Name: Dulce de Leche Coconut Energy Balls
Total time: 20 min
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

Dulce de Leche Coconut Energy Balls

4.3

(4)

4 Reviews

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.

Amanda Holstein

Published on January 12, 2024

Tested by

Craig Ruff

Reviewed by Dietitian

Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

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

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.

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

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 7Âµg
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Vitamin D 0Âµg
Vitamin E 1mg	5%
Folate 14Âµg
Vitamin K 4Âµg
Sodium 106mg	5%
Calcium 40mg	3%
Iron 1mg	8%
Magnesium 61mg	15%
Potassium 204mg	4%
Zinc 1mg	12%
Vitamin B12 0Âµg
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.