Salted Caramel Energy Balls

These gooey, soft, 4 ingredients Salted Caramel Energy Balls are packed with protein and healthy fats. Sweetened by dates. Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free.

Overall, I’m obsessed with how simple these Salted Caramel Energy Balls are to make.

Surprisingly, they are made entirely with whole food ingredients, meaning they satisfy my sweet tooth AND leave me with lasting energy.

Thus, they are the perfect pre-workout and healthy pick-me-up to have on hand. Particularly, I always double the batch and freeze them, so they are ready to consume at a moment’s notice.

If you like this recipe, you’ll love my Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies.

Why DO I love these Salted Caramel energy balls?

Undeniably, there are many reasons to love these protein balls. There are a few in particular that has made this my new favorite recipe:

• The perfect fall energy ball – gooey, coconut-y, and caramel bliss
• Vegan, gluten free, and grain free
• Store extremely well
• Easily replaces your expensive protein bar addiction
• Extremely satisfying dessert
• Perfect balance of sweet and salty
• Meal prep essential
• Assemble in 5 minutes

Overall, there are endless reasons this recipe has my heart.

Recently, I have really been loving energy ball recipes because they are simple and quick – the best mom lunch box addition.

How do protein balls give you energy?

Dates!

In brief, they are the main ingredient in these bliss balls that give you a boost of energy.

In particular, dates are made up of healthy carbs – carbs are the energy building blocks of our body. That’s why you might have seen the trend where people eat Rice Crispy treats before going to the gym – it’s the carbs and sugar that fuel your workout.

However, unlike rice crispy treats, dates have a lot more fiber, which make the sugars slow digesting. Specifically, these fibers allow you to get the energy boost, without the sudden crash.

Not to mention, they are full of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants.

Learn more about the health benefits of dates here.

Why do I love these salted caramel energy bites

In addition to the dates, these caramel energy balls also contain 3 other wholesome ingredients plus a bonus optional ingredient.

Cashews – are a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and plant protein. In addition, they have been shown to promote energy, brain health, and immunity.

Learn more about the health benefits of cashews here.

Coconut shreds – are very high in manganese, copper, iron, and selenium. Additionally, coconuts are a great source of healthy fats.

Learn more about the health benefits of coconut here.

Sea salt – helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure in the body.

Learn more about the health benefits of seal salt here.

Collagen protein powder – in simple, this is my favorite bonus ingredient. Significantly, collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. Moreover, it has been associated with skin, bone, and heart health.

Learn more about the health benefits of collage powder here.

Can I eat dates and cashews together?

Certainly, dates and cashews are a match made in heaven!

Surely, the carbs from the dates balance the healthy fats from cashews.

Moreover, I find the hunger-satiating combination keeps me fuller for longer.  

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Energy Balls

Can you believe it? Surprisingly, these energy balls have only 4 ingredients:

Cashews, raw

Medjool dates

Sea salt

Coconut shreds

By and large, sometimes it’s the simplest recipes that taste the most delicious!

How to Make Salted Caramel Energy Balls

First, soak the raw cashews in hot water for 2 hours with a pinch of salt or in room temperature water overnight (add enough water to cover the cashews).

However, if you don’t have time, you don’t have to soak them.

Second, blend the cashews, Medjool dates, and sea salt until semi-smooth.

Additionally, if you want to bump the protein, you can add collagen powder.

Third, add the coconut shreds and blend again until they reach your preferred texture.

Finally, roll the dough into balls of your desired size, sprinkle with additional salt, and they are ready to eat!

Do cashews need soaking?

No, you do not have to!

However, I recommend it for the following reasons:

1. You will have a softer and fudgier texture
2. Tastes better
3. Better absorption of nutrients

Learn more about the health benefits of soaking nuts here.

What to do with leftover dates?

• Stuff them with nut butter– you all know I could eat an entire jar of nut butter….SERIOUSLY!!
• Add them to your oatmeal– this is a great way to add some extra nutrients, flavor, and sweetness to a bowl in the morning!
• Make a date-inspired recipe i.e. my Cornflour Spongecake
• Use them as a pre-workout snack– I am all for a sweet treat as a pre-workout snack!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Energy Balls

These energy balls are amazing as is or with a cup of coffee in the morning!

In addition, I like adding my creamy, vegan, salted caramel sauce. Its thick, velvety, and refined sugar-free.

Just drizzle it over the energy balls and pop them in the fridge or freezer.

How to Store Salted Caramel Energy Balls

These salted caramel energy balls store well in an airtight container for about a week.

Additionally, you can freeze them for up to 3 weeks.

What other energy ball recipes would you like to see? Leave a comment below!

Other delicious energy ball recipes

1. Strawberry Crunch Energy Balls

2. No Bake Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls

3. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS