This recipe is:

vegan | wfpb | easy | quick | gluten-free | refined sugar-free | oat-free | ready in 15 minutes or less | 10 ingredients or less | lunchbox-friendly 

I so love energy bites.  

Energy bites, or bliss balls, are:

• quick and easy to make

• abundant - many can be made at once

• delicious for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert

• very portable, perfect for a lunchbox

• ideal for a boost on a long, busy day, whether at work or on a hike

• great any time of year

• able to keep well

• raw, made using a food processor (no actual cooking required)

• small but mighty, providing significant fuel since they're typically made of ingredients like fruit and nuts and/or seeds that are packed with protein, fiber, and other nutrients

• easy to love; they are likely going to be enjoyed by most people at that next potluck

---

Puffed Quinoa Crispies

Have you ever tried them?  They're like crispy rice cereal, but quinoa - so they're packed with all that quinoa goodness, like protein and fiber!  Puffed quinoa adds a nice bit of crunch to these energy bites.  I find them in the bulk section at my local grocery store.  If you can't find puffed quinoa locally, you might be able to find it online.  Here is one I found searching Amazon.  I haven't tried this one yet; if you'd like to, the "Buy on Amazon" button will take you to Amazon to learn more and purchase, with no obligation to buy.*

*Clicking the "Buy on Amazon" link will take you directly to Amazon, where you will have the option to purchase.  If you decide to, Amazon will provide Beautiful Ingredient with a "finder's fee" at no charge to you.  Thanks for your support!

---

This recipe makes about 36 one-inch balls.  (Although they'll keep fine in the fridge, there is no guarantee that all 36 won't be eaten before the end of the week.)  I like to break down the dates first, then add the remaining ingredients except for the puffed quinoa (so they don't get turned to dust) - that's saved for the very end for a quick blitz in the processor.  

Coconut Lime Energy Bites, the basic steps:

---

If you think you'd like a margarita-flavored treat that packs an energy punch and can easily be taken to work or a workout, these Coconut Lime Energy Bites are your ticket.  Give them a try!

---

---

coconut lime energy bites recipe

vegan | wfpb | easy | quick | gluten-free | refined sugar-free | oat-free | ready in 15 minutes or less | 10 ingredients or less | lunchbox-friendly

---

 

YIELD:  about 36 one-inch balls
PREP TIME:  5 minutes
COOK TIME:  5 minutes
ROLL TIME:  5-10 minutes
TOTAL TIME:  15-20 minutes or less

RECIPE CATEGORY:  Snacks
PRIMARY TOOLS:  food processor
COOKING METHOD: processing, rolling

PRINT

Recipe Note:  I put this in the "15 minutes or less" category because you can technically have some of these energy bites ready to eat within 15 minutes, but you may not quite have all of them rolled by then.  There is no need to put these in the freezer to set before stacking in a container for the fridge.  They're firm enough to be good to go, and the dusting of coconut flour will also help keep them separated.

 

My goal is to provide recipes that are easy and relatively quick; doable during a busy week.  Kitchen times are approximate and will depend on various factors, like your personal kitchen speed and how many hands you have working with you.  Cooking can become a centering experience that brings family together. I hope you enjoy the ride!

INGREDIENTS

• 16 medjool dates, or about 1 ½ cups

• ¼ cup coconut flour plus 2 tablespoons for dusting

• ¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds, shell removed)

• 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 small limes)

• 4 teaspoons fresh lime zest (about 4 small or 2 large limes)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla

• ¼ cup puffed quinoa crispies

Note: While eating more produce is the top priority, I recommend buying organic food whenever possible to avoid consuming (and supporting) the use of harmful pesticides.  Compare the cost of organic to the drive-thru and you may be surprised to find organic made-at-home meals often cost less.  Many recipes you'll find here travel well and are about as quick to make as hitting the local fast-food joint.

STEPS

1. Place the dates in a food processor and mix until the dates are broken up evenly.

2. Add the remaining ingredients except puffed quinoa. Process until well mixed and a "dough log" forms.

3. Add the puffed quinoa and process briefly, until the quinoa is well distributed.

4. Slice the dough ball in ½ inch slices. Quarter each slice and roll each quarter into a ball (it should be about one inch). Continue rolling one-inch balls with what remains in the food processor.

5. Pour a couple tablespoons of coconut flour onto a cutting board or plate and roll each ball in the flour to coat.

6. Roll each flour-coated dough ball on a towel or napkin to remove excess flour. Each ball should just have a thin coat so the bite isn't too dry.

7. Enjoy! Place any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge.