These lemon energy balls are soft, wholesome, and packed with delicious lemon flavor!
Easy lemon energy balls
As an avid hiker, I am always looking for good portable healthy snack ideas to take with me on road trips or carry in a backpack.
These melt-in-your-mouth lemon bites are perfect for such occasions!
Plus, they are equally great for picnics, lunch boxes, post workout, or as a quick and tasty afternoon snack.
The tanginess of the lemon wonderfully balances the sweet shredded coconut, making it completely impossible to stop at just one.
Readers also like this Lemon Sorbet
Health benefits
The recipe is dairy free, egg free, gluten free, cholesterol free, tree nut free, soy free, low carb, and very low sodium.
They contain one and a half grams of protein each, or six grams protein and close to four grams fiber in just four truffles.
Depending on the specific ingredients you choose, the healthy lemon energy balls also include paleo, keto, added sugar free, and vegan options.
Lemon energy balls recipe video
Key ingredients
This healthy snack calls for just five ingredients!
And while many similar lemon bliss ball recipes require almond flour, coconut flour, cashews, dates, or oats, you won’t need any of those here.
Lemon zest: This is the most important ingredient in the recipe, because it gives the energy bites their classic lemon flavor. One large lemon or two smaller lemons yield about two teaspoons of zest.
Coconut: Look for full fat, unsweetened shredded coconut at regular grocery stores or health food stores. I do not recommend sweetened coconut, as the results will be more crumbly and overly sweet.
Protein powder: I like vanilla pea protein powder. Or you can choose soy, whey, casein, or brown rice protein.
For those who prefer a simple energy ball recipe without protein powder, try this similar recipe for Coconut Balls.
Coconut oil: Either refined or virgin coconut oil is fine, but it must be coconut oil because vegetable oil does not harden.
I have not personally tried omitting or swapping the oil for butter or plant based butter, so let me know if you try any of these substitutions.
Sweetener: The recipe works with honey, agave, pure maple syrup, or keto maple syrup for sugar free energy balls.
If you would like to use stevia instead, add three tablespoons of water or additional coconut oil and the stevia equivalent in sweetness to three tablespoons of sugar.
Optional add ins and flavor ideas
Add chia seeds, or poppy seeds for lemon poppy seed.
Blend in a small handful of freeze dried blueberries or strawberries.
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger and very finely diced cranberries.
Blend in a fourth teaspoon of ground turmeric for a healthy antioxidant boost and brighter yellow color.
For super tasty homemade lemon banana bread bites, replace one tablespoon of the sweetener with a tablespoon of ripe mashed banana.
Swap out the lemon zest for lime zest or orange zest.
Try a different flavor protein powder, like raspberry or birthday cake.
How to make lemon energy bites
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender or food processor. Process on high, scraping down the sides occasionally if needed.
- Press and roll the dough tightly into balls with your hands.
- If desired, dip in melted white chocolate or cream cheese frosting, or roll in powdered sugar, crushed walnuts, or additional shredded coconut.
- For optimum freshness, refrigerate or freeze any leftovers that you will not be consuming within a few hours.
- Store the snack balls in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months.
Short on time? Skip the rolling process and spread the dough into a small container instead. Press down firmly, chill, then slice into bars and enjoy.
Katie’s tips for best results
- Using a blender or food processor (my preference) is the number one most crucial step to achieve lemon balls that hold together without falling apart. If you attempt to stir the ingredients by hand, the dough simply will not form into balls.
- Do not worry if your hands get oily while rolling the balls. Studies show that coconut oil has anti inflammatory properties. It is often used as a beneficial moisturizer in skin products.
- Go with a protein powder that you already know you like. I find many brands to have an aftertaste and avoid those with artificial sweeteners.
The recipe was inspired by these 3 ingredient Lemon Truffles.
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (105g)
- 3 tbsp vanilla protein powder (21g)
- 3 tbsp honey or agave or sugar free syrup (45g)
- 3 tbsp coconut oil (36g)
- 2 tsp lemon zest (7g)
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Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. Use your hands to press into balls or shapes of choice. If desired, roll in shredded coconut or dip in melted white chocolate. Any leftovers not consumed within a few hours should be refrigerated in a covered container for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. (Flavor ideas, tips, and troubleshooting notes are included above.)View Nutrition Facts
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