Dulce de Leche Coconut Energy Balls

(4)

Dulce de leche, a sweet caramelized milk product used in Latin American desserts, adds sweet caramel flavor to these tasty energy balls. Seek out dulce de leche in cans or glass jars, typically found in the baking aisle. You can swap out cashew butter for your preferred nut butter to give them your own unique spin.

a recipe photo of the Dulce de Leche Coconut Energy Balls
Photo:

Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
10
the ingredients to make the Dulce de Leche Coconut Energy Balls

Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Ingredients

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted (see Tip) and divided

  • 1/2 cup natural cashew butter

  • 5 tablespoons dulce de leche

  • 1/4 cup chopped dried dates

  • 2 tablespoons hemp seeds

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Combine oats, 1/2 cup coconut, cashew butter, dulce de leche, dates, hemp seeds, vanilla and salt in a food processor; process until fully combined and a thick paste forms, about 1 minute, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.

    a step in making the Dulce de Leche Coconut Energy Balls

    Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

  2. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or measuring spoon, scoop the mixture evenly into 20 portions and place on the prepared baking sheet. With clean hands, shape each portion into a ball. Roll the balls in the remaining 1/4 cup coconut until evenly coated (discard any remaining coconut).

    a step in making the Dulce de Leche Coconut Energy Balls

    Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Tip

Toast coconut in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often, until golden, about 5 minutes.

To make ahead

Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Equipment

Parchment paper

EatingWell.com, January 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

204 Calories
13g Fat
19g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Serving Size 2 balls
Calories 204
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 4g 9%
Total Fat 13g 17%
Saturated Fat 6g 28%
Cholesterol 3mg 1%
Vitamin A 7µg
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 5%
Folate 14µg
Vitamin K 4µg
Sodium 106mg 5%
Calcium 40mg 3%
Iron 1mg 8%
Magnesium 61mg 15%
Potassium 204mg 4%
Zinc 1mg 12%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Related Articles