This one is for all the lemon lovers out there. These Lemon Coconut Balls are naturally sweetened and are loaded with proteins and healthy fats. I added poppy seeds to these vegan protein balls because poppy seeds and lemon are just like peanut butter and chocolate- they go GOOD together! This easy vegan snack recipe is so simple to make, and there is even an option to glaze these balls to make them just a little bit fancier. But either way, these bites are bound to put a little extra pep in your step during the day.
One of our friends didn’t know you were supposed to take the pits out of dates. He was making an energy ball recipe and he couldn’t understand why there where pits still in the energy ball mixture when he was done making them. I think his wife kindly had to point out he was supposed to remove the pits. But after hearing that story, I always at some point say to remove the pits in any of my date recipes, because I know there are more people like our dear friend that don’t know that. Whenever I’m de-pitting dates, I always think of this story and it puts a smile on my face because I feel like the sweet Picky Husband would do something very similar.
to glaze or not to glaze, that is the question
The glaze is optional in these lemon coconut balls. I love these vegan protein balls on their own, and with the glaze. With the glaze, they are more along the line of raw donut holes. They are definitely sweeter and not naturally sweetened but still a healthier dessert option. And the lemon energy balls without the glaze are less sweet and easy to eat on the go. I wouldn’t suggest letting the glazed energy balls sit out of the freezer for too long as the glaze will start to soften and you will be left with some very sticky fingers.
here are some reasons why I love these lemon coconut balls, so listen up!
- Lemon flavoured recipes are some of my favourites. I think because there are no surprises and you can’t really mess up the flavours. So it’s always a safe bet, but also always a delicious choice. With the sun shining more and more these days, I tend to crave more lemon recipes and thought there needed to be an energy ball recipe for the lemon lovers on the site. So here she is!
- Adam thinks dates look like cockroaches and doesn’t understand how I can just eat them by themselves. He is not a fan of them on their own but doesn’t mind them in things if they are blended like these lemon energy balls (#pickyhusband). What I love about dates, if that they are a natural sweetener. Nothing funky about them, they are just from good old mother nature! They obviously still have sugars in them, but all natural! They also help hold things together because of their sticky nature, hence why they are used in most vegan protein ball recipes.
- You know I love quick recipes which is why I love making energy balls. They never take long to make and then you have snacks for the rest of the week! They are the perfect easy vegan snack recipe for meal prep Sunday! So add these lemon energy balls to your next meal prep Sunday!
looking for more easy vegan snack recipes, check these out
The next time life gives you lemons….make these lemon coconut balls. They are protein-packed, naturally sweetened and such a breeze to make. And if you really need a pick-me-up, put a little glaze on these babies! These vegan protein balls are the perfect summer treat for after the beach!
lemon coconut balls
Ingredients
lemon poppy seed balls
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1 cup medjool dates (roughly 14 dates)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (roughly from 2 lemons)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
glaze (optional)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
lemon poppy seed balls
- Add the cashews, pitted dates, almond flour, and coconut flour to a food processor. Blend until the dates and cashews have been broken down.
- Add the rest of the ingredients (except the poppy seeds) to the food processor, and blend until the batter is combined and sticks together. Add the poppy seeds and pulse to combine.
- Use roughly 1 tbsp of batter for each ball. Roll out roughly 18-20 balls of your desired size. Then place them on a lined plate/baking sheet and place the energy balls in the fridge (for one hour) or freezer for (15 minutes) to set.
glaze (optional)
- If glazing the energy balls- melt the coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted take the pan off the heat and add the lemon juice, zest, and maple syrup. Whisk to combine.
- Take the balls out of the freezer and dip each ball into the glaze one at a time and tap on the side of the pan (using a slated spoon works best so no excess glaze builds up). Place each ball back on the lined plate, freeze for another ten minutes, then dip them once more in the glaze. Freeze for another ten minutes. Then they are ready to enjoy.
- Store in the freezer if they are glazed, store in the fridge or freezer if they are unglazed.
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Oh…. these energy balls will be absolutely DELICIOUS!! Can’t wait to try them both with and without the glaze! Love the tip on removing the pit in the dates! 😉