These delectable coconut date balls are perfect for a quick breakfast, a midmorning or post workout snack or for a dessert treat!
These Coconut Date Balls have been one of my most requested recipes from friends and family. After a few years of trying many different combinations of flavors and ingredients for the perfect protein energy ball, I have settled on five simple ingredients.
Ingredients
1 cup cashews
25 pitted dates
3/4 cup of cashew butter*
1 tsp salt
unsweetened finely shredded coconut flakes
*Any nut butter would work, however, I find that the cashew butter gives the date balls a creamier texture so they are almost caramel-like. I have tried these with peanut butter and almond butter and the texture is a bit more crumbly.
Directions:
Grind cashews in a food processor until they are very fine.
Add in dates and salt until a smooth dough forms.
Add in cashew butter and pulse until it fully incorporates into the dough.
Roll small bite-size balls of dough in shredded coconut flakes .
Place on a tray in a single layer and freeze for one hour.
Transfer to a freezer safe container and keep frozen.
Thaw for 10 minutes and enjoy!
Dates have an excellent nutrition profile and many health benefits. They contain several vitamins and minerals including iron, potassium, B vitamins, copper and magnesium. They are also a great source of fiber and antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect your cells from free radicals which may cause harmful reactions in your body, leading to chronic illness and disease.
Dates appear to have the highest antioxidant content when compared to other similar dried fruits. The antioxidants found in dates are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Dates are very high in fiber. The fiber in dates can help benefit your digestive health by promoting regularly formed bowel movements and prevention of constipation. Consuming adequate fiber in your diet can also help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol which may lower your risk of heart disease.
Dates are naturally very sweet which comes from fructose, a natural sugar. They are an excellent alternative to refined sugar in recipes and can be used in baked goods, smoothies, sauces and protein balls such as these coconut date balls. Look for more recipes to come using dates as a heathy refined sugar-free alternative!
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