Fig & Date Energy Balls with Orange and Salted Cashews (plant-based)

dried figs

🥗Healthier: fresh figs

💰Cheaper: raisins

Fresh figs are lower in sugar, while raisins are more economical.

almonds

🥗Healthier: pumpkin seeds

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Pumpkin seeds are nutrient-rich, and sunflower seeds are often less expensive.

walnuts

🥗Healthier: pecans

💰Cheaper: peanuts

Pecans offer similar flavor, while peanuts are generally cheaper.

cocoa powder

🥗Healthier: carob powder

💰Cheaper: unsweetened chocolate

Carob powder is caffeine-free, while unsweetened chocolate can be more affordable.

Add the salted and roasted cashew nuts to your nutriblender/food processor and blend for about 10 seconds until the nuts are relatively powdered.

Prepare your orange zest using the mid-size (finer) grate holes on your multi-purpose box grater to grate enough peel off your orange to fill one tablespoon.

Add the dates, figs, baking cocoa/cocoa powder, chia seeds and fresh orange zest to the bowl/container with the powdered cashew nuts. Use your nutriblender/food processor to pulse/blend the ingredients until they are well mixed.

Squeeze the orange juice from the orange where you got the orange zest.

Add the blended ingredients to a baking bowl. Add freshly squeezed orange juice and maple syrup to the rest of the ingredients and mix well using a spoon or fork.

Take about a non-topped tablespoon of dough and shape it into a ball form using your hands. For me, this recipe makes 10 energy balls, but if you like your treats smaller or bigger then make them the perfect size for you.

Enjoy the energy balls right away or add them to an airtight container and place them in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you let them cool down in the fridge you allow time for the chia seeds to soak up some of the moisture and become softer, and the energy balls will also get a firmer texture when they are cold.

If you wish to make your energy bites look even more appetizing, you can roll them in chopped cashew nuts (salted and roasted) right before serving them.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens