Almond Joy Energy Balls Recipe

Here you'll find a no-bake Energy Balls Recipe that will satisfy your hunger cravings with tastes of chocolate, almonds, and coconut. These bitesize healthy morsels are the perfect after-school snack for kids or a nice pick-me-up boost before an early morning workout. They are quick and easy no-bake morsels that are in and out of the mixing bowl within 10 minutes. 

When I was growing up the candy bar Almond Joy was my all-time favorite. I loved the Mounds candy bar as well, but when you add the crunch of the almond it just takes that creamy coconut middle and the dark chocolate to a whole new level. When I decided I needed recipes for a great snack that I can pull out of my fridge anytime I want, I knew right away I needed to figure out how to combine the ingredients of my "favorite candy bar" for a healthy bite. 

"Healthy" is in everyone's thoughts right now because of the New Year and especially after the holidays. Therefore, I'm looking ahead to help with healthy snacks that both satisfy and contribute to a new healthy you. All the ingredients in this Almond Joy Energy Balls recipe are full of nutrients and good things for your body. Popping one in your mouth instead of a sugar-filled candy bar is such a better choice. 

Ingredients for Almond Joy Energy Balls

Old-Fashioned Oats

Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth with many health benefits such as helping to reduce the risk of heart disease,  lowering blood sugar levels, providing antioxidants, promoting healthy bacteria in the gut, helping to feel full in order to manage weight, plus many more.

I prefer "old-fashioned" oats as they have more texture and substance than "quick oats." When processed, quick oats are cut into more pieces and rolled thinner. Either one will work in this recipe though.

Coarsely Chopped Raw Almonds

Almonds contain loads of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E which can contribute to lowering blood sugar levels, reducing blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol levels. Another benefit is reducing hunger which promotes weight loss. 

Chopped almonds in this recipe are what give the Energy Balls a nice crunch along with extra texture. They add a touch of sweetness with a slightly nutty taste. 

Unsweetened Coconut Flakes

Coconut can offer a number of benefits because it's fiber-rich and full of MCTs which can improve heart health, digestion, and weight loss. Unsweetened coconut makes for a great addition to a balanced diet although it is high in calories and saturated fat. Therefore it's best to partake of in moderation. 

Coconut Flakes add a nice chewy texture to the Energy Balls. You can use sweetened coconut flakes instead, but for a healthier choice, especially since I am watching my sugar intake, I prefer unsweetened.        

Almond Butter

Almond butter is high in monounsaturated fats which help lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise the good cholesterol (HDL). Almond butter is also high in vitamin E, an effective antioxidant. Antioxidants protect our cells from damaging free radicals caused by our diet or the environment around us.  

The creamy smooth texture of almond butter is what binds all the ingredients together into a beautiful mixture of nutrition. Also, the sweet nutty taste of the butter joins with the chopped almonds to enhance the overall flavor of these Almond Joy Energy Balls. 

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is rich in theobromine which helps reduce inflammation and can protect against heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. If you want the full health benefits, make sure and grab the 100% cocoa powder. 

The cocoa powder in this recipe is what gives the energy balls the depth of chocolate flavor and their rich color. It fully complements all the other ingredients for a satisfying treat. 

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Lily's Semi-Sweet Chocolate is a great healthy choice for these Energy Balls. This brand of chocolate does not contain any sugar and it's made with non-GMO ingredients.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are highly nutritious and carry with them several health benefits. These tiny black and white seeds are loaded with antioxidants which may help with lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation. Because of the fiber and protein in chia seeds, it may help in supporting weight loss. Also, chia seeds contain Omega 3 fatty acids which have been linked to decreasing heart disease risk. 

If you're looking to sub these out, flax seeds or hemp seeds are a great healthy option as well. 

Raw Unfiltered Honey

Honey in its raw and unfiltered state is the best for a healthy choice. Regular honey uses the process of pasteurizing and filtering which may reduce the honey's original nutrients. Raw honey itself is a great source of antioxidants, it also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. 

Honey in this Almond Joy Energy Balls Recipe is obviously what contributes to the sweetness of these bites. It also helps bind all the ingredients together. You can substitute pure maple syrup if you wish. 

Pure Vanilla Extract

Pure Vanilla Extract is rich and complex in flavor with an incredibly smooth aroma. In my opinion, there is no substitute for the real deal. The imitation vanilla, although much less in cost, doesn't compare to flavor or the health aspect of the pure extract. Imitation vanilla utilizes artificial flavors and harmful chemicals. There are some things that are worth the extra expense, and I feel pure vanilla extract is just that. 

Mixing and Forming these Energy Balls

#1 - Throw Everything into a Medium Size Mixing Bowl

There's no designed order for the ingredients. Whatever is closest to you at the moment, grab and dump until everything is in the bowl. Literally takes three minutes to measure and pour. 

#2 - Combine all the Ingredients 

I begin with a big wooden spoon and end with a total mess on my hands in the middle of the bowl. Makes me feel like a little kid again making mud pies in the backyard. Add two more minutes to the time and you are now five minutes in. 

#3 - Cover with Plastic Wrap and Chill

It's best to cover and chill the mixture anywhere from 30-60 minutes before forming it into balls. Covering it with plastic keeps it from drying out and the chill helps to easily work with it. Listen though, it's not beneath me to grab a spoon and eat it straight from the bowl before it ever gets to the fridge. And I'm not ashamed to confess that. 

#4 - Scoop and Form the Balls

A cookie scoop is a perfect tool for forming balls if you want uniformity and continuity of size. I'm a little OCD like that. I've been known to measure my brownie squares with a ruler. It's an issue, I'm fully aware. There's no defined rule on how you form these boys, a regular spoon, or even grabbing a clump with your hands can bring the same end result. Depending on what kind of perfectionist you are, you can have these bad boys rolled up and out of the bowl in five minutes or so. 

Other than the chill time, a total of ten minutes is what it takes for your hands to be involved in creating one of the best energy bites in town. Now that's just short of a miracle. Well not really, but it sounds good anyway. 

How Many Bites does this Recipe Make?

This recipe will make 14 energy bites that are approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter. I ended up doubling the batch and was able to throw some in the freezer to have for later. 

What's the Best Way to Store these Almond Joy Energy Balls?

Storing these energy balls is as easy as throwing them in an airtight container and placing them in the refrigerator. They will keep a good week in the fridge. But depending on how ravenous your family is about snacks, we'll see if they are still there at that point. 

Since I made an extra batch, I ended up freezing the second one. Once I formed the balls, I placed them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and froze them for a couple of hours. I removed them from the cookie sheet and stored them in airtight freezer bags. They will last three months in your freezer.

To serve, remove from the freezer and let sit out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Then enjoy. Or if you like, you could eat them directly from the freezer!

Other Energy Ball Varieties to Try

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Balls

Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites

There's no need to deprive yourself! With this wholesome and healthy Almond Joy Energy Bars Recipe, you can indulge and satisfy your chocolate craving without a guilty thought in your head. Don't reach for the sugary candy bar when you can fully enjoy these chocolatey bite-sized delights. 

If you're looking for more snacks to try, check these out:

Old Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Lavender Infused Lemon Bars

Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Kiss

Spinach and Feta Puff Pastries

Jalapeno Poppers

Cheesy Breadsticks Wrapped in Bacon

Crispy Loaded Bacon Skins

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