Zesty lemon blueberry energy balls are a no-bake dessert made with dates, cashews, and fresh lemon. They're ready in just 10 minutes and make the perfect grab-and-go vegan snack!
Whether you're craving a sweet whole foods dessert or are looking for a burst of energy between meals, these blueberry energy balls are sure to hit the spot!
They pair fresh blueberries with lemon zest and lemon juice for a refreshingly sweet and tart combination similar to a blueberry smoothie. And they are wonderfully easy to make!
Recipe features
- Dietary features: vegan, vegetarian, soy-free, gluten-free (just used gluten-free rolled oats)
- Quick & easy: ready in 10 minutes using just 6 ingredients
- Perfect as a snack or healthy dessert
- No baking required
If you love my strawberry energy bites then you'll want to try these out!
Energy bites are one of my favorite additions to weekend meal prep. I usually make a batch of energy balls on Sunday to snack on throughout the week. This way you can throw one or two in your lunch bag for a mid-afternoon snack, or keep them in the fridge as a grab-and-go treat during the week.
What you'll need
- Blueberries: I use fresh blueberries. I have not tested this recipe with frozen blueberries but it should work.
- Medjool dates are known as nature's natural sweetener because they are very sweet. Choose pitted Medjool dates or pit the dates yourself before using them.
- Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest complement the sweetness from the dates.
- Cashews provide healthy fats and protein. An equal amount of almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or pecans would work. You can also use any seed to make this recipe nut-free.
- Rolled oats help with structure. Choose gluten-free rolled oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
How to make
I use a food processor with a standard blade attachment to make energy balls. I don't recommend using a blender unless it is very high-powered or you've had success making energy balls with it in the past.
Add the blueberries, dates, cashews, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the food processor. Blend until the dates are pureed and other ingredients are mostly broken down.
Add the rolled oats to the food processor. Process until combined with the blended dates.
The mixture should be able to hold together in a sticky ball; if not, add an extra ¼ cup rolled oats. Process in the food processor as needed.
Expert tip: Chill mixture for 1 hour before rolling into balls. This makes it easier to handle and less likely for the dates to stick to your hands.
Roll chilled mixture into cookie dough-sized. "Ping pong ball" sized is my favorite reference object for energy balls.
Expert tips and FAQ
- Rest the mix before forming into balls. This mixture is quite soft and sticky. Cooling it in the fridge for an hour will make it much easier to roll into balls. If the mixture is too sticky to roll you can add additional rolled oats.
- Store in the fridge. These energy bites are quite soft. They keep their shape best if stored in a tightly closed container in the fridge.
- If the mixture is too wet or sticky to shape, add in ¼ rolled oats or shredded coconut.
- Add-ins: Try adding 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or hemp seeds for additional healthy fats. Add ¼ cup to ½ cup of shredded coconut for a flavor similar to my coconut blueberry ovenight oats.
Energy balls are best enjoyed within a week of making them, but they do freeze well and can be kept frozen for 3+ months in an airtight container.
I can't say for sure because I haven't tested this myself. I do think frozen blueberries should work but dried probably would not work because of the lack of moisture.
Looking for more easy snack recipes?
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📖 Recipe
Blueberry Lemon Energy Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates 7-9 large dates
- ¼ cup unsalted cashews can use raw or roasted
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest from one lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Combine blueberries, dates, cashews, lemon zest and lemon juice in a food processor with a standard blade attachment. Blend until the dates are pureed and other ingredients are mostly broken down.
- Add the rolled oats to the food processor. Process until combined with the blended dates. The mixture should be able to hold together in a sticky ball; if not, add an extra ¼ cup rolled oats. Process in the food processor as needed.
- Chill mixture for 1 hour; this will make it easier to form into balls.
- Form the chilled date mixture into 12-13 small ping-pong sized balls. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
Author's note: This recipe was originally shared in May 2019. IT was updated in February 2021 with a new FAQ and tips. The recipe itself remains the same.
Rashmi
I made it today and stored in the freezer in zip lock bags. Plan to give it to my kindergartener tomorrow morning in her snack box without thawing. I hope it thaws in 3 - 4 hours in her lunch box and she is able to eat it
Cassidy Reeser
I think it should thaw in that time! I hope she loves them 🙂
Lori
This was quick, easy, and delicious. It was my first attempt at energy balls after reading many recipes and reviews. It sounds common that they can be on the soft/mushy side so I added 1/4 cup dried unsweetened coconut flakes and was able to roll these right away. The fresh blueberries and tart lemon were a yummy combination. Will definitely make them again!
Cassidy Reeser
Thanks Lori! Glad you liked them! 🙂
Nancy Phillips
Loved this idea. Could not find dates, so I improvised using 1/4 c almond butter, dried pineapple, a trail mix that is mostly nuts, seeds and dried cranberries. I used almond flour to make it less sticky, more easy to roll into balls.