Almond Joy Energy Bites

I am usually not tempted by the candy that stares at me when I check out of the grocery stores. I usually look at it and roll my eyes and think who would really fall for that sneaky marketing genius product placement in America. Oh yeah, pretty much everyone!
On a rare occasion, however, I do find that that sweet blue and brown wrapper stares at me with it’s delicious coconut and almond center, and I cave. It’s delicious.
So I crafted a way to cave a lot more than rarely on a treat that provides a lot more of a nutritional punch than empty sugar calories and a crash in the end. Enter Almond Joy Energy Bites, and you are welcome!
Macros per bite: 60 calories, 4g fat, 6g carbs, 1.5g protein, 1.5g fiber, 4g sugar
Ingredients
  • 2 cups dates, pitted (100g)
  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • 1-2 T. unsweetened almond milk (optional, if needed)
Instructions
  1. Put 1/2 cup of coconut flakes into the food processor and process to break up flakes slightly (about 1 minute). Do not over-process or it will become coconut butter.
  2. Remove flakes and set aside
  3. Place dates in the food processor and process until they have broken up and come together into a ball.
  4. Break up date ball with hands and add in almonds, cocoa powder, 1/4 cup of coconut flakes and sea salt.
  5. Process for several minutes, scrapping down the sides as needed.
  6. Add in vanilla and almond extract and 1 T of almond milk.
  7. Process until mixture comes back together into a ball. If it doesn’t do this, add in 1 more tablespoon of almond milk.
  8. Remove mixture from the food processor and roll into 20 balls.
  9. Roll each ball in the remaining 1/4c coconut flakes.
  10. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for several weeks.
Notes
Posted in Food, Recipes