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.
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!
It's safe to say that my whole family loves any kind of energy bite. 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.
Ingredients
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!
The dates bind the bites together to create the perfect chewy texture and give them a natural sweetness that pairs incredibly with tangy lemon.
Make sure to use unsweetened finely shredded coconut - this is different from coconut flakes!
How to Make Them
These lemon coconut energy bites are totally gluten-free, 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 (All Vegan and Gluten-Free)
- No-Bake Birthday Cake Energy Bites
- Granola Energy Bites
- No-Bake Date Coconut Energy Bites
- Almond Butter & Jelly Energy Bites
- No-Bake Flourless Brownie Energy Bites
- Cookie Dough Energy Bites
- No-Bake, Instant Sunflower Energy Balls (Nut-Free)
- Cookie Dough Protein Balls with Chocolate Chips
- No-Bake Quinoa Energy Bites
Lemon Coconut Energy Bites (Vegan)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These lemon coconut energy bites are filled with plant-based protein and bright, energizing flavor for a totally refreshing snack!
Ingredients
- 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
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.
Notes
Store energy bites in an airtight container in your freezer for up to two months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Snack
- Method: Food Processor and Freezer
Debbie McPhee says
These are a perfect burst of lemon sunshine! I made some with and and without the extra coconut. I actually prefer them with it. But both very delicious!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Debbie! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this one and that it brought some brightness to your day! Best, Elaine
Meredith says
These are the easiest, yummiest snack
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Meredith! I'm so happy you found these easy and delicious! Always the goal! Thank you for taking the time to leave a five star review. Best, Elaine