Almond Joy–Inspired Energy Balls
These Almond Joy–Inspired Energy Balls feature the distinctive nuttiness of coconut plus dark chocolate and a creamy almond butter center to deliver all the classic flavors of the popular candy bar. Make these energy balls ahead of time for a grab-and-go breakfast or morning snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates (about 5 ounces)
- 1/3 cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds
- 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup unsalted, unsweetened thick almond butter plus 2 tablespoons, divided
- 2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ounce dark chocolate (70% cacao), broken into pieces
Directions
- Place dates in a small heatproof bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, pulse almonds in a food processor until coarsely chopped, about 8 pulses. Add the drained dates, coconut, 1/4 cup almond butter, coconut oil, cocoa, coconut extract and salt; process until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl; cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon 1 tablespoon date mixture onto a clean work surface; gently press into a 2-inch round (about 1/8-inch thick). Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of the remaining almond butter in the center of the round. Carefully pinch the date mixture around the almond butter to seal; roll between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining date mixture and almond butter.
- Microwave chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl on High until melted, about 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds.
- Drizzle the balls evenly with the melted chocolate. Refrigerate, uncovered, until set, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
