Friday, September 14, 2018

Date Caramel Energy Balls with Dark Chocolate (Vegan)

Rich and decadent natural date caramel balls dipped in dark chocolate are a delicious, healthy treat for Valentine's Day. These energy boosting bites are vegan-friendly and mom approved. Add sprinkles or top with sea salt for flavor
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Ingredients
  • 1 cup pitted mejool dates
  • 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips, melted
  • sprinkles (optional)



Instructions
  1. Soak dates in very hot water for 15 minutes. Drain.
  2. Transfer drained dates to a blender. Add coconut milk, oil and vanilla extract. Blend until a smooth paste forms.
  3. Place date mixture in a freezer safe container. Freeze until firm and pliable, at least 3 hours.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll teaspoons of date mixture into balls and place on parchment paper.
  5. Transfer baking sheet to freezer.  
  6. Add 1” of water to a medium saucepan or pot and bring to a very gentle simmer. Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the pot so that the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water.
  7. Add the dark chocolate chips to the bowl and stir occasionally with a spatula until smooth and melted.
  8. Remove the bowl from the heat. One at a time, roll each date ball into the chocolate and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Add sprinkles and place in the freezer until the chocolate coating is firm. 
  10. Enjoy!