Easy Vegan Energy Balls Recipe- No Bake Granola Balls

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Looking for a quick and tasty vegan snack? These Easy Vegan Energy Balls are perfect for a quick energy fill-in and what I love about these granola balls is that they are made without oats and sugar, and need minimal prep time and gather in just 15 minutes!! Munch on these healthy snacks when on road trips or pack them for school lunches.

These Vegan no-bake energy balls recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for those busy days when you need a nutritious boost. Packed with wholesome ingredients like nuts, dates, peanut butter, and coconut milk, these granola energy balls are soft and gooey with nutty flavor, and great for satisfying your sweet cravings.

This recipe is inspired by a reader who wanted me to create healthy vegan energy bites without any sugar or cashews. In the past, I had made Indian Indian-style energy balls called Til Ladoo with flax seeds, or Jaggery Paratha Churma Balls, but that is not vegan. I am glad that I came up with such a simple gluten-free energy bites recipe that doesn't involve any roasting or baking and can be made ahead of time.

This is a gentle twist to the classical granola bites recipe as I chose to omit the oats and instead used Foxnuts. Foxnuts (Makhana) are crunchy and don't have any strong flavor like oats and they help in binding the balls. Also, this recipe involves grinding all the ingredients in a food processor to make a smooth mixture, which can be set in the refrigerator to make energy bars or use the dough mixture at room temperature to make smooth bliss balls.

These no-bake treats are not only a great snack but also a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Enjoy this amazingly delicious snack on a busy weekday night or a workout day!

More Healthy No Bake Recipes: Spiced Walnuts , Vegan Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Why Would You Love This Recipe?

• Simple Ingredients that are available in your pantry
• Vegan Gluten Free Tasty treats.
• Sugar-Free Protein Balls from healthy ingredients.
• Uses sugar from Dates and Raisin.
• Perfect Healthy Snack.
• Kids Friendly.
• Customizable and Scalable Recipe.
• Portable and can be made ahead of time.
• The Best Easy Vegan Energy Ball Recipe.

Ingredients

This recipe uses pantry ingredients that are easily available. For detailed ratios of the basic ingredients, find the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Peanut Butter- Peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor. I have used a local brand of Peanut butter that is sweetened with dates and it has no added sugar in it.  Look for natural, unsweetened varieties for a healthier option. You may swap it with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter in a 1:1 ratio.
• Dates: While Medjool dates are perfect for this recipe, I was out of stock for them and had to use regular dates. Dates provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture. They are a good source of fiber and essential nutrients. If you have Medjool dates, I recommend using them. 4 would be sufficient for this recipe. Substitute with dried apricots, prunes, or figs in a 1:1 ratio for a similar sweetness and texture.
• Foxnuts: Foxnuts (makhana) offer a satisfying crunch. They are low in calories and high in protein. You may use rolled oats or oat flour as well.
• Raisins: Raisins add sweetness and a burst of natural flavor. Substitute with dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dates in a 1:1 ratio for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Walnuts: Walnuts contribute a mild, earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch. They are high in omega-3 fatty acids. I love the flavor that comes from walnuts and won't recommend skipping them for the best taste.
• Almonds: Almonds provide a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. They are a good source of protein and healthy fats. You may swap almonds with almond flour as well or add cashews, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds, instead.
• Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds moisture and a hint of coconut flavor. It's a common dairy-free alternative. You may use ghee (but then the balls won't be vegan) or coconut cream. I am not sure how the taste would alter if you use almond milk or soy milk as coconut has a subtle flavor and it doesn't affect the flavor of the energy bites a lot.  

How To Make Vegan Energy Balls 

Step 1 Prepare Ingredients

Ensure dates are pitted. I had not chopped any ingredients.

Step 2 Blitz in Food Processor

In a food processor, combine foxnuts, almonds, walnuts, and raisins. Blend until it's a smooth mixture. You may pulse less to have a crumbly bit mixture as well. It depends upon your preference. 

Step 3. Add Coconut Milk and peanut butter

Add pitted dates, peanut butter, and coconut milk. Adding coconut milk would be a gradual process. Continue blending until the mixture comes together and forms a sticky dough-like consistency. You may taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or texture if needed. Add more dates for sweetness or more coconut milk if it's too dry.

Step 4. Shape Into Balls

Let the mixture sit for 5-10 min covered in a bowl. If it's sticky, store it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form bite-sized balls. Coat your hands with water or coconut oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5. Serve It

Your Vegan Granola Energy Balls are ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for a quick snack or a burst of energy throughout the day.

Expert Tips

• Make sure to use a high-speed food processor as grinding would take some effort. I had used a regular one but I had the patience to pulse, stop, and mix gradually.
• Add dry ingredients first and then add wet ingredients for a smooth mixture.
• Ensure the mixture has the right consistency by gradually adding coconut milk. It should be moist enough to hold together without being overly sticky. For a sticky mixture, you may add powdered foxnuts, almonds, or walnuts. They would help you bind it. You may also refrigerate the mixture for about 10 minutes before shaping it into balls. This makes the mixture easier to handle and helps the balls maintain their shape.
• Coat your hands with a bit of coconut oil or water to prevent the mixture from sticking while rolling into balls. 
• Adjust the texture by pulsing the ingredients in a food processor. For a chunkier texture, pulse less; for a smoother consistency, blend a bit longer.
• While I made these energy balls using my hand as In India we are used to making Ladoos, you may use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure equal amounts of the mixture.

Storage Suggestions

You may store these granola energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 10 days. Moisture can affect the texture of the energy balls. Ensure they are completely dry before storing, and add a small piece of parchment paper between layers to absorb any excess moisture.

If you've made a large batch or want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the energy balls. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

While these energy balls are best stored in the refrigerator or freezer, they can also be kept at room temperature for a short period, especially if you plan to consume them within a day or two.

Recipe FAQs

​You May Also Like:

More Vegan Gluten Free Healthy Snacks:

• 
  Easy Vegan Latkes (Potato Pancakes)- Gluten Free!
• 
  Spiced Walnuts Recipe
• 
  Vegan Avocado Chocolate Mousse
• 
  Vegan Mango Avocado Cucumber Salad
• 
  Amla Candy Recipe
• 
  Sweet Amla Achar- Instant Indian Gooseberry Pickle

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