Superfood Fig Energy Bites
Also known as power or bliss balls, energy bites are typically packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making them an excellent, healthy on-the-go snack! Even your kids will love these energy-filled little treats.
Although snacking gets a bad rap, many people, especially our kids, need small snacks to keep them going through the day. If you are a between-meal eater, then I’m happy to say you are not the only one, and you shouldn’t feel guilty.
THE POWER OF HEALTHY SNACKING
Snacking’s bad rap lies in the fact that food, especially unhealthy processed food, is so easy to come by these days. During the day we all get tempted to run to the vending machine to get a little something to boost our energy. This easy, greasy, and sugary habit is something we should avoid, not snacking altogether.
Smart and healthy snacking throughout the day can help you to stay energized, avoid overeating or binging, and can help you to get your daily nutrients.
Healthy snacks such as the fig energy bites I am about to share with you are a great addition to a healthy diet. They add tons of health-promoting nutrients while providing satisfaction between meals, giving you a much-needed mid-morning or afternoon energy kick!
As long as you choose the right, wholefoods foods, snacks should be a part of your diet! What are healthy snacks you might ask? If you use the same common sense as you use when choosing a healthy meal you should be fine.
Opt for whole foods and ingredients that don’t come with a long list of unpronounceable ingredients on their label. Here are a few other healthy snacking ideas: kale chips, green smoothies, overnight oats or chia puddings, veggie sticks and hummus, guacamole, fresh fruits, a mix of dried fruits and nuts, etc.
Stay tuned for more healthy snacking recipes. Check out the EatLove.Live recipe section regularly or subscribe to our newsletter below so you will not miss a thing.
Servings
16-18 balls
Ready In:
10 min
Calories:
103 (per bite)
Good For:
Snack
Introduction
About this Recipe
By: Amy Goodrich
Need a guilt-free energy hit? These small fig power balls pack a whole array of health-promoting nutrients such as protein, healthy carbs, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
They are made from simple ingredients and can be tweaked using your favorite ingredients. Before, I always made bliss balls using dates as a base but recently I started making them with dried figs. Oh boy… we love them so much and I bet you and your family will love them too.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried figs, stems removed
- 1 cup raw cashew nuts
- ¼ cup dark, sugar-free cacao powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
- ¼ cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
- Pinch of Himalayan pink salt
- Extra virgin coconut oil (if needed)
FYI: I coated ⅓ of my fig energy bites with cacao powder, ⅓ with desiccated coconut and for the last ⅓ I didn’t use any coating. Other possible coatings are crushed nuts/seeds, matcha powder, melted chocolate, cinnamon powder, etc.
Meet the powerhouse rock stars of this dish
Nutrition
Don’t underestimate the power these fig energy bites will give you. Though they might look very small, savor every little bite.
One or two of these yummy, sweet treats is all you need to get the energy kick you are looking for. Believe me. So don’t let the 103 calories per treat scare you. It’s not that much. Plus, they only consist of wholesome, good-for-you ingredients.
Candy bars such as almond joy, Kit Kat, Mars, and Twix typically contain around 200-250 calories per bar and are packed with unhealthy ingredients.
- Dietary fiber 38%
- Carbs 14%
- Fat 14%
- Protein 11%
- Calories 12.8%
NOTE:
The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) for protein is 0.36 grams of protein per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight.
This amounts to:
56 grams per day for the average sedentary man
46 grams per day for the average sedentary woman
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
In a dry pan or the oven, toast/roast cashew nuts to give the power balls extra flavor. I used a dry pan this time. I was a bit in a rush. If you have time, the oven will roast the nuts more evenly. But to be fair, looks are not important here as the nuts will be blended anyway. So I went for the faster option here.
Step 2
Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender. Blend/process until no big fig pieces remain and the mixture starts sticking together. If the mixture is too crumbly, add a little coconut oil.
Step 3
Using your hands, roll the fig dough into small, bite-size balls.
Step 4
To coat the fig energy bites, add your favorite coating(s) to a small plate or shallow dish. Gently roll the balls or shake the dish until the ball is evenly coated. Repeat for all other energy balls.
Store fig power balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Though they never last that long at our home.
Easy, Printable Recipe Card
Superfood Fig Energy Bites
Energy balls are the perfect healthy, guilt-free treat! They will fit anybody's dietary needs as they are sugar-free, vegan, and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried figs, stems removed
- 1 cup raw cashew nuts
- ¼ cup dark, sugar-free cacao powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
- ¼ cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
- Pinch of Himalayan pink salt
- Extra virgin coconut oil (if needed)
- Coatings: see notes
Instructions
In a dry pan or the oven, toast/roast cashew nuts to give the power
balls extra flavor.
Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend/process until
combined. If the mixture is too crumbly, add a little coconut oil.
Roll the mixture into small, bite-size balls.
To apply the coating, roll the balls in the coating of your choice.
Store fig power balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
I coated ⅓ of my fig power balls with cacao powder, ⅓ with desiccated
coconut and for the last ⅓ I didn’t use any coating. Other possible
coatings are crushed nuts/seeds, matcha powder, melted chocolate, etc.
