Almond Joy Energy Balls {Gluten-Free & Vegan}
These Almond Joy Energy Balls should really be changed to Almond Joy Snack Balls, because they’re great for popping when you have a fierce craving for chocolate but want to maintain a wholesome diet.
I’m kind of obsessed with energy balls. I’ve made several versions in the past (Cherry Pie, Peanut Butter Oat, Chocolate Chip…), and they are by far my most popular recipes, so I’m guessing you’re a bit smitten with energy balls as well. Hey, we have something in common!
What’s not to love, really? They’re sweet, wholesome, and, in this case, gluten-free and vegan. They’re the very definition of the phrase “snack happy,” because not only are you happy as you pack them into your mouth like an acorn-loving squirrel, but you’re body is jumping for joy at the thought of not having to chew on processed food. Everybody wins!
I’ve been known to make a batch of energy balls, and then proceed to eat said batch in t-minus 2 days. When I know I have a batch in stock and ready to go, that’s all I can think about. The good thing about healthy, wholesome snacks is that you can eat, and eat, and eat some more without having to feel guilty. Not that I routinely feel guilty about the food I eat, but you get my point.
These chocolate-y balls are rich in protein and fiber, and that’s all thanks to Bob’s Red Mill. I used a combination of their Almond Flour and Golden Flaxseed Meal in this recipe. These decadent balls wouldn’t be considered almond joy without the addition of coconut and chocolate, so I toasted some coconut and added chocolate in two different forms, cocoa powder and antioxidant rich dark chocolate.
To keep these energy balls healthy and wholesome, I sweetened them with pure maple syrup and a handful of dates.
Pop away, friends!
Almond Joy Energy Balls
This healthy version of the famous chocolate bar is guilt-free snacking. They’re rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 1/3 cup almond flour (such as Bob’s Red Mill)
- 1 cup shredded coconut, toasted
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped
- heaping 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
- Add the oats to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 4-5 times to break up the oats.
- Add the flaxseed meal, almond flour, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and dates to the food processor. Pulse until mixture looks like wet sand. Add the remaining ingredients to the food processor and pulse until mixture begins to form a dough-like ball.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, pressing the dough together in the palm of your hand as you roll.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
1. For a gluten-free version of these energy balls, use certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats in place of regular oats.
2. To keep these energy balls vegan, use vegan-friendly cocoa powder and chocolate.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bob’s Red Mill. All opinions are 100% my own.