powder, or chopped nuts for extra flavour and texture.
6. 6.Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
7. 7.Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer shelf life.