Strawberries and Cream Energy Balls

By Jamie Vespa

Strawberries and Cream Energy Balls are a healthy snack that both kids and adults will love. Vegan, Paleo, and free of refined sugar, these tasty treats come together in just 10 minutes and are freezer-friendly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw cashews
• 6 pitted Medjool dates
• 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, divided ((optional, see Notes below))
• 1/3 cup creamy cashew butter ((I buy Trader Joe's brand))
• 3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp. hemp seeds or chia seeds
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries ((I buy from Amazon or Trader Joe's))

Instructions

1. 1

   Place cashews in a blender and blend until finely chopped. Add dates, 1/4 cup of the coconut, cashew butter, maple syrup, seed of choice, vanilla, and salt; blend until mixture is well-combined and clumps together. Add strawberries; blend until dispersed throughout mixture, stopping to scrape down the sides and manually mix in as needed.

2. 2

   Turn mixture out into a bowl. Use a small cookie scoop or Tablespoon to measure out 24 equal portions; roll into balls.

3. 3

   Spread remaining 1/2 cup coconut on a plate, and roll each ball in coconut. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.