These chocolate walnut energy balls are both delicious and nutritious! They’re a great healthy snack before or after a workout or when you need an extra boost during the day. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
I received free samples of California Walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by California Walnuts and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
Being in quarantine has led me to get creative with my snack options since I’ve been trying to minimize grocery store trips. I’m guessing I’m not the only one in this predicament! These chocolate walnut energy bites are made from pantry staples and are the perfect snack when you need a little pick-me-up. They’re sweetened naturally with banana and maple syrup, and the walnuts and chia seeds make them extra filling and nutritious!
Walnuts Nutrition
California walnuts are incredibly healthy and nutritious. They provide you with fiber, protein, and healthy fats such as omega-3 fats. Walnuts contain 4 grams of protein per ounce and 2 grams of fiber per ounce. This makes them filling and satiating, which keeps you full for longer after you eat. Omega-3 fats and fiber are also important for heart health.
A handful of California walnuts is a versatile snack and can satisfy any taste preference, from savory to sweet. Regardless of your flavor preference, walnuts are the only nut to provide an excellent source of the plant-based omega-3, ALA (2.5 grams per ounce).
Ingredients in Chocolate Walnut Energy Balls
- California Walnuts: The foundation of these chocolate energy balls and loaded with healthy omega-3 fats.
- Banana: I recommend using a ripe banana to both sweeten and bind these chocolate walnut energy balls.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup is a great unrefined sweetener, and tastes delicious in this recipe.
- Cocoa powder: Perfect for that chocolate-y flavor, plus it adds some more fiber to this recipe!
- Chia seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with nutrition and provide fiber and omega-3 fats.
- Salt: Salt makes these chocolate energy balls taste sweeter by taking away some of the bitterness from the cocoa powder.
Expert Tips
- Use a ripe banana for this recipe. If your bananas are not yet ripe, no need to worry! You can ripen bananas quickly and easily. Heat the oven to 300F and place the banana in the oven for about 15 minutes. Remove the banana from the oven and let it cool before placing it in the food processor.
- If the mixture is too sticky and liquidy, add more walnuts (2 tablespoons at a time) and try processing it again.
- If the mixture is too thick, add more maple syrup (1 tablespoon at a time) and continue processing.
How to Store Chocolate Walnut Energy Balls
Store these walnut chocolate energy balls in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can store them for even longer in the freezer. And the best part is that you don’t have to thaw them when you’re ready to eat them. They’re good to eat as is. Actually, I personally prefer them when they’re frozen because they taste like a frozen dessert!
If you made this recipe, I’d love to see your creation! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me @thebalancedbite on Instagram so I can see your delicious creations. Feel free to follow along on Pinterest and Facebook for other tasty recipes!
More vegan recipes:
- Raspberry Chia Jam
- Cranberry Apple Orange Sauce
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies
- Maple Roasted Carrots with Lemon-Maple Tahini Sauce
Banana Chocolate Walnut Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 large ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Process until the mixture well-combined and forms into a pasty dough.
- With your hands, roll into bite-sized balls. Optional: roll some of the energy balls into cocoa powder or chopped walnuts for a delicious and nutritious coating!
- Enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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