Vegan coconut Quinoa Energy Bites are no-bake energy balls. These balls are made with healthy ingredients such as Quinoa, hemp seeds, coconut, and dates. All these items provide natural sweetness, that’s why we do not need to add an extra amount of sweetness. It is free of processed sugar and gluten. These vegan coconut Quinoa Energy Bites are a full package of wholesome nutrients such as dietary fiber, antioxidants, carbohydrates, iron, and protein. Let’s move toward the recipe.
EQUIPMENT:
- High-speed food blender
- Baking tray
INGREDIENTS:
- 12 to 15 Medjool dates about 1 1/2 cups
- Unsweetened grated coconut half a cup
- Almond butter 2 tbsps
- Vegan-friendly Chai flavored protein powder 3 tbsps
- Hemp Seeds 2 tbsp
- Ground Cinnamon 1 tsp
- Nutmeg half a teaspoon
- Vegan-friendly quinoa crispies
- Water- if required
INGREDIENT NOTES:
Medjool dates:
- These dates are perfect for this recipe. The texture of these dates is soft, velvety, and slightly chewed.
Coconut:
- I used unsweetened coconut to avoid adding extra sugar amount to the balls.
Protein powder:
- Make sure to buy vegan-friendly protein powder. Because some protein powders are made from animal components that are not appropriate for a plant-based diet..
Quinoa:
- The main role of this item is to provide texture and protein to the balls.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Put the Medjool dates in the food grinder.
- Pulse it for thirty seconds, or until crumbly and thick.
- Next, process the unsweetened coconut into the dates until it is evenly mixed.
- Then, add almond butter, protein powder, hemp seeds, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the operating blender.
- Mix it until a dough starts to appear.
- After that, gradually add water at each step to the dough if it appears dry until it sticks together.
- Then, add the quinoa crispies and mix to combine.
- Shape the dough into round-sized balls, yielding 14 to 10 balls.
- Place the balls on a baking tray fitted with baking paper.
- Chill it for half an hour to solidify it.
- The crunchy and healthy energy bites are ready.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
Chai tea:
- Pair energy bites with a warm cup of chai tea made with plant-based milk for a cozy treat.
Coffee:
- Accompany these balls with coffee and enjoy.
Dessert bites:
- Serve energy balls as a healthier dessert option.
Post-workout snack:
- Enjoy it after an exercise or any intensive activity.
Oatmeal:
- Serve the bites alongside oatmeal and fresh fruits.
TIPS:
Premium-quality items:
- Choose fresh and good-quality ingredients, such as grated coconut and Medjool dates.
Soak the dates:
- Dip the dates in normal water for a few hours to make the dates more tender and simpler to combine.
Coconut:
- We used the right type of unsweetened coconut.
Salt:
- Add a dash of salt to preserve the dates and coconut sweetness.
Binding agent:
- Almond butter or other varieties of butter like cashew butter can be used as a binding agent.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
Fridge:
- Save the energy balls in a closed box and refrigerate it for one to two weeks.
Freezer:
- You can store these balls in the freezer for two to three months.
FAQs:
Are these energy bites vegan-friendly?
- Yes, these energy balls are suitable for vegan followers and are made with completely plant-based ingredients.
Can I use several kinds of protein powder?
- The chai-flavored protein powder can be replaced with other types of protein powder, such as hemp or pea protein powder.
How do I ensure the energy bites stick together?
- Make sure to add enough dates and almond butter to bind the ingredients together so that the energy bites stay together.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION/SERVING:
Total Amount 16 balls
Total Calories 92 kcal
Carbohydrates 12 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Protein 3 g
Sugar 9 g
Total Fat 4 g
Sodium 8 mg
Iron 0.6 mg
