We have seen a little bit of sun here in the UK finally! Although it’s not quite full-on berry season, I have a good option for you to try to bring you a little taste of summer.
By using freeze dried strawberries you can make these energy balls at any time of year. You can usually buy freeze-dried fruit quite inexpensively online. They will last for quite a few months in an airtight jar. Some retailers will also do an organic version which are a little more expensive, but the quality is usually better. Also strawberries can be one of the worst offenders when it comes to pesticides so, if you can, try and find an organic version.
These energy balls are gluten-free, refined-sugar free and made using this simple list of ingredients:
- Freeze-dried strawberries
- Oats
- Cashews
- Medjool dates
- Desiccated coconut
You simply add everything to a food processor and blitz until smooth and sticky. Once blended, you can either dip them in more coconut or some crushed freeze-dried strawberries. They are honestly delicious either way. And they look really pretty for summer gatherings.
Try them for yourself and let me know in the comments what you think.
Recipe Tips
- I use gluten-free rolled oats for this recipe, but any oats will do. They will be blended anyway. If you prefer to cook your oats, you can also toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes before using.
- I don’t add maple syrup or any additional sweetener to my energy balls as I think the dates and strawberries are sweet enough. If you have a particularly sweet tooth, feel free to add a tbsp or two of maple syrup.
- Once blended, they are ready to eat straightaway. However, I prefer to put in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to harden up slightly – up to you!
- I don’t pre-soak my dates before using – I like to use soft, medjool dates instead. But if your dates are hard, you can of course soak them in boiling water for 20-30 minutes. Although my preferred (and quicker!) approach is just to add a little water as you blend.
Strawberry and Coconut Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup freeze dried strawberries (45g)
- ½ cup gluten free oats (40g)
- 1 cup raw, unsalted cashews (140g)
- 12 large medjool dates pitted
- ½ cup desiccated coconut (42g)
Instructions
- To make the balls, add everything to a food processor and blitz for a couple of minutes. It should be gooey and soft with no large nut pieces remaining. If your dates are hard, try adding a little water as you blend (or if you have time soaking and draining).
- Divide the mixture into 15 and roll into balls. Roll in either a bit more coconut or some crushed dried strawberries. Refrigerate to harden slightly.
Notes
- These balls will keep for about a week, in a sealed tub in the fridge.
- I use gluten-free rolled oats, but any oats will do (as they will be blended anyway).
- If you prefer to cook your oats, you can also toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes before using.
- I don’t add maple syrup or any additional sweetener to my energy balls. I think the dates and strawberries are sweet enough. If you have a particularly sweet tooth feel free to add a tbsp or two of maple syrup.
Absolutely delicious!!
Glad you liked them Sandy!