I’m a fan of all sorts of bite-sized/portioned snacks, including no-bake energy balls, bliss balls, energy bites, bars, and others. I love these recipes because I’m always on the go, so it’s wonderful to be able to make a grab-and-go snack to last me throughout the week. These no-bake turmeric balls are no different – not only do they give you an energy boost, but they also help keep you full for longer to get you through to lunch/dinner time. Plus, they are made with just a few ingredients, are completely gluten-free, and provide you with healthy fats and a variety of health benefits.
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How to make no bake energy balls
Prepare the nut mixture: Put the almonds and walnuts in a blender or a food processor and blitz them into little pieces. They don’t need to become too powdery, as the thicker texture is nice for your energy balls. Next, add the rest of the ingredients (Shredded coconut, mejdool dates, dried cranberries, turmeric powder, sea salt, and black pepper) and blend again to combine well. Make sure the dates and cranberries are well incorporated into the mixture. Then, scoop out a bit of the mixture and try rolling it into a ball. If it sticks, great. If the ball falls apart easily, you might need to add an extra Medjool date and blend again. Alternatively, you could add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to help the mixture become stickier. Roll into balls: When the mixture is sticky enough, roll it into balls. Use a cookie scoop or 1-2 tablespoons worth for each ball and roll into shape with your hands. I rolled 20 energy bites. Alternatively, you can make them smaller or a little bigger, depending on personal preference. I recommend using gloves so your hands don’t stain—turmeric WILL stain everything. Once done, check out my top tips on how to clean the blender from the turmeric. Coat with turmeric-coconut mix: Optionally, you can roll the balls in a mix of shredded coconut and turmeric powder. In a shallow bowl, mix turmeric powder with shredded coconut. Then, roll the balls in the mix. If the turmeric balls are too dry, you can brush them with melted coconut oil. This will help the shredded coconut stick to the surface of the balls. Finally, these little energy bites are ready to enjoy or store. They can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days! Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Energy balls customization ideas
There are a few substitutions you could make for this recipe. Obviously, each variation will change the overall taste of the final no-bake energy balls. However, it does allow you to experiment a little. For example:
Nuts: Swap the almonds and walnuts for other nuts, such as pistachios, peanuts, or your favorites. You can also use almond butter, peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, and other nut/seed butter to help create a sticky mix. Dried fruit: For their stickiness and flavor, add dried cranberries to the Medjool dates, adjusting the quantity as needed. You can also use dried apricots or peaches. However, Medjool dates are the main source of sweetness and binding in this recipe, so substituting them will change the final result. Seeds: For a higher-protein snack, add ground flax seed or chia seeds (or even protein powder) to the mix. Extra flavor: To enhance their flavor, add a bit of vanilla extract, cinnamon, raw cacao powder, or cocoa powder. For added sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup or honey into the mixture. Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips or shredded chocolate for a dessert-like snack. It tastes amazing with nuts, coconut, and dates.
If you try this turmeric energy balls recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
