Introduction

These Almond Joy Energy Balls are a delightful and healthy treat packed with coconut, almonds, and rich dark chocolate. Perfect for a quick snack or a natural energy boost, they combine simple ingredients into bite-sized deliciousness.

A small white bowl filled with round balls covered in white shredded coconut, each topped with a drizzle of dark chocolate and a single whole almond stuck in the chocolate layer near the top; the balls have a rough texture from the coconut flakes, and a few more almond-covered coconut balls are scattered on a white marbled surface around the bowl, creating a light and clean setting, with some blurred background elements and a pale blue bowl slightly out of focus behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3/4 cup Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut
1 cup Almond Flour
2 tablespoons Coconut Milk
1/3 cup Maple Syrup
1/4 teaspoon Coconut Extract
2 tablespoons Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut (for coating)
9 Roasted Almonds
1/3 cup Dark Chocolate Chips (melted)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the desiccated coconut, almond flour, maple syrup, coconut milk, and coconut extract if using.
Step 2: Stir initially with a spatula, then oil your hands lightly and squeeze the mixture together to form a dough. Add more coconut milk if too dry, or more almond flour if too wet. The dough should be soft but able to roll into balls.
Step 3: Lightly oil your hands and roll about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough into a ball. Repeat until all dough is used, making about 9 balls.
Step 4: Place 2 tablespoons of desiccated coconut in a small bowl and roll each ball in the coconut to coat.
Step 5: Press a whole roasted almond onto the top of each ball. Since the balls may flatten, gently re-roll them between your hands to encase the almond and restore a round shape.
Step 6: Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts until smooth.
Step 7: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the energy balls.
Step 8: Place the balls in the freezer for 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
Step 9: Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a little more maple syrup to the dough.
Use almond butter instead of almond flour for a creamier texture.
Swap coconut milk with almond milk if you want a lighter option.
For a nut-free version, omit the roasted almonds or replace with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Toast the coconut lightly before mixing for a deeper flavor.

Storage

Store the Almond Joy Energy Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month and thaw in the fridge before eating. To reheat, allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes; avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a round sweet treat held by a woman's hand with painted light blue nails, showing three main layers: the bottom soft white layer coated in shredded coconut, a drizzle of dark chocolate on top creating stripes, and a whole almond placed in the center. In the background, several similar treats sit inside a white bowl with a light blue exterior, all placed on a white marbled surface. Blurry objects like a small glass jar with a light colored drink and a blue bowl are faintly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular shredded coconut instead of desiccated coconut?

Desiccated coconut has a fine, dry texture that helps bind the dough better. Regular shredded coconut is coarser and moister, which may change the texture and require adjustment in liquid ingredients.

Are these energy balls suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe uses maple syrup and coconut milk, making it completely vegan-friendly. Just ensure that your chocolate chips are dairy-free.