Lime & Coconut Energy Bites
Enjoy the bright, tangy essence of a tropical dessert in these wholesome, no-bake energy bites. A perfect grab-and-go snack, inspired by DASH principles, for a vibrant boost any time of day.
Servings 14 (2 bites per serving)
Calories 170kcal
Equipment
- High-power food processor
- Quarter-sheet pan lined with parchment paper
- No. 60 portion scoop (or a 1-tablespoon measure)
- Shallow dish or bowl
Ingredients
- ¾ cup raw unsalted cashews
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- ⅓ cup rolled oats old-fashioned or quick
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 ⅓ cups pitted Medjool dates packed (about 250 g)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest divided (from ~2 large limes)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ⅓ cup 0% or 2% plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, toss the ¾ cup of shredded coconut with 1 teaspoon of the lime zest until combined. Set this aside for rolling the bites later.
- Create the Dry Foundation: In the bowl of a food processor, add the cashews, almond flour, rolled oats, and chia seeds. Pulse 8 to 10 times, until the cashews and oats are broken down into a coarse, sandy texture.
- Process the Dates: Add the pitted Medjool dates to the food processor with the dry ingredients. Process continuously for 45 to 60 seconds, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the dates are fully broken down and integrated.
- Bind the Dough: Add the plain Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, the remaining 2 teaspoons of lime zest, and ground ginger to the processor. Process for another 30 seconds until a thick, sticky dough forms that easily holds together when pinched.
- Form the Bites: Using a No. 60 portion scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the dough into approximately 28 equal portions. Place the portions onto the prepared parchment-lined pan.
- Roll and Coat: With clean hands, roll each portion of dough into a smooth, compact ball. Gently roll each ball in the coconut-zest mixture until it is evenly and generously coated on all sides.
- Chill and Set: Arrange the finished bites on the pan in a single layer. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Ingredient Swaps: For a different nutty flavor, raw pecans or walnuts can be used in place of cashews.
- Troubleshooting: If your dough feels too dry to hold together, add another teaspoon of lime juice or water and process again. If it feels excessively sticky, incorporate another tablespoon of almond flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Serving Size: 2 bites- Calories: 170
- Total Fat: 9.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 7 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 20.4 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.6 g
- Total Sugars: 11 g
- Net Carbs: 16.8 g
- Protein: 4.5 g
- Potassium: 252 mg
- Calcium: 52 mg