As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my Privacy Policy for more details.
These Lemon Coconut Cashew Date Balls are little bite size energy balls with light and bright flavors perfect for spring. Great for breakfast on the go, a pre or post workout snack, an afternoon treat, or even a sweet treat nibble for dessert. Pairs perfectly with coffee or tea!
As soon as spring hits, I start craving all things citrus. This makes no sense since citrus is a winter fruit.
I’m drawn to the bright light colors and the fresh juicy flavors. Something about it just reminds me of all things spring. Kind of like my Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies that we always make at Easter time because of the pretty pastels.
Luckily, citrus is generally available all year round, so these delicious little Lemon Coconut Cashew Date Balls can be enjoyed anytime.
Energy bites, truffles, bliss balls ~ these cute little nibbles of nutritious goodness go by many names. They are incredibly versatile, usually containing some variety of nuts or seeds and dried fruit, along with flavorings.
In these date balls, I combined cashews, coconut, dates, lemon zest and juice, and just a touch of vanilla to even out the flavors. Raw, gluten free, oil free, refined sugar free, and of course, vegan.
Just one or two is enough to calm my sweet tooth when it acts up. Or to give me a shot of energy during my afternoon slump. And sometimes I like a little something with a cup of tea before bed and these date balls with coconut are perfect for that!
These little bites could not be easier to make. Everything goes into a food processor. A minute or two of pulsing and the mixture is ready.
Then just press and roll them into bite size balls. Even the kids could do it!
Just be careful of the sharp blades – you might want to help them get the mixture out of the food processor before letting them roll them.
More vegan energy balls
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls
- Sunflower Fig Balls
- Cinnamon Truffles
- Chocolate Cherry Walnut Truffles
- Coconut Bliss Balls
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment below with your feedback.
Be sure to sign up for my FREE Newsletter to be the first to get my NEW recipes! You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!
Lemon Coconut Cashew Date Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup pitted dates
- zest of 1 large lemon
- juice of ½ large lemon
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pulse the the cashews and coconut in the bowl of a food processor until it resembles course meal.
- Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until combined. Do not over-process – there should still be some texture, not completely smooth.
- Form the mixture into bite-size balls and transfer to a large plate or container.
- Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge.
Kelli says
So delicious! I increased the lemon juice and used 10 large dates plus a few teaspoons of water to run it through the food processor a little easier. Thank you for the inspiration.
Jenn Sebestyen says
I’m so glad you love them, Kelli! Thank you for your review!
Ella says
How long do they keep?
Jenn Sebestyen says
They should be good up to a week. Maybe more, but they might start to dry out a bit if kept longer. You can freeze them also for up to 3 months! Enjoy!
Abbe says
I love the addition of lemon. These were easy and delicious
Jenn Sebestyen says
So glad you enjoyed them, Abbe! Thank you for your comment.
Angeline says
Yummy!!!!! Thank you!
Jenn Sebestyen says
Glad you enjoyed them!
AC says
Delicious and healthy!! Thank you for the recipe!
Jenn Sebestyen says
So glad you enjoyed them. Thank you!
Winnie says
I’ve never used lemon in date balls before. I’m intrigued by the idea. I’m going to try making them really soon so I can taste-test the lemon flavor. I usually love lemon so it should be interesting. I wonder, do kids like these or are they not sweet enough (my kids shy away from citrus flavors that are the slightest bit sour). Anyway, I’m looking forward to trying them.
Jenn S. says
My kids would prefer chocolate over these, but they did like them. They are sweet – the dates, cashews and vanilla all give a sweet flavor. The lemon is prominent, but not sour at all. And the coconut helps to balance it too. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please come back after you try them and let me know how they turned out!
Holly says
I love how easy these are to make! They’ll be showing up in the kids’ lunch boxes, for sure! 🙂
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Holly! I hope you all enjoy them!
Marly says
I love every single ingredient in these energy bites so I’m excited to give it a try…very soon! Also, we are ready for spring so I’m hoping these will be like a “energy bite” dance to bring it on faster!
Jenn S. says
HaHa! Yes, I’m hoping spring makes it’s debut soon. It’s sooo cold here! Thanks, Marly!
Linda from Veganosity says
I’m with you, lemon, lime, orange, they all make me think of summer. I adore lemon and coconut together so I know I’m going to love these energy bites. They look so good!
Jenn S. says
They’re a match made in heaven, aren’t they?! Thanks, Linda!
Nicole Dawson says
Loving all the flavors in your bites. Lemon…..coconut…sounds perfect for springtime too.
Jenn S. says
I wish the weather felt like springtime! 🙂
Trinity Bourne says
Oh wow they sound perfect – right up my alley 🙂
I love the way you have used these super health ingredients… and that lemon – perfect!
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Trinity!