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Salted Cashew Caramel Energy Balls in bowl on white marble with sea salt.

Salted Cashew Caramel Energy Balls (5 Ingredients)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 16 balls
Author: Nico Pallotta

  • 1 cup (140 g) cashew raw or roasted, unsalted or salted all work
  • 1½ packed cups (250 g) dates Medjool or Deglet Noor (about 9 oz)
  • ¼ cup (20 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt omit if using salted cashews

  • Blend: Add 1 cup cashew, 1½ packed cups dates, ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt to a food processor.
    Blend for 1 minute for chunkier energy balls or 2 minutes for a smoother texture.
    Step 1 Cashews, dates, coconut, vanilla, and salt added to food processor.
  • Check the texture: The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Pinch a little between your fingers. If it holds together, it's ready. If it's too dry, blend in 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.
    Step 2 Blended mixture with coarse, crumbly texture inside food processor bowl.
  • Roll: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture. Squeeze it firmly in your hand, then quickly roll it between your palms to form a ball.
    Step 3 rolled energy ball mixture into smooth round balls.
  • Chill: Enjoy right away or refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
    Step 4 Freshly rolled energy balls in airtight container ready to chill.
Substitutions
  • Cashews → Almonds, pecans, walnuts, or peanuts. Raw, roasted, unsalted, or salted all work. If using salted cashews, omit the added salt.
  • Dates → Deglet Noor dates, dried figs, or prunes. Deglet Noor dates make firmer, less sweet bites; add 1 tablespoon of water at a time if the mixture doesn't hold together.
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut → Quick oats, rolled oats, ground flaxseed, or leave it out for a stronger cashew flavor.
  • Vanilla extract → Almond extract (use half as much) or omit it.
  • Salt → Omit if using salted cashews, or top with a few flakes of sea salt for extra salty-sweet contrast.
 
Tips
  • Toast raw cashews: Optional, but it brings out a richer, nuttier flavor.
  • Choose your dates: Medjool makes softer, sweeter bites; Deglet Noor makes firmer, less sweet ones.
  • Blend to your liking: About 1 minute for a crunchy texture, longer for smoother bites.
  • Look for crumbs: The mixture should resemble coarse sand but hold together when squeezed.
  • Add water only if needed: Blend in 1 tablespoon at a time only if the mixture won't stick together.
  • Adjust the salt: Omit it with salted cashews, or reduce it to suit your taste.
  • Squeeze, then roll: Compress each scoop before rolling to help it hold together.
  • Store in the freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months and enjoy straight from the freezer.
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