It’s Halloween! So here’s my nod to this sweet, sugary holiday, without all the…sugar. It’s my healthy, low-sugar version of one of my old favorite Halloween treats, the Almond Joy. I don’t eat Almond Joy bars anymore, they are way too sweet for my taste buds these days. But candy shopping for the neighborhood kids brings back memories of that yummy combination of coconut, chocolate and almonds and I still love this combo of flavors! So, I came up with a protein bite version that my healthier self can enjoy as much as my former self loved that Almond Joy candy!
These low sugar bites are full of healthy fats, fiber, and protein with a ton of energy and mood-boosting ingredients. A combo of protein and healthy fats is the best for keeping hunger at bay and optimizing energy, so these are a great option to help you avoid that mid-afternoon slump. They’ll keep your blood sugars stable to both fuel you and treat you at the same time!
What’s your favorite Halloween candy bar? I’m happy to attempt a protein ball version for you if you let me know 🙂
Enjoy, and let me know what you think!
Almond Joy Protein Balls
Makes 12 balls
Ingredients:
3/4 cup raw almonds
¼ cup coconut butter (melted)
¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus more to roll
3 tablespoons protein powder (I use 100% organic hemp protein)
2 tablespoons maple syrup or raw honey
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
2 tablespoons ground flax
2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao nibs (optional)
Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
Add ¾ cup raw almonds to food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse or blend until it is the close to the consistency of almond meal, but with some chunky pieces left in it. Transfer ½ cup of the ground almonds to a bowl.
To the bowl, add the melted coconut butter and oil, shredded coconut, protein powder, maple syrup, cacao powder, ground flax and cacao nibs (if using). Mix well. The consistency will be wet. Add more of the ground almonds a tablespoon at a time, as needed, until it reaches a consistency that is wet, but form-able. If it still doesn’t seem form-able, you can refrigerate it, until it becomes easier to work with. Use your hands to roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls and then roll each ball into more shredded coconut. Place the balls on a plate or in a glass dish in the refrigerator to set.
When you’re ready to enjoy the protein balls, you can eat them straight from the fridge or let soften for a few minutes at room temperature, before eating.
