Snacks are the unsung heroes of our work week. They can tide you over in between breakfast and lunch, get you through that mid-afternoon work slump, or give you that much needed energy boost before a workout. And when the week is busy and you’re on the go, a portable snack can make you really feel like the super-human that you are. For the past few months we’ve had these Peanut Butter Coconut Power Balls on repeat. They’re ridiculously satisfying, just sweet enough, and have a salty contrast that rounds them out into a perfect bite. And while we rarely eat the same food week after week, we do have to admit that these aren’t going anywhere.
These power balls were inspired by Erin Ireland, who sells baked goods in Vancouver cafes, under her “To Die For” line. When we first tried these, we fell in love with how they could do miracles for curbing our HANGER and giving us the energy to keep powering through our day. Good things do come in small packages. We loved them so much that we started to make our own version at home. They’re packed with a good-for-you ingredients - most of which you probably already have on hand - and a healthy dose of fat and protein to satisfy you until meal time. All you need is a food processor and 15 minutes. Ready? Let’s go!
These Peanut Butter Coconut Balls are devastatingly easy to make. There’s really just two steps to the recipe. Step one: dump everything in the food processor. Step two: roll the dough into balls. It’s a pretty forgiving recipe, but for the best texture, we like to hold off on adding the maple syrup and coconut oil until everything else is blended into a coarse sand. Then, add those two liquids and pulse until the dough comes together into a ball. For portioning, you can use a retractable ice cream scoop if you have one...otherwise just eyeball it, they don’t need to be perfect. Use your hands to press and shape the balls together firmly, and then give them a quick roll in some extra shredded coconut. Store in the fridge until firm. These balls are fine to stay out of the fridge - like when you’ve packed them in your bag to work - but we think they’re best when firm, so keep them refrigerated for as long as you can.
We haven’t tested this recipe (yet) with other nuts, but we have that on our list, so look out for some non-peanut varieties in the future. Aim to use dry-roasted and unsalted peanuts for this recipe. If you can only find salted peanuts, skip the salt called for in the recipe. Taste the dough at the end, and if needed, add extra salt at the end. For oats, we prefer quick oats, because they’ve been lightly cooked beforehand - and in theory, are a bit easier on digestion since this is a no-cook recipe. That said, if you prefer regular rolled oats, you can use those instead. And lastly, look for unsweetened shredded coconut. It’s usually offered right next to the sweetened coconut, so just make sure you read the label!
Peanut Butter Coconut Power Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick oats
- ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (more for rolling)
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter (natural, unsalted)
- ½ cup peanuts (dry-roasted, unsalted)
- ¼ cup packed pitted Medjool dates
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: To a food processor, add quick oats, coconut, peanut butter, peanuts, dates, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until the texture of coarse sand (no large pieces of date should be visible).
- Add wet ingredients: Add coconut oil and maple syrup to food processor. Pulse until mixture comes together in a ball.
- Form balls: Scoop 16 balls of dough, and use your hands to compact and roll them until smooth. Roll each ball in more shredded coconut, until covered. Place in airtight container and refrigerate until firm.
Notes
- Storage tips: Store power balls in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer bag (let defrost in the fridge overnight).
Hannah says
I've been making this recipe for years and my kids still haven't gotten bored of these! I just saw you guys added a ratings function to your site. 5 stars for sure. Thank you for this amazing recipe!
bri says
Hi Hannah! Yes, at long last, we updated our site — and can now receive reviews! Thank you for noticing! Glad to hear you and your kids are enjoying this recipe. They're one of our favorites too!
Tanya says
Delicious, easy and healthy. Will definitely make these again and share this recipe with my friends
bri says
Hi Tanya! So happy to hear you enjoyed these power balls! Thank you for sharing the recipe with your friends, we hope they enjoy it too!
Phoebe says
how long would these last in the fridge?
Kelsey says
Do you have any recommendations for a date substitute?
Nayem says
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m
impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the last part
🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was looking for
this certain information for a long time.
Thank you and good luck
Cheers
Ashley says
do you have the calorie estimates for these?
Bri says
Hi Ashley! We don't personally track calories, but you're more than welcome to enter the ingredients into one of the online nutrition calculators out there. That'll be your best bet!
Sarah says
Do you think these would freeze well?
A mie says
I just made these subbing dry roasted sunflower seeds and sunflower seed butter for peanuts/pb. (I also added a few help seeds because I love them). It worked perfectly with seeds and the end result is delicious!
Bri says
Awesome - so glad your subs worked out! Love when readers get creative:) Thanks so much for sharing!
Theresa says
These were really good, love the flavor of the coconut in them!! Will definitely make them again!
Bri says
We're thrilled to hear you're loving these Peanut Butter Coconut Power Balls Theresa! And so happy you'll be making them again:) We just finished prepping another batch for ourselves to munch on this week. Woohoo!