These almond flour energy balls are a perfect superfood snack that can benefit the heart and reduce inflammation. With the addition of sweet California prunes instead of using traditional dates, elevates its heart healthy properties staying in line with heart health diets like the DASH diet, Portfolio diet, MIND diet, and the Mediterranean diet.
This almond flour energy ball recipe is filled with heart-healthy ingredients like plant protein, heart healthy fats, fiber, and cinnamon to give you a perfect morning breakfast or midday snack boost! The addition of maple syrup and almonds provides a sweet flavor that keeps you satiated.
As a dietitian and busy mom, I always have snacks, and these almond flour energy balls are great for me, and my kids love them too!
Thanks to the folks at California Prunes for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are my own!
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Why Make Almond Flour Bites
These almond flour energy balls are:
- Plant based like other Portfolio diet recipes
- Gluten free and Grain free
- No bake treats – simply blend and roll and you are done
- The recipe is simple, easy and takes minutes to throw together
- Filled with good for you ingredients
- Can make a quick portable breakfast, snack or dessert
- Great for meal prepping
- Sweet flavor and only use a few heart healthy ingredients
- Minimal clean up, no mixing bowls needed!
Nutrition In Almond Flour Energy Balls
Two almond flour balls have:
- 4 grams of protein
- 4 grams of fiber
- 160 mg of potassium
at only 180 calories. Talk about a nutrient dense snack.
I named these almond flour energy balls because they provide slow burning energy in the form of protein and heart healthy unsaturated fats, which keeps you energized and satisfied. The plant protein and unsaturated fats come from almond butter and almond flour.
I was able to achieve an optimal potassium nutrient file in these almond flour protein balls because I used California prunes, instead of the traditional dates that are used in energy balls. This increases heart healthy nutrients in accordance with the DASH diet to help lower blood pressure.
Finally, these are also a great source of dietary fiber because of the almond flour, California prunes and nut butter used.
Ingredients
These almond flour bites only have 5 ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, and will lower blood pressure and unclog arteries.
Almond Flour –This is my flour of choice because it is less grainy and higher in unsaturated fat content and fiber helps to lower cholesterol content. It is also rich in magnesium and helps in maintaining normal blood pressure and contains Vitamin E, an excellent heart healthy antioxidant. Overall, I think this dry ingredient helps hold these energy balls together really well.
Prunes – California prunes are used for sweetness, a nutritional boost of potassium and fiber and flavor.
Almond Butter – Be sure to purchase an all-natural version as it does not contain any added salt, sugar, or fats. Healthy unsaturated fats are important in lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and reducing your risk of heart disease.
Maple Syrup – Sweetened of choice for this recipe as it provides great flavor and works as a binder to hold all the ingredients together. You can substitute this with honey if you prefer.
Cinnamon and vanilla– Added for flavor!
How To Make Almond Flour Balls
Not only is this recipe super easy to execute, but it also needs very few tools (and no oven either!) All you need is a food processor or blender to make this happen.
1. Blitz the California prunes in the blender to start.
2. Then add the remaining ingredients – almond flour, almond butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, water and blitz again.
3. If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more water. It should resemble a somewhat sticky dough that holds together when lightly squeezed.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, until the mixture is chilled. This helps the mixture stick together more evenly and easier to form the balls.
5. Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls.
6. This recipe should make 12 balls if they are as big as a tablespoon. Feel free to make them bigger or smaller to your liking.
Can You Refrigerate Or Freeze Energy Balls?
Absolutely! You can store these almond flour protein balls in your fridge for up to 5 days or in an air-tight plastic bag or container.
Or store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Although, I bet they won’t last that long.
I recommend removing the almond flour bites from the freezer and letting it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes (5-10 minutes) before eating.
Can You Store Them At Room Temperature?
These almond flour balls can be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for a few days, but they may become softer and less firm over time. Try to avoid storing the almond flour energy balls in direct sunlight or in a warm environment.
Watch The Video Tutorial
Variations Of Almond Flour Protein Balls Recipe
- Don’t like almond butter? Try any kind of nut butter like cashew butter
- If you are allergic to nuts substitute almond flour for chickpea flour
- Add chopped nuts for crunch
- Could use rolled oats for more soluble fiber
- Don’t have maple syrup? Try honey
- Add dried fruit – raisins, dates and apricots would taste great
- Add low sodium protein powder or hemp or pea protein powder
- Try lemon or coconut flavors
- Add other heart healthy omega 3 rich seeds like flaxseed meal, chia seeds or hemp seeds
- Or chocolate chips for a sweeter treat
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Energy Balls Good For You?
Energy balls can be good for you, depending on their ingredients and amount consumed. Typically, they are made from a combination of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and sometimes sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. However, it’s important to consider the calorie and sugar content, especially if they contain added sweeteners or high-calorie ingredients. In moderation, energy balls can be a healthy snack.
How Many Energy Balls Should You Eat A Day?
The number of energy balls you should eat per day depends on your individual nutritional needs, including your daily calorie requirements, activity level, and dietary goals. Energy balls are often calorie-dense, so eating too many can lead to excessive calorie intake.
Can I Eat Protein Balls Everyday?
Eating protein balls every day can be part of a balanced diet, as long as they fit into your daily nutritional requirements. Pay attention to their ingredients and nutritional profile to make sure you’re not consuming excessive calories or added sugar.
Other Dessert And Snack Recipes Using California Prunes
Final Thoughts
These sweet and nutty almond flour energy balls are a no cook (no microwave, stove top or oven needed!) breakfast, snack or dessert you need to try.
Their nutritional content is heart healthy, and their simple ingredients make this almond flour energy ball recipe cheaper than buying protein bars.
And as a bonus, my kids not only love to make them, but eat them too! If you try them, let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
Almond Flour Energy Balls With California Prunes
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3/4 cup California prunes pitted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp water if need, for consistency
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend the California prunes until they form a sticky paste.
- Add the almond flour, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the food processor.
- Blend until the mixture becomes uniform and sticks together. If the mixture is too dry, add a little water to reach the desired consistency.
- Take small portions of the mixture (about a tablespoon)and roll them into balls. The mixture should yield around 10-12 energy balls, depending on size.
- Place the energy balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set.