I should probably just call these the “let’s get back on track and stop eating so much chocolate” bites. But, I wouldn’t want to get your hopes up by including chocolate in the title. With the discovery of all my food intolerances, I’ve been finding comfort in the fact that I am not allergic to dark chocolate. Thank heavens! My saving grace! But when I found myself reaching for chocolate before noon, afternoon, and post dinner, comfort had slowly transformed into a bad habit that needed to be addressed.
And that’s where these sweet protein bites come in. The nuts pack in the protein and the dried fruit gives a nice sweetness which is usually enough to satisfy an afternoon sugar craving and give a boost of energy. I’ve made almond date balls, peanut butter chocolate chip bites, chocolate truffles, but I was ready for something new. They may not appear drool-worthy like, say, a warm chocolate chip cookie, but when you want something yummy and healthy, these are going to be your best friend.
These bites feature my current favorite nut; the cashew. Alongside dates, cranberries, walnuts, coconut, cinnamon, and vanilla, they make a mighty fine treat.
Throw in the nuts and blend em up.
Add in the rest of the ingredients and watch your blender work hard for the money.
Add more water if needed, until it forms a sticky blob.
Now roll that beautiful ball footage.
It’s 7pm and I haven’t even had chocolate today.
Miracle workers, I tell ya.
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-3 tablespoons water
- Add the walnuts and cashews to the blender or food processor. Blend until the nuts are finely chopped, about 30 seconds. Add in the rest of the ingredients, excluding the water. Blend the ingredients until it starts sticking together and forming a ball. If it's not sticking together, add in one tablespoon of water at a time, being sure not to add to much.
- Roll the mixture into one inch balls. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
10 Responses
Yum, love protein bites like these. They look awesome, the shredded coconut. cranberries and cashews sound awesome in here 🙂 Such perfect bite sized snacks for the on the go!
Yes, I’ve actually been bringing them traveling so I know I’ll always have a little snack when I need it 🙂
How cute are these little bites?! Cashews are definitely my favorite kind of nut, so I’m all over these gorgeous ‘thangs! For sure gonna have to try this one 🙂
Thanks! if you love cashews, you will definitely love these 🙂
These are a perfect, healthy, one-bite snack – love them! Your fixation with chocolate is cracking me up — too close to home!
I do love me some chocolate but these little bites are an awesome sweet treat too! 🙂
just made these little treats. The teenagers loved them. sooo yum! I see a lot lot of these in our future!
teenager approved?! sounds good to me! glad the whole family liked them 🙂
can we use cashews without soaking? what is the purpose of soaking?
Yes, you definitely can without soaking. I’m actually going to remove that, because it was really only because I had a week food processor at the time so it made it easier for blending!