Made with zesty lemon juice and sweetened with dates, these refreshing Lemon Coconut Energy Bites will be gobbled up in no time!
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I can't believe I started this blog 6 years ago! It's cool and scary to think about all the time and energy I've spent in the kitchen over the years, initially just learning how to cool entirely plant-based meals for Brett and I and later getting more creative with our meals and snacks. I love that this blog has documented my transition from a new wife making lots of mistakes and taking horrible food photos to who I am now: a new mom who rarely follows needs to follow a recipe.
Even though I was so inexperienced with cooking and blogging when I first went plant-based back in 2013, I did manage to post some pretty delicious recipes that I still make to this day. Sadly, most of those old recipes have been lost in the depths of my blog's archives and, unless you search for them, will never be made by many of my readers. That's why I want to re-share some of my old favorites for you guys!
Our Energy Bite Obsession
As many of you know, Brett and I are obsessed with energy bites. We always have a container full of them in the fridge and I always take a batch with us when we travel for hearty snacks. While I love my chocolate and peanut butter-based energy bites, I've been meaning to switch up the flavor recently and decided to whip up these old, yet amazing lemon coconut energy bites. Originally when I posted this recipe, I shared them as lemon bars. Nowadays I roll everything into balls as it takes less time and effort. These balls are zesty and sweet and are perfect as we head into springtime. I love that they are sweetened entirely with dates and contain whole grains from the oats and fats from the coconut to keep me satiated.
Other Amazing Energy Bite Recipes!
I'd love to know if you give these lemon balls a try! Did you roll them into balls or make lemon bars?If lemon isn't your thing, definitely check out my other favorite bite and ball recipes below!
5 Ingredient Adaptable Energy Bites
Healthy Mint Chip Brownie Lara Bar Bites
Chocolate Tahini Brownie Bites
Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookie Dough Balls
Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookie Dough Balls
Lemon Coconut Energy Bite Photos
📖 Recipe
Lemon Coconut Energy Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- peel of 1 lemon
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats*
- 1 cup shredded coconut unsweetened
- 1½ cups pitted dates about 8-10 Medjool dates
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel your lemon using a vegetable peeler.
- Process the lemon peel, oats and shredded coconut in a food processor until fine.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and process until a sticky dough forms. You may have to stop and scrape down the sides of your processor occasionally.
- Using damp hands, roll the dough into balls.
- Store the balls in an airtight container in the fridge. If desired, removed the balls from the fridge a bit before serving, allowing them to soften.
- Alternatively, you can press the dough into a parchment paper lined baking dish and, after chilling, cut the dough into bars.
Belinda says
Made these today and they are amazing!!! Just wondering if you could recommend a way to cut back on the dates so I can cut back on the sugar? Thank you!
Faith VanderMolen says
So happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe Belinda! You could do cashew butter instead of some of the dates. It's sticky and has a neutral flavor that should work in this recipe!
Mel says
Our family loved these! We got lots of lemons from our lemon tree so it was the perfect way to use them. Nice one Faith! Winner recipe.
Faith says
So fun you made these Mel! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe. And you guys have a lemon tree?...that's awesome!
Joy Ashlock says
Oh my goodness. I was craving these when I was at work and emailed the recipe to my hubby. I just ate 2 and they are absolutely delicious. He used meyer lemon. Fantastic. Can’t wait to try all of your recipes & I love the e-book ????. Thank you
Faith says
Oh that is so good to hear Joy! Thank you so much for purchasing the ebook and I’m so thankful to hear it’s helpful. And aren’t these bites amazing?! If you have time, I’d so appreciate you leaving a star review. Enjoy!
Anne says
Do you have to use the oil? What can you use in place of it?
Faith says
You could try just omitting it at first and then if the dough is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of maple syrup! Let me know if it works out for you Anne!
Kristy says
These sound so great!
Faith says
They’re delicious! I hope you can make a batch. Let me know what you think!
Beth says
These sound WONDERFUL -- can't wait to make them. I've got dates and have been wondering what to do with them. Thanks for providing the answer!
Faith says
How did they turn out Beth? We love lemon anything so I hope you liked them as much as we do!