Lately I’ve been a huge fan of FAT. I know, sounds strange but it’s legit. Healthy fats are an essential part of a balanced diet, because they aid in satiety unlike carbohydrates or sugars. This is because fats take longer to digest, therefore they provide sustained energy (not that awful sugar high/crash cycle), which makes them perfect fuel for a workout, or a snack between meals!
As much as I love incorporating healthy fats in my meals, I don’t go crazy with them. I like to keep my diet as balanced as possible, so these balls aren’t totally loaded with oils (unlike some that have 1/2 cup of straight coconut oil!). These guys have the perfect amount of seeds and supplementing oil to give them a good consistency and taste, while still allowing them to hold up their notable reputation for providing some solid energy!
They’re portable, pop-able, and an absolute go-to snack for me. They’re completely vegan, high in proteins and healthy fats, and taste JUST LIKE creampuffs (I swear the resemblance is uncanny)! I love to eat a few for breakfast, snack on them between meals, or have a few for dessert.
Ingredients
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup watermelon seeds
1 tbsp ground flax seeds
1 scoop vanilla protein
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp coconut oil + coconut butter
1/4 cup plant based milk
5-6 pitted dates (or to taste)
Directions
- In a food processor pulse together all seeds, vanilla protein, and cinnamon until the seeds are roughly ground (remember they’re going to be processed more, so don’t ground them to a flour consistency!)
- Add in coconut oil and coconut butter and plant milk, then process until evenly combined.
- Pulse in the dates in divided amounts, scraping down the edges if needed. If your mixture is still crumbly, add more dates to create a more sticky batter.
- Use a tablespoon measure to create 18 balls, then line them up on parchment paper and store them in the freezer.
- Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container (I use a Stasher Bag), and keep them in the freezer for a quick and easy snack!
- Enjoy!
Notes:
- Store them in the freezer for a firm consistency, or the fridge if you prefer them to be softer.
- Swap in any seeds in this recipe, just make sure it’s the same quantity.
- Use desired amount of dates based off the level of sweetness you prefer.
- Any flavor of protein powder can be used to customize this recipe, or you can swap in collagen peptides for a hair, skin, and nails supplement.
- Feel free to add matcha, turmeric, cacao powder, or any other flavors to customize your balls!