In an effort to increase healthy snacking habits my sister and I are making more things like energy and protein balls to eat. Let's face it, we all have moments during the day when we want to reach for something sweet to curb a craving. How much better for us if when that sweet craving hits, we reach for something that is actually nutritious rather than a piece of cake or a cookie!
Energy balls are perfect for that and are actually something the nutritionist my sister visited recently suggested she take on board for snacking on when the sweet craving hits!
I am all on board with that. I have a number of energy ball recipes in my arsenal must makes and this Gingerbread Energy Ball recipe is one of them!
Who doesn't love gingerbread! I adore the flavor of gingerbread with its sweet and smoky qualities and nice, spicy, warmth. These energy balls have all of that without being too high in fat, carbs and sugars. A nice natural way to feed that gingerbread craving without going over the top!
Not only that but they are gluten free, paleo and vegan to boot! The fact that they are also delicious just adds icing to the cake that's not a cake. A real flavor bomb of natural sugars and healthy ingredients.
This is a healthy alternative to a molasses cookie with a decadent flavor that belies its healthiness. I could happily eat a couple of these for breakfast.
The original recipe was adapted from a page called Paleo Grubs.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE GINGERBREAD ENERGY BALLS
Just a few simple ingredients and a few of the warm baking spices. It's simple really. Oh, you will also need a good food processor.
- 1 cup (120g) raw walnut halves
- 1/2 cup (76g) pitted medjool dates
- 1 TBS molasses
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground allspice
- almond flour to roll them in
The original recipe used only cinnamon for flavoring and a bit of nutmeg. I thought to be truly authentically flavored like gingerbread they needed a bit more than that and so I added a few extra spices.
Use finely ground blanched almonds, or almond flour as it is also known. I do not recommend ground almonds or almond flour that includes the skin for aesthetic reasons.
I have a Ninja 1000watt food processor. It is pretty powerful but also light in weight. I bought mine at the local Canadian Tire store. I do have a small Cuisinart one, but it is not as powerful and I was afraid of burning out the motor, which is a real risk when grinding things like nuts and sticky fruits. Even so, stop often to scrape down the sides and to prevent the motor from over-heating.
HOW TO MAKE GINGERBREAD ENERGY BALLS
A food processor makes the process incredibly easy. A doddle really.
Place all of the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor. Mine is 1000 watts. You need a powerful one as you risk burning out the engine of a less powerful one.
Process on high, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom with a rubber spatula periodically, until a dough forms.
Remove the dough from the processor and shape into 8 evenly sized balls rolling heaped TBS of the dough between the palms of your hands. (It is normal for them to feel greasy due to the oils released from the walnuts.)
Roll the balls in almond flour to coat. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
DID YOU KNOW?
Molasses has the lowest sugar content of any sugar cane product. It is not as sweet as table sugar and has an almost smoky flavor. It is a natural byproduct of the sugar refining process and is rich in minerals. When sugar is made into white crystals, molasses is what is left over. It is a very common ingredient used in baking, both savory or sweet.
Medjool dates are a cultivated date, larger in size than regular dates, and known for their rich, almost caramel-like flavor, and chewy texture. High in natural sugars, fiber and essential vitamins and nutrients, they are a healthy snack option. Grown in Morrocco they are known as the "King" of dates!
These are incredibly delicious. Very moreish with a true gingerbread flavor. So easy to make as well. I find that they take the edge off when I am wanting something sweet but don't want to indulge in a cookie or a piece of cake. Delicious!
If you are looking for nice, healthy snacks, loaded with fiber and protein that also taste good and require no cooking, you might also enjoy the following tasty options!
PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE DOUGH ENERGY BITES -These are incredibly moreish and nutritionally sound. They make a very satisfactory mid-afternoon or after school snack. Easy to make as well. With sprouted oats, almond meal, peanut butter powder, peanut butter, honey, dates and vanilla. Incredibly moreish.
NO BAKE LEMON COCONUT BALLS - Coconut cream, raw honey, lemon zest, lemon juice and coconut. Like magic, these ingredients come together to form lovely little balls that are perfect for any lemon lover. Indulgent and creamy, they melt in the mouth. Nut free.
Yield: 8 balls
Gingerbread Energy Balls
Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 15 Min
These are delicious, naturally sweetened balls of gingerbread tastiness. Quick and easy to make as well. You will need to use a food processor to make these.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) raw walnut halves
- 1/2 cup (76g) pitted medjool dates
- 1 TBS molasses
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground allspice
- almond flour to roll them in
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor. Mine is 1000 watts. You need a powerful one as you risk burning out the engine of a less powerful one.
- Process on high, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom with a rubber spatula periodically, until a dough forms.
- Remove the dough from the processor and shape into 8 evenly sized balls rolling heaped TBS of the dough between the palms of your hands. (It is normal for them to feel greasy due to the oils released from the walnuts.)
- Roll the balls in almond flour to coat. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
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These sound like the perfect snack. Thanks for the recipe, now I just need a food processor. 😀
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