These Chocolate Maca Balls are delicious. Sweet, chewy, and loaded with flavor. A perfect nutrient-packed snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth and power your afternoon. Vegan, gluten-free, no-bake!
For dusting: Goji berries or Goji berries powdercacao powder, or ground walnuts
Instructions
Prepare and measure all ingredients using measuring cups.
Soak 10 pitted Medjool dates in hot water for a few minutes. Drain, and reserve water.
Take a high-speed food processor and add 10 dates, ½ cup walnuts, 2 tablespoon cacao powder, 2 tablespoon maca powder, 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon and pinch of salt. Process everything on high speed for about two minutes until the dough is formed.
Don’t worry if the dough seems dry in the beginning. Just continue mixing. Dates will release juices and make it sticky. Scrap down the dough with spatula if needed.
After two minutes, stop the processing and check texture by pinching the dough between your fingers. Now it should be sticky and able to keep its shape.
If the mixture is too dry, add a bit of hot water from soaking dates (just a teaspoon). Mix again and check the texture.
Make sure you taste the dough. These chocolate energy balls are mildly sweet so if you feel like you need a bit more sweetness, feel free to add a teaspoon of maple syrup, raw honey or date syrup. Molasses is good here too.
If you’re adding liquid sweetener, as suggested then there’s no need to add hot water. Sweetener will bind the dough and make texture sticky.
In the end, add the ¼ cup Goji berries and ¼ cup Yacon sweetened cacao nibs. Pulse everything for half more minute.
Using a spoon, scoop out dough and roll between your palms to form your balls. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Roll the balls in crushed Goji berries or Goji berries powder (for gorgeous red color), or cacao powder, or ground walnuts.
Place energy balls on a plate, serving tray or in an airtight container and refrigerate to harden.
Notes
Substitutions Substitute WALNUTS with almonds in same amount. Substitute DATES with dried figs or dried prunes. Substitute Yacon sweetened cacao nibs with dark chocolate chips or regular cacao nibs. Be aware that regular cacao nibs are bitter in taste and hard to chew. Substitute GOJI BERRIES with any dried fruit, or just omit in the recipe. Tips for storing Store in an airtight container in the fridge until serving for up to 4 weeks. Place in a zip-lock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. You don’t need to thaw the balls to eat them.As a measure, I used US cup (240ml).Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible.