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Key Lime Coconut Energy Bites are made with five tasty ingredients and come together in less than 5 minutes! This energy balls recipe is vegan, gluten free and paleo-friendly.
Usually by three o’clock in the afternoon I’m reaching for an afternoon snack. Something that can energize, provide some nutrients and keep me full until dinner time. These quick, no bake key lime coconut energy bites are the perfect snack to grab when the sweet craving hits. Make them in less than five minutes and store them to enjoy as snacks throughout the week.
These energy balls are big enough to satisfy my craving for something sweet but small enough to eat as a quick snack. And I love that you can change some of the ingredients to make your own flavor combination. Don’t be afraid to make this coconut balls recipe with lemons or even orange.
Energy bites recipe
Add almonds and cashews to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the nuts are just finely chopped. Add the dates, lime juice and zest. Pulse until the dates are finely chopped and the mixture starts to clump. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls. Roll in coconut to coat the outside of the balls. Store the coconut balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Do protein balls need to be refrigerated?
We recommend refrigerating protein balls as they will maintain consistency and will keep for longer. This protein bites recipe will last for a week or so in the refrigerator.
Can energy bites be frozen?
Freeze the energy bites on a cookie sheet for one hour. Transfer to a ziplock bag and then place in the freezer. Thaw the balls overnight in the refrigerator.
Can another nut be substituted?
Yes, you can generally use any kind of nut for this recipe. You do not have to use raw nuts but using salted or roasted nuts may change the texture.
Can you use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, you can use one lime instead of three key limes. You can also use lemons instead of limes if you want to make lemon energy bites.
This protein bites recipe is one of the most popular recipes on this site. Since they were originally published in 2014, this recipe has been enjoyed thousands of times. We love healthy snacks and also really love a berry acai bowl, sweet potato toast or paleo blueberry muffins when we’re craving a healthy afternoon snack.
Try this recipe and then let us know what you think!
Key Lime Coconut Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1 1/2 cups Medjool dates*, pitted
- zest and juice from 3 key limes
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
Instructions
- Add the almonds and cashews to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until nuts are finely chopped (but do not pulse too long, you do not want the nuts to turn into a paste). Add the dates, lime juice and zest. Pulse until the dates are finely chopped and the mixture starts to clump. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls. Roll in coconut to coat outside of the balls. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I made these and I got about 2 dozen 1inch balls. I would use 4 key limes instead of 3, these are addictive and yummy,very sticky to make.
These are the first protein balls I have made. They are so delicious, its very hard to stop at one. I added Lucama Powder to it for extra protein etc wow. Great start to my new way of eating. Thank you from down OZ.
Hi, Michelle! Thanks for stopping by. I am so glad to hear that you loved them!
These look great! How many bites does this recipe make?
About one dozen, depending on size.
These taste amazing!! Thank you! I will be making them often. I added a little fig to mine too and they were delicious.
Did you use salted or unsalted nuts? I can’t wait to make them!
Hi, Jessica! I use unsalted nuts. Enjoy!
Made these last night as a little dessert for a dinner party where one of the girls eats gluten free and they were a hit with everyone and they were healthy so a win-win!!!
Hi, Kim! I am so glad to hear that everyone loved them. They are still one of my favorite snacks!
Salted or unsalted? Or lightly salted ? Can’t wait to make these today!!
These look great! I’m recently low-fodmap and can’t do dates or dried fruits.. any ideas for a substitution?
Hi Leela! The dried fruit is what makes these bites unique. I’m not sure what else you could use for a substitution.
I made these last night with pecans (because I didn’t have cashews on hand) and there are only 2 left. . I can’t wait to make them next time with cashews. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jenny! I am so glad that you loved them!
These were so fresh tasting! I didn’t have quite enough dates, so I added some dried plums and juiced another lime. My family ate them in one sitting, so I guess I will need to double or triple the recipe!
Hi Jamie! I am so glad that your family loved them!