For a wholesome, on-the-go option, try these chocolate cherry pecan energy balls. They’re perfect for school snacks, desk drawers or quick afternoon energy, and they fit almost any dietary need.
Chocolate Cherry Pecan Energy Balls are a Plant-Based Pick-Me-Up
A smattering of dates give these wholesome snacks just the right amount of sweetness. But here are some tips for adjusting the taste as desired.
Choose Your Cherries Wisely. If you have sugar-free needs, be sure to pick dried cherries that are unsweetened. I prefer to use unsweetened dark sweet cherries, which are usually Bing cherries – a common sweet cherry. You can use tart cherries, but they will make less sweet energy balls.
Get Your Chocolate Fix. You can omit the powdered cocoa coating, or you can go for an even bigger chocolate hit. You can roll the balls in crunchy cacao nibs, or add some cacao nibs to the mixture before rolling. If you’re in a sweet mood, go ahead and add some dairy-free mini chocolate chips!
Go Grain Free. You can substitute your favorite dairy-free protein powder for the oats, if desired. The texture will be a little smoother and a little thicker, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing!
This recipe with photo for Chocolate Cherry Pecan Energy Balls was shared with us by AmericanPecan.com.
Special Diet Notes: Chocolate Cherry Pecan Energy Balls
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
- 1 cup toasted pecan halves or pieces
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 4 pitted medjool dates
- ¼ cup old-fashioned oats (certified gluten-free, if needed)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, plus additional, for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add the toasted pecans, dried cherries, dates, oats, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, and vanilla extract to your food processor. Pulse until the ingredients begin to bind and form loose, dough-like ball.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in additional cocoa powder.
- Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 1 week, and can be frozen to enjoy later.
Key Pantry Supplies: Chocolate Cherry Pecan Energy Balls
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2 Comments
WOW I have just got to say that your recipes are just fabulous!!!!! I know that the recipes aren’t always vegan/plant based but you go the extra mile and give vegan options when able. Your extra effort is really appreciated!! It is very noticeable that you invest a lot of time, energy, creativity and care in all your recipes. Thank you for sharing them with us!!!! You ROCK!!! ~:o)
Thank you Jennifer!