Written by Catherine Saxelby
on Tuesday, 10 December 2013.
Tagged: dairy-free, dessert, egg-free, healthy recipes, healthy snacks, raw, sugar substitutes, vegetarian
I've been swept up with the trend to cacao balls or power balls, round snacks (think mouthfuls) with the wonderful rich flavour of dark cacao. Imagine rich dark smooth chocolate but healthier. Here's one version we came up with jam-packed with almonds, prunes, seeds and figs. With the coconut fat (butter), they need an hour in the fridge to become nice and firm.
Per ball: 429 Kilojoules (100 Calories), 7 g fat (including 3 g saturated fat), 8 g carbohydrate, 2 g fibre, 15 mg sodium. Read our nutrition rating system.
Place the dried fruit in the processor first, then the rest of the ingredients leaving the coconut fat until last. Blitz until smooth and a glossy mix. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of hot water so that the mix forms a soft ball. The mix should be firm and sticky, but not mushy.
We suggest you wear disposable gloves for this next step:
Using a tablespoon for measuring, roll the mixture into balls about the size of a walnut. Then toss the balls in your choice of coating – we used cacao powder, goji and pepitas. Leave one hour in the fridge to firm up. Store covered in fridge or in the freezer for later consumption.
Note: We used prunes and figs which resulted in a mild barely-sweet flavour. If you are after more of a sweet kick, use dried apricots, prunes and/or dates.
Recipe developed by dietitian Airlie Lacy
© 2024 Foodwatch Australia. All rights reserved
Author photo by Kate Williams
Website by Joomstore eCommerce