Introduction

Lemon Energy Balls are a refreshing and nutritious snack perfect for a quick boost of energy. With zesty lemon flavor and a delightful coconut crunch, these no-bake treats are easy to make and ideal for any time of the day.

Lemon Energy Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup cashews
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut (unsweetened)
3 tablespoons coconut nectar (or maple syrup, or sugar-free syrup)
1/4 cup lemon juice (about half a lemon)
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons hemp seeds (or chia seeds or sunflower seeds)
1/3 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor with the S blade, add cashews and unsweetened shredded coconut. Blend on high speed, pulsing until it forms a meal-like texture.
Step 2: Add coconut nectar (or chosen syrup), lemon juice, and lemon zest to the mixture. Blend again on high speed until a sticky dough forms and comes together.
Step 3: Stir in your choice of seeds and pulse a few times to incorporate them evenly. If the dough feels too wet, add more shredded coconut, 2 tablespoons at a time, blending after each addition. If too dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, blending between additions until the right consistency is reached.
Step 4: Scoop out about one tablespoon of batter and roll it between your hands to form a ball. Then roll the ball in the desiccated coconut to coat.
Step 5: Place the coated energy balls on a plate lined with parchment paper as you work through the remaining batter.
Step 6: Store the finished energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture and flavor, try adding finely chopped dried fruit or a pinch of sea salt to the mixture before blending.
Substitute hemp seeds with chia or sunflower seeds to vary the nutritional profile and taste.
If you prefer a sweeter ball, increase the sweetener slightly, but be cautious to maintain the dough’s stickiness for rolling.
Use fresh lemon zest for a vibrant citrus aroma and avoid pre-packaged zest which can lose flavor quickly.

Storage

Store the lemon energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for a soft, chewy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these energy balls nut-free?

Yes, you can substitute cashews with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, but the texture and flavor will slightly differ.

Are these energy balls suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely! Using maple syrup or coconut nectar keeps this recipe completely vegan-friendly.

Lemon Energy Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 89 reviews

These refreshing Lemon Energy Balls are a perfect no-bake snack packed with healthy fats, fiber, and a bright citrus flavor. Combining cashews, shredded coconut, and zesty lemon juice and zest, these energy balls are lightly sweetened with coconut nectar or maple syrup and enhanced with nutrient-dense hemp seeds. They make an easy, on-the-go treat that is gluten-free, vegan, and free of refined sugars.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 energy balls 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup Cashew
1 1/2 cup Shredded Coconut (Unsweetened)
3 tablespoons Coconut Nectar (or maple syrup or sugar-free syrup)
1/4 cup Lemon Juice (about half a lemon)
2 tablespoons Lemon Zest
2 tablespoons Hemp Seeds (or chia seeds or sunflower seeds)
1/3 cup Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut (for coating)

Instructions

Prepare the base mixture: In a food processor fitted with the S blade attachment, combine the cashews and unsweetened shredded coconut. Pulse on high speed until the ingredients form a fine meal-like texture.
Add wet ingredients: Pour in the coconut nectar (or maple syrup), fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Blend again on high speed until the mixture forms a sticky dough that starts to come together.
Incorporate seeds: Add hemp seeds (or your choice of chia or sunflower seeds) and pulse a few times to evenly incorporate them throughout the dough.
Adjust dough consistency: If the dough feels too wet, add additional shredded coconut two tablespoons at a time, pulsing to blend after each addition. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water and blend, repeating until the desired sticky dough consistency is reached.
Form energy balls: Scoop approximately one tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a ball, then roll each ball in the unsweetened desiccated coconut to coat thoroughly.
Set aside and continue: Place the coated energy balls on a plate lined with parchment paper while rolling the remaining dough into balls and coating them.
Refrigerate: Store the finished energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Freeze for longer storage: For extended shelf life, freeze the energy balls in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Notes

Replace coconut nectar with maple syrup or sugar-free syrup for different sweetness options.
You can switch hemp seeds with chia seeds or sunflower seeds depending on availability or preference.
Adjust the dough moisture by adding shredded coconut or water incrementally to get the perfect sticky texture for rolling.
Store energy balls in the fridge for convenient grab-and-go snacks or freeze for long-term storage.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and free from refined sugars.

Keywords: lemon energy balls, no-bake snack, vegan energy balls, gluten-free snack, healthy snack, cashew energy bites, coconut lemon balls, hemp seeds, citrus snack