Cashew Coconut Fig Energy Balls

Sometimes you just need a little snack fix…a bite to get your through. Whether it’s to quell an afternoon sweet craving or give you a boost before a morning workout, these Fig Energy Balls do the trick. That they are equally tasty and nourishing is a big plus

Nutritious Fig Energy Balls

Unlike most energy balls, which typically start with dates, these are made with dried figs. They are a little less concentrated in terms of sweetness and figs lend a lovely flavor that pairs perfectly with coconut and lemon zest. The addition of cashews adds protein and healthy fats, which is part of what gives these petite bites their sustained energy. The fiber in the figs help, too.

Easy to Make

I also love how easy these are to make. It’s a one-shot deal whereby everything gets whirled up in the food processor. Once blended into a paste, it’s a quick job to roll them into balls and then coat them in coconut. I like to pile the finished energy balls into a jar with a lid and store them in the fridge, where they will last for weeks, if not longer.

Swaps and Substitutions

I think the mashup of figs, cashews, and coconut is a tasty one, but you can tinker with the basic formula for other flavor combinations. Here are a few suggestions:

• Use walnuts, pecans, or almonds in place of cashews.
• Swap a few teaspoons of cocoa powder for the coconut.
• Roll the balls in cocoa powder instead of coconut. They will look like truffles!
• Use orange zest in lieu of lemon.
• Add a few dashes of cardamon, cinnamon, or ginger

One more good thing to know is that the recipe for these Fig Energy Balls can easily be doubled. That might be a wise move, since it’s awfully nice to open the fridge and find something to grab when you just need a little bite.

For more healthy sweets and snacks you might like:

Homemade Cocoa Larabars

Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Chocolate Hemp Amazebars

No-Bake Almond Butter Bars

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Balls by Simply Recipes