Description
These Banana Bread Energy Balls are a nutritious and delicious snack, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with crunchy cashew nuts, rolled oats, and a hint of cinnamon. Packed with wholesome ingredients like ground almonds, chia seeds, and dark chocolate chips, these energy balls are easy to make and perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat on the go.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 110 g (1 cup) cashew nuts
- 150 g (1 1/3 cups) rolled oats (use gluten-free certified oats if required)
- 50 g (2/3 cup minus 1 tsp) ground almonds
- 3 tbsp dark chocolate chips
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsweetened finely shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
Wet Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make Cashew Paste: Place the cashew nuts into a food processor and pulse until it turns into a grainy paste. This paste acts as a binder to help the mixture stick together.
- Combine Oats and Bananas: Add the rolled oats to the food processor and pulse briefly to break them up slightly. Then add the ripe bananas and continue pulsing until everything is fully combined into a sticky mixture.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the ground almonds, then add the dark chocolate chips, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until a thick, sticky paste forms. If the mixture feels too loose, add an extra spoonful of oats to firm it up.
- Prepare Coconut-Chia Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the shredded coconut and chia seeds. Note that the chia seeds will sink to the bottom; this is normal.
- Shape Energy Balls: Scoop a heaping teaspoon of the mixture into your hand and roll it into a ball. Roll the ball in the coconut and chia seed mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks evenly. Place the balls on a plate or tray.
- Final Steps: Repeat the shaping and coating process until all the mixture is used. The energy balls can be eaten immediately or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Notes
- Use gluten-free certified oats for a gluten-free version.
- If the mixture is too sticky, add more oats to make it easier to roll.
- Store energy balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of maple syrup if your bananas are not ripe enough.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
