These coconut nut balls are perfect for on the go snacking and full of healthy fats and protein. Decadent enough for dessert, healthy enough for breakfast.
It has been entirely too long since the last “ball” recipe graced this blog and what better time to bust one out than a 4 day jaunt to California this week? If I had to give this work trip a hashtag it would be #fueledbyballs.
I’ve got 10 of these nutty delights individually wrapped and shoved in my bag for the week. A girl should never be without her balls.
Eating healthy on the road is enough of a challenge.
Eating paleo on the road is akin to trying not to be annoyed at the person in the seat behind you on an airplane using your seat as a punching bag for a 6 hour flight.
So far, (1 day into this trip) I’ve spent $32 at Balducci’s in JFK purchasing a roast beef sandwich to dissect and use the meat on top of the $9 mixed greens salad, a fruit bowl for $6, a V8 (I’ve never had a legit, no fruit, just tomato, original V8 before yesterday. It was…interesting) and a 10pm second dinner of a meat + gauc + veggie bowl from Chipotle.
It would’ve been way easier to grab a couple carb fest baguette sandwiches and call it lunch/dinner/second dinner like I normally would’ve and be done with the meals but I’m hanging on for the last few days of this self-imposed challenge (all bets are off in Italy later this month).
Hence, the balls.
They’re paleo friendly, filled with nuts, coconut and coconut butter (alternatively named coconut crack in my house) and perfect for snacking.
They were also made 1 hour before discovering the beetle infestation in the pantry.
Thankfully, the beetles seemed to only be in the grain-like stuff, not the nuts. And if I’m wrong about that, they’re chopped up small enough from the food processor that I can’t tell and they happen to go really well with coconut.
I have a few energy bite go-to recipes like these oat almond and date bites or these peanut butter chocolate chip bites but these coconut nut balls are now on that list too for their ease and delicious taste!
Coconut Nut Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup raisins, or dried cherries soaked in hot water for 5 minutes
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, plus another 1/4 cup for rolling (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- cinnamon to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon
- 11/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon coconut butter
Instructions
- Combine all three nuts in a food processor and pulse a few times until they are finely chopped.
- Add remaining ingredients (except additional 1/4 cup coconut flakes for rolling) to the food processor and process until the mixture comes together and starts to stick. This will only take about 1 minute.
- Transfer mixture to a small bowl.
- Pour remaining coconut flakes into a dish.
- Roll nut mixture into balls using your hands then place in the dish and roll in coconut flakes.
- You can eat them as is or transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet and refrigerate to firm them up a bit.
- Once refrigerated for about an hour, they can be wrapped up individually for easy snacking.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
These look amazing! Will be trying something similar pretty soon :)
Loved this recipe used a trail mix in it it work
i know this is an older post but JUST made them and delicious! Been trying the paleo lifestyle and needed a sweet treat. After ten minutes in the freezer they were perfect! Thanks!
Hey there! I just wanted to say that I just came across your blog and LOVE all your recipes!!!! I’m a paleo lover and am always looking for new fun things to try. Keep up your great work! :)
Allison
facebook.com/AllisonTonesItUp
I just bought a bag of coconut with no real purpose
So glad you posted this! I have been in the mood for coconut lately. And of course a ball recipe is always appreciated ;)
Yum! I love balls like this. I seriously laughed about your beetle in the food processor comment. Totally gross, but funny :D
I always laugh when I see more balls pop up. Have a safe trip!
Your balls look very appetizing and I couldn’t help but laugh at your beetle infestation. I guess you should be happy that your balls and nuts are ok. ;)
Eating healthy while traveling always feels ridiculously impossible. I definitely admire your commitment. And love these balls!