Photo: Lee Hersh
Are chewy caramels your guilty pleasure? These salted caramel energy bites are a scrumptious stand-in for everyone’s favorite gold-wrapped candies. Medjool dates, the star ingredient, have a sweet flavor and sticky texture that will have your taste buds standing at attention. What’s more, cashews deliver heart-healthy fat that will satisfy, meaning you’re less likely to overeat later. But don’t take our word for it — try out this five-minute recipe for yourself. Keep all four ingredients on hand, and you’ll be able to whip up these energy balls as a quick and easy snack or dessert in no time at all.
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Salted Caramel Energy Balls Recipe
Serves: 13-15
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups cashews, raw and unsalted
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Preparation
- Place cashews in a high-speed blender and mix on high for roughly a minute or until you’ve created a fine meal.
- Next, add in dates, vanilla, and sea salt and blend on high for two minutes or until the ingredients form a dough-like consistency. At this point, the dough should be similar to raw cookie dough. If it’s too dry, add water by the ¼-tablespoon.
- Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, scoop out a heaping spoonful of dough and roll between your palms to create the balls.
Pro Tip
Your energy balls will keep in a freezer for up to three months. Place energy balls on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Freeze for an hour and then transfer into an airtight container or plastic bag.
For more easy, no-bake snack recipes, check out these simple and delicious energy balls recipes.
Originally published November 2015. Updated September 2016.
