Description
These Pina Colada Energy Bites are a tropical-inspired, nutritious snack packed with toasted nuts, dried pineapple, and shredded coconut. Perfect for a quick energy boost, they combine the rich flavors of cashews and macadamia nuts with the natural sweetness of dates and pineapple, all in convenient bite-sized balls coated with toasted coconut.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts and Coconut
- 1 cup toasted whole cashews
- 1 cup toasted macadamia nuts
- 2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, divided
Fruit and Flavoring
- 1 cup large medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup dried pineapple, diced
- 1/4 tsp coconut extract
Instructions
- Toast the nuts and coconut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spread the whole cashews, macadamia nuts, and shredded coconut separately on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove and gently stir each ingredient individually. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the coconut turns a golden brown.
- Prepare the nut mixture: Set aside the toasted coconut. Transfer the toasted cashews and macadamia nuts to a food processor and blend on high for about 1 minute, or until a coarse meal forms.
- Add remaining ingredients: Remove the lid of the food processor and add the pitted dates, diced dried pineapple, 1/3 cup of the toasted coconut, and coconut extract. Blend again for about 30 seconds until all ingredients are fully combined into a thick, sticky, and slightly wet mixture.
- Chill the mixture: Place the mixture in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Form the energy bites: Using a slightly rounded tablespoon, scoop the mixture and roll it between your palms to create bite-sized balls. Then roll each ball in the remaining 1/3 cup of toasted coconut until fully coated.
- Store: Place the finished energy bites in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Notes
- Ensure nuts and coconut are toasted evenly for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Use medjool dates for their natural sweetness and softness; if unavailable, substitute with other soft dates.
- Chilling the mixture before forming the bites helps in handling the sticky dough more easily.
- Store energy bites in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
- Can be made ahead and frozen for convenient snacking later.
