Springtime calls for lemon and coconut! Make these Lemon Coconut Energy Bites for plant-based protein and the best snacking flavor in every single bite.

It's safe to say that my whole family loves any kind of energy bite. My daughter Riley even makes the cookie dough ones on her own! Because they're such a go-to snack in our house, I have tons of different varieties that I like to make to switch things up. With the weather warming up and outside days right around the corner, it was definitely time for a lemony energy bite! These Lemon Coconut Energy Bites are just right for sunshine and blue skies, and the best part is, they're so easy to make that I just know my kids will be whipping up their own batch one of these days.

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Ingredients in Lemon Coconut Energy Bites

This is a relatively short ingredient list, and they're so easy to make! Everything gets pulsed in a food processor until it comes together, then scooped into balls and stored in the freezer. Easy and delicious...my favorite!

Cashews - Raw, unsalted cashews, and we're not soaking them this time! These add amazing nutrients but also give the bites a really satisfying, crumbly texture.
Unsweetened finely shredded coconut - This is different from coconut flakes! Make sure you get unsweetened coconut if keeping this recipe refined sugar-free is important to you. I love both the texture and the taste of coconut!
Medjool dates - This recipe has about 10 dates! Dates bind the energy bites together, create the perfect chewy texture and give them a natural sweetness that pairs incredibly with the tangy lemon.
Lemon - There's a tablespoon of lemon zest in this recipe, and you want to make sure it's really packed into the measuring spoon! It's going to take about 3 lemons to get you that energizing, perfectly lemony flavor. Juice one of the lemons as well.
Vanilla - I add vanilla into any sweeter recipe because I just love the bit of warmth it adds! And for me, vanilla and lemon are a flavor match made in heaven!
Garnishes for rolling - Shredded coconut and more lemon zest make for the perfect topping.

Why I Love Energy Bites

If you don't have a batch of energy bites in your house RIGHT NOW, please let me convince you to make some! Energy bites are one of my very favorite snacks. They pack so much energy-giving nutrition into every single bite, and it seriously tastes like snacking on cookie dough. They're no-bake, and since there's some scooping and rolling, I love using these recipes to get my kids helping in the kitchen!

All About Cashews

These Lemon Coconut Energy Bites have a cashew base! This adds amazing plant-based protein. Cashews are also an excellent source of copper and a good source of magnesium, manganese, vitamin K, phosphorous and zinc. I buy raw, unsalted cashews in the bulk section of my grocery store and store them in my refrigerator in a large, airtight mason jar. In the refrigerator cashews can last up to six months....and up to a year in your freezer!

Why We Love Lemon

In addition to tasting fresh and bright, lemons are known to be low calorie, sodium-free and high in immune-boosting vitamin C. A medium lemon also provides 160 mg of potassium, which is so good for your health! Here are a couple of my favorite recipes that feature even more lemon...

All About Dates

Aside from pure maple syrup, dates are probably my number one choice for a refined sugar-free sweetener. Many people think dates are dehydrated, but they actually have that "dried" texture naturally! Dates are sweet, moist, juicy, and have this incredible caramel flavor. From a health perspective, it's incredibly beneficial to eat dates. They contain loads of fiber (three cheers for digestive health!) and 50% more potassium than a banana weight for weight. For vitamins and minerals, dates offer zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6, niacin, calcium, iron and vitamin K. Talk about a superfood! They're also fat-free, sodium-free and cholesterol-free, so they're totally heart-healthy.

Try More Date Recipes: Homemade Date Paste

These Lemon Coconut Energy Bites are totally gluten-free, paleo, vegan (no dairy or eggs!), refined sugar-free, and soy-free. They're amazing for packing in lunchboxes, snacking at home, or even a zesty dessert bite! I hope you make and love them. If you do, please tag me on Instagram and leave a review below!

More Energy Bite Recipes

Lemon Coconut Energy Bites (vegan + paleo)

Author: Elaine Gordon
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 24 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

These Lemon Coconut Energy Bites are filled with plant-based protein and bright, energizing flavor for a totally refreshing snack!

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups raw unsalted cashews (do not soak)
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (not coconut flakes)
1 ¼ cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10 dates)
1 tablespoon packed lemon zest (from 3 large lemons)
1 lemon juiced
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon fine salt
optional garnish for rolling: ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut + 2 lemons zested

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Instructions

Line a small baking sheet or other flat surface with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
Add cashews and coconut to a completely dry food processor fitted with the "S" blade. Process until crumbly.
Add the dates, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla and salt and process again until dates have been fully incorporated and the mixture sticks when you pinch it between your fingers. You should be able to easily form the mixture into balls. If not, continue to process until you can (or try adding more dates). Be careful not to over-process though - you don't want it to become mush. You still want it to have a crumbly texture.
Use a tablespoon to scoop out one tablespoon of the mixture at a time. Roll into balls between your hands and set on the parchment-lined baking sheet (or other flat surface) .
Once all 24 energy bites have been made you may garnish them with the lemon zest/coconut coating. To do this, place ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut and the zest of 2 large lemons in a wide shallow bowl. Gently roll each ball in the mixture until fully coated. Place each energy bite on the parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in your freezer. You can enjoy immediately at room temperature but I prefer to eat them when they have hardened up a bit in the freezer.
Store energy bites in an airtight container in your freezer for up to two months.