We have seen a little bit of sun here in the UK finally! Although it’s not quite full-on berry season, these strawberry and coconut energy balls are a good option to bring you a little taste of summer.
By using freeze dried strawberries you can make these energy balls at any time of year. Adding coconut and dates makes them naturally sweet too.
Nutritional Highlights
Freeze-dried strawberries: rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Oats: a source of complex carbohydrates and soluble fibre for steady energy release
Cashews: provide plant-based protein, monounsaturated fats and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.
Medjool dates: naturally sweet, high in fibre, potassium and quick-release energy.
Desiccated coconut: adds healthy medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) for sustained energy.
What are the ingredients for strawberry and coconut energy balls?
- Freeze-dried strawberries
- Oats
- Cashews
- Medjool dates
- Desiccated coconut
Try them for yourself and let me know in the comments what you think.
Storage & Shelf life
They will last for about a week in the fridge.
Alternatively, they can be frozen.
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
Equipment
- Magimix food processor *affiliate link
Ingredients
- 1 cup freeze dried strawberries (45g)
- ½ cup rolled oats (50g)
- 1 cup cashews (140g) raw & unsalted
- 1½ cups soft medjool dates pitted (225g)
- 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!
I have been trying to create protein bites from dehydrated strawberries and quinoa, but so far I haven’t enjoyed the results. Perhaps I could use the dehydrated strawberries in this recipe and add additional protein?
Hi Debbie, your dehydrated strawberries sound delicious and I’m sure will work well here. For added protein you could replace the oats with almond flour? Or even shelled hemp seeds?