These Mayan Raw Cacao energy balls were inspired by a yoga retreat to Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. Ingredients from the region like chia seeds, dates, cinnamon, and vanilla quickly come together. This makes a healthy, plant-based vegan snack. Pack a few in your lunchbox or your gym bag.
2tablespoonbrown rice flour or almond flour + 1 tablespoon cacao powderfor coating the balls
Instructions
To make the Mayan Raw Cacao Chia Energy Balls: Place the dates and almonds in a food processor. Pulse 20-30 times, until well-chopped. Add the remaining ingredients except the water: chia seeds, cacao powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Puree 20-30 seconds, until combined. With the food processor running, stream in the 1/2 cup of water. Remove the lid and check the consistency of the ball mixture. You want it to be wet enough to hold together, but dry enough not to stick. Add more water or cacao powder to adjust.
In a small bowl, combine the brown rice flour (or almond flouand cacao powder. Portion about 2 teaspoons per ball. Roll between your hands. Place the ball in the rice flour mixture. Roll around to lightly coat the ball. Repeat with the remaining Cacao ball mixture.
You can roll and dust a few balls at once (about 8 usually works for me). You should get about 24 balls total.
Keep refrigerated for up to 10 days or freeze for longer storage.
Yields: About 24 balls
If you like these, you'll also love PB and J Chewy Oat Bites, 5-Ingredient Cocoa Peanut Butter Energy Bites, and 4-Ingredient Raw Chocolate Walnut Brownies.
Notes
Chef Katie's Tips:
Raw Concerns: Almond are technically not raw. In the US, they are pasteurized for food safety reasons. You can substitute with raw macadamia nuts or Brazil nuts.
Play with Spices: Cinnamon is an easy go-to spice, but experiment with other sweet spices. Cardamom, nutmeg, ginger and even a Pumpkin Pie spice mix would all taste great!