Healthy Recipe: Dark Chocolate Energy Bites

Dark Chocolate & Espresso Energy Bites

Recipe by Ivy Manning | Photo by Erin Kunkel

Hello, lover. These chocolate truffles taste like a decadent treat, but they’re guilt free. Featuring nuts and dried fruit, they’re just as good for you as a small handful of trail mix. Naturally sweetened, you don’t have to worry about added sugar. Plus, you’re getting a triple whammy of antioxidants from dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and coffee.

INGREDIENTS

1½ cups (6 oz/185 g) sliced almonds, toasted
1 cup (5 oz/155 g) dried figs, halved, stems discarded
1 cup (4½ oz/140 g) pitted Medjool dates
½ cup (3 oz/90 g) finely chopped dark chocolate (at least 70 percent cocoa)
2 tablespoons hot water
1 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee
Pinch of salt
3 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder, unsweetened

INSTRUCTIONS

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the almonds, figs, dates, chocolate, hot water, instant espresso, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the ingredients are finely ground and the mixture comes together into a ball.

Lay down a piece of wax paper or parchment. Sift the cocoa onto a large plate. Using a tablespoon, portion the fig mixture into 24 pieces, dropping them on the wax paper. Using clean hands, roll the portions into small balls, and then roll each ball in the cocoa to coat.

Store the energy bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Makes 24 truffles; 12 servings

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 172
Protein 4 g
Total fat 9 g
Saturated fat 2 g
Carbs 21 g
Fiber 4 g
Total sugars 15 g
Added sugars 1 g
Sodium 30 mg