Maple Walnut Energy + Protein Balls
Updated: May 13, 2022
I love fall. It’s one of the best times to go on hikes and nature trails, enjoy the scenery and depending on what part of the world you’re in, enjoy the fall colours.
With all that exercise, you’re gonna need a boost of energy. Preferably, something that’s quite tasty, and bite-sized!
So here are my Maple Walnut Energy and Protein Balls - great to eat as a snack, or before your hike, or to pack up and carry with you to work, or on your nature trail.
They’re easy to make at home, and I love that they’re made with just a few simple and healthy ingredients. You don’t have to go to the grocery store anymore to buy energy bars, you can make them yourself and customize it to your liking too!
They also last for a few days in an airtight container. It’s a delicious pick-me-up without resorting to caffeine. Hope you enjoy them!
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Walnuts - they have a wealth of healthy fats like polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, and can also help lower cholesterol. Are also rich in antioxidants, and help promote gut health.
Maple Syrup - a natural sweetener that adds flavour. Provides a decent amount of minerals like calcium, potassium, iron and manganese, and contains some antioxidants too.
Medjool Dates - great source of potassium, calcium, and fibre. In this recipe, is used as a binder and for sweetness.
Protein Powder - added protein! Use your favourite whether it is unflavoured, flavoured, vegan-based or not, this will make your energy balls extra healthy!
Other flavour enhancers:
Vanilla Extract - to enhance the flavours of each ingredient.
Salt - to balance the sweetness and amplify all other flavours.
Coating options:
More walnuts - more nutty goodness
Cacao nibs - great texture, but also adds a delicious cocoa flavour. They’re also high in antioxidants.
Crushed freeze-dried berries - adds a yummy fruity flavour with all the benefits of berries, like a boost of antioxidants, plus they look the prettiest!
Hemp seeds - rich in protein, healthy fats and essential fatty acids. They also have a great nutty taste!
What I used:
Epicure Cocoa Crunch Food Topper - a delicious mix of chia, cocoa nibs, cinnamon, coconut and more!
Tutty Fruity Whole Food Topper - A fruity blend of freeze-dried carrot, cranberries, raspberries strawberries.
Maple Walnut Protein Energy Bites
An easy and delicious make-ahead snack for a boost of protein and energy!
All-Season, Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthy, Snacks, Vegetarian/Vegan Prep 20 mins ∙ Makes 10 balls
INGREDIENTS
Energy balls:
1 cup toasted walnuts
½ cup large flake oats
5 pitted Medjool dates
1 serving of vanilla protein powder (mine uses 2 scoops)
2 tbsp. maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch salt
Coating variations:
Cacao nibs
Cocoa powder
Finely chopped nuts
Crushed freeze-dried berries
Hemp seeds
DIRECTIONS Prepare your coating by placing ¼ cup of it in a small plate or bowl. Set aside. In a small food processor, place walnuts, oats, dates, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Pulse until mixture is ground and starts to come together. Using a tablespoon, divide mixture into 10 portions, then rolling in your palms to form evenly-sized balls. Immediately roll the balls in your desired coating. Serve immediately or store in an air-tight container for up to 4 days at room temperature. Enjoy!
