Well, this is a first for Love Swah. A healthy recipe. That’s raw. And gluten and dairy free. No, I haven’t gone mad! Would you believe when I am not baking up and sampling delicious chocolate pavlovas or triple salted caramel cupcakes, I am actually quite healthy?
I have been wanting to create my own protein balls/bliss balls/amazeballs for a while now and was inspired by this great recipe from my friend Nadia. I usually work out once in the mornings and once at lunch time, and a little ball of energy is the perfect pre or post snack. I played around with flavour combinations and ingredients and settled on this Cashew and Coconut recipe, and it tastes absolutely amazing (no, really it does – I couldn’t stop snacking on these!) I have also created a chocolate & peanut butter protein ball which I will post next week!
My main problem with existing protein ball recipes is that they either have almonds (allergic) or fancy and overpriced ingredients from the health food store. I don’t have the likes of agave nectar, coconut oil, organic raw cocoa or bee pollen hanging around in my cupboard. So I tried to use easy-to-find ingredients you can purchase at your local supermarket. (I happened to have chia seeds at home, feel free to omit but you can now buy these at Coles and Woolworths).
I like my snacks to be around the 100-150 calorie mark and this recipe makes 12 balls which works out to be 140 calories each.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews
- 2 tbsp protein powder I used vanilla soy protein which is dairy-free
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp honey
- 10-12 pitted dates
Instructions
- Place cashews in your food processor and blend into fine crumbs.
- Add in protein powder, coconut and chia seeds and process until combined.
- Combine honey and dates in your processor and blend until it can form a soft ball.
- If the mixture still remains crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together.
- For easy portioning, use an icecream scoop to create 6 large balls, then halve each and roll into 12 little balls.
- I store mine in zip locks bags in groups of 4, putting half in the freezer and keeping half in the fridge.
Feel free to tailor this recipe to your own tastes – mix up the nuts, try chocolate protein powder, add a teaspoon of vanilla or perhaps a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Enjoy!
23 Comments
love thisssss! right down my alley!
I knew it would be Tina! You get a mention in the next choc/peanut butter balls post as I was inspired by your recipe :)
Oh man I LOVE raw balls.They are so addictive and satisfying. I’ve never tried them with cashews before though so will have to give these a go soon.
Also, it’s really hard to convince people that food bloggers aren’t just stuffing cake in their faces all day long huh?
Haha I know, people always seem to think I exist on cake! That would be lovely but I’d be the size of a house ;)
Definitely give these a try, they are so moreish!
Nice one Swah, these sound really tasty ;)
Thanks Tara! :)
Amaze! Nice one sugar x
Thanks honey x
[…] guys! Here is another protein ball recipe to complement last week’s Raw Cashew and Coconut recipe. Inspired by the lovely Tina from Bite Me Show Me, I tweaked this recipe to suit what […]
Made these last night and they rocked! They are so much better than muslei bars for a work snack- great recipe!
Glad you enjoyed them Tanya! I agree, they are much tastier and healthier than muesli bars
[…] 4. Raw Cashew and Coconut Protein Balls […]
Hi
I was wondering what could be substituted for the protein powder?
Joanne
Hi Jo, you can either use skim milk powder or leave it out and put in a bit more coconut if the mixture feels too wet
First time making protien balls. Great ingredients. VERY YUMMY!!
I am glad you liked them Nikki!
[…] of my favourites include my Gluten-Free Banana Caramel Pancakes, Vegan Raw Cashew and Coconut Protein Balls and my Dairy and Gluten-Free Homemade […]
Wow u sure work out! Love a delish protein ball!
I make these *all* the time and store them in little zip lock bags in the freezer at home and work. Such an easy and tasty snack!
[…] Protein Balls: My advice would be to use this recipe loosely and to get creative with this – I’ve changed it by adding chopped almonds and removing the cashews to the batter and adding desicated coconut to the batter afterwards. Add flavourings (Vanilla from the bean, cinnamon and almond – if you make something please comment below!) See here on my Instagram what how I got a bit more creative! […]
[…] if you’re looking for another healthy snack recipe, my Raw Cashew and Coconut Protein Balls are actually one of the most popular recipes on my […]
[…] healthier options. I’ve made a delicious Choc Raspberry Vegan Mousse, Homemade Nutella and Cashew and Coconut Protein Balls – all dairy and gluten […]
[…] and try and purchase or pre-pack a few healthier options. My favourites include nuts, fruit and homemade protein balls or muesli bars which I bring in ziplock bags. I also sometimes bring along some cheese, bread and […]