Lemon Protein Balls
These Lemon Protein Balls are easy to make in just one bowl with just a few simple pantry ingredients. They are are bright, sunny and the perfect healthy, low carb, gluten-free, vegan and paleo-friendly snack for on the go.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or sub with 1//4 cup Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup
- 1 cup creamy cashew butter (cashew butter works best or sub with preferred nut / seed butter) , (cashew butter works best or sub with preferred nut / seed butter). You can also sub with softened vegan butter, refined coconut oil, ghee or unsalted butter.
- 3 tbsp pure lemon juice OR 2/3 tsp pure lemon extract. OR 2/3 tsp pure lemon extract.
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup superfine blanched almond flour , or more as needed
- 2/3 tsp poppyseeds
- 2 tbsp plant-based protein powder , we like NuZest Just Clean or Sprout Living Pea Protein but you can use your favorite. We have not tested this with a Whey protein powder since we wanted to keep this recipe vegan but feel free to do so if it fits with your dietary preference.
OPTIONAL GLAZE:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded / desiccated coconut , can also sub with coconut sugar OR finely chopped nuts
- 3 Tbsp melted coconut butter (coconut manna) (or mix powdered sugar with water to form a thick paste)
- More lemon zest , for garnish
Instructions
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Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the cashew butter, lemon juice, maple syrup, lemon zest and vanilla extract. Add in the almond flour, protein powder if using and poppy seeds and mix well until a thick cookie-dough batter forms.
Taste and add more maple syrup, cashew butter or almond flour, as needed to taste. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes as needed, for easier rolling.
Meanwhile, place the shredded coconut into a shallow bowl. Slightly wet your hands and roll about 1 tbsp worth of the mixture into 1-inch balls.
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Roll each ball into the shredded coconut, covering well on all sides. Repeat with remaining batter.
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Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with melted coconut butter and garnish with lemon zest. Place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes, or until set then enjoy immediately or transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer until ready to enjoy.
