LEMON COCONUT NO BAKE ENERGY BITES
Lemon Coconut Energy Bites (aka Bliss Balls) are a no bake treat made with only 6 simple, wholesome ingredients and come together in a cinch for a delicious healthy snack or dessert!
Lemon + Coconut = Flavor Explosion!
I love lemony desserts, especially when they are raw and so healthy!
Lemon Coconut Energy Bites are full of whole foods so you can be sure that you are feeding yourself a nourishing treat any time of day.
These no-bake energy bites are made with oats, dates, cashews and a delicious combination of lemon and coconut with just the right amount of sweetness.
The lemon and coconut flavors come through for a bright lemon flavor with a hint of coconut in these easy, vegan energy bites.
I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!
Ingredients You’ll Need
In the recipe, a simple mix of nuts, seeds and oats are blended with coconut, lemon and dates creating a thick paste that’s chilled and rolled into energy balls for a healthy and delicious snack.
Here is everything you will need, plus ingredient substitution ideas:
- raw cashews – use only raw cashews, toasted ones will alter the flavor.
- buckwheat groats (not toasted kasha) – sub with more cashews or oats.
- rolled oats – sub the oats with more cashews or buckwheat groats.
- unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
- lemons
- medjool dates
Recommended Ingredients: If you can’t find cashews and buckwheat groats in your area, you can find them online with these brands I use and trust (affiliate links):
- Buckwheat Groats (see more buckwheat groat recipes on TSV!)
- Raw Cashews (see more cashew recipes)
How To Make Lemon Coconut Energy Bites
(Note – The full printable recipe is at the bottom of this post)
- Start with blending the cashews, buckwheat groats and oats in a food processor until it’s a medium to fine grind. It doesn’t have to be perfect. The buckwheat may stay a bit chunky so if you’re looking for a smooth center use all oats.
- Next, add the coconut, lemon zest + juice, and dates, blend until combined and you have a doughy consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides once or twice. If you find your dough is a bit too dry try adding more fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Chill dough for about 20 – 30 minutes.
- Roll into 1 inch balls, then roll in coconut flakes.
And now you’re ready to enjoy these flavorful energy bites!
Top Tips
- Keep your hands clean. When rolling, if the dough starts to stick to the palm of your hands after rolling 2 or 3 balls, wash them in between every few balls for ease.
- Adjust base ingredients. This recipe is pretty fail-proof, so feel free to play around with the base mix ratios (cashews, groats and oats) and amount of dates.
- Keep them uniform. Make the mounds uniform in size by using a scooper like this 1.5 tablespoons measuring spoon (affiliate link), it makes things so much easier!
- Date substitute. If you rather not use dates or don’t have them on hand, you can sub with pure maple syrup using 1/4 – 1/3 cup pure maple syrup.
How To Store
- Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: For longer storage, keep in the freezer for up to 2 – 3 months. To freeze, place the balls on a baking sheet or plate, about 1 inch apart, place in the freezer for a few hours (this will help them not stick together). Once frozen you can store them in freezer safe ziplock bags or containers. Let thaw in the refrigerator a few hours before snacking.
More No-Bake Recipes
- Healthy No Bake Energy Balls
- Cranberry Pistachio Oatmeal Energy Bites
- No Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cookie Balls
- Raw Ginger Snaps
- Raw Coconut Brownie Bites
- Hemp Heart Energy Bites
If you make this no bake recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.
PrintLEMON COCONUT ENERGY BITES
An addicting healthy, no-bake, lemon coconut energy bites recipe made with cashews, buckwheat groats, oats, dates, lemon and coconut!
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: Makes 12 - 14 Cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: food processor
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/3 cup buckwheat groats (not toasted kasha)
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
- 2 medium lemons (zest of 2, juice of 1)
- 7 – 8 medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- pinch of mineral salt, optional
For rolling
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup shredded coconut flakes
Instructions
Place cashews, buckwheat groats and oats in food processor and blend until a medium to fine grind (doesn’t have to be perfect). The buckwheat may stay a bit chunky so if you’re looking for a smooth center use all oats.
Add the coconut, lemon zest + juice, and dates, blend, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides, until you have a doughy consistency. If you find your dough is a bit too dry try adding more fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Chill dough for about 20 – 30 minutes (this will help stiffen the paste for rolling). Roll into 1 inch balls, then roll in coconut flakes.
Makes approx. 14 – 18 balls
Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 – 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 – 3 months.
Notes
Date substitute. If you rather not use dates or don’t have them on hand, you can sub with pure maple syrup using 1/4 – 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, starting with the smaller amount.
If you don’t have buckwheat groats, replace with oats or more cashews. I love to include buckwheat wherever I can since it is a ‘superfood’ and packs a lot of protein and fiber per serving, they also have a nice nutty flavor. Per 1/4 cup serving you are getting 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, more so than oats per serving, 1/2 cup yields 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.
Keep your hands clean. When rolling, if the dough starts to stick to the palm of your hands after rolling 2 or 3 balls, wash them in between every few balls for ease.
Recommended Ingredients: If you can’t find cashews and buckwheat groats in your area, you can find them online with these brands I use and trust (affiliate links):
Updated: Lemon Coconut Energy Bites was originally published in September 2012. It has been updated with new photos and helpful tips in April 2020.
FOLLOW TSV on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or RSS for more updates and inspiration!
Hello!
I’ve been wanting to try this recipe for a while, as I love the taste of tart lemon with a hint of sweetness. However, I am allergic to coconut. Is there anything else I can substitute the coconut with?
Thank you.
Great question, Sheila! You can replace the shredded coconut with oats. Enjoy!
My husband and I made these bliss balls today. We can foresee we’ll be making these pretty often from now on, though with lesser amount of dates. I think we’ve found a solution for our unhealthy craving of crackers! Thank you for such a yummy, healthy and fuss-free recipe, Julie! Look forward to try out your other recipes.
★★★★★
Do you also out coconut flakes in lemon bombs or just roll on outside?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup shredded coconut for the actual balls and 1/4 cup so you can roll them in it for that extra coconut flavor and finishing touch. :)
hello could I use other nuts in these recipe?
Although I recommend the cashews in this recipe, I would suggest that you could try using blanched almonds with good results. :)
These look amazing! I'm excited to try them!
Lemon and coconut is a combo I've never tried yet ! I looks delicious.
These are really good and not too sweet since I only used 5 dates ! You could add a couple more for more sweetness. They went over well with everyone I shared them with. :)