Energy bites are a must-have for hikers. If you are bored of store-bought dry chewy bars, try these delicious homemade espresso date energy balls as a quick hiking snack. With lots of dates and nuts and a touch of coffee and cocoa, these protein-packed sweet treats are a perfect pick-me-up along the trail, even with the low caffeine content. Take a look at the recipe given below and prepare this snack before you leave for your hiking trip.
Nutrition Count (Per 1 ball)
• 109 calories
• 2g protein
Ingredients (For 15 balls)
• Medjool dates, pitted, 1 cup
• Almonds, Walnuts, or any other nuts of choice, ¼ cup
• Almond butter, 2 tbsp.
• Maple syrup/Honey, 1 tbsp.
• Cocoa powder, ¼ cup
• Espresso powder, 2 tsp.
• Rolled oats, ¼ cup
• Salt, ¼ tsp.
• Cacao nibs, 1 tbsp. (Optional)
Method
• First, add all ingredients except the maple syrup/honey and cacao nibs to a food processor. Blend for 1-3 minutes in high speed, scraping down the sides as needed in between.
• Once the mixture becomes fine crumbs, add maple syrup or honey and the cacao nibs. Blend for another minute. The mixture should feel cohesive after that.
• You can adjust the timing of blending as per your choice. If you prefer crunchier balls with a coarse consistency, stop here. For a smoother consistency, keep blending the mixture.
• Next, scrape out all the mixture and take 1-2 tbsp. it onto your palm. Roll the dough in even-sized balls.
• Place the balls carefully on a plate over a baking sheet and put the plate in the freezer for at least an hour.
• Finally, remove the balls from the baking sheet and store them in an air-tight container in the freezer. Your espresso date energy balls are ready to be plucked out at any time or be packed in a sealed bag for your hike. Bon appetite!