These lime coconut energy bites are easy to make in minutes with just 4 simple ingredients.

A stack of energy balls covered in shredded coconut on a plate.

Enjoy these sweet, tropical treats any time of the day for a healthy snack or dessert.

Recipe Features

  • Dietary restriction-friendly. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, oil-free and has no added sugar.
  • Travel well. Take them camping, hiking, or pack them for lunch.
  • Quick and easy. All you need is a food processor, 10 minutes, and 4 ingredients.
  • Yummy tropical flavour!

Ingredient Notes

Lime, coconut, dates and cashews with labels on a counter.

A complete list of ingredients with amounts and full instructions is located in the printable recipe card below. This section covers ingredient and substitution considerations.

  • Dates: Any variety works, just make sure they’re soft and moist for best results.
  • Coconut: Use fine or medium unsweetened shredded (desiccated) coconut.
  • Cashews: Use “raw” cashews. They should have no added ingredients such as oil or salt.
  • Lime: You’ll need 1-2 limes to create the lime juice and lime zest.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Make the lime juice and zest and set aside.

Quick Tip: You can use a citrus planer, fine grater or just a sharp knife to make the zest. Try to avoid the white bit and just get the outermost peel of the lime to avoid any bitterness.

Lime zest and lime juice in small glass bowls.

Step 2. Add the cashews to your food processor and break them down into a coarse, grainy flour. It’s ok if there are some large bits left behind but they should be most broken down.

Blended cashews in a food processor.

Step 3. Add the dates and process into a crumbly but sticky dough. You should be able to press the dough into clumps between your fingers.

Blended cashews with dates in a food processor.

Step 3. Add the shredded coconut, lime juice and lime zest and process into a thick, sticky dough that sticks together when you press it between your fingers.

If the dough is too crumbly (this can happen if your dates were too dry), add 1-2 tbsp warm water and process again. That should do the trick.

Crumbly dough with coconut and lime in food processor.

Step 4. Use your hands to roll the dough into balls.

Feel free to coat the balls in shredded coconut for an extra treat!

Raw energy balls and shredded coconut on a plate with a lime in the background.

Notes & Tips

  • Raw almonds may be substituted for cashews.
  • Orange or lemon can be used instead of lime.
  • It’s important to use soft, moist dates in this recipe. If your dates are on the dry side, soak in hot water for 15 minutes then drain well before using.

FAQ

Can I use sweetened coconut?

Yes. Just keep in mind it the balls will be sweeter and higher in sugar.

How should I store these?

The balls can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freezer for up to 2 months. They’ll hold up well out of the fridge for 1-2 days if kept cool.

An energy ball coated in shredded coconut on a cutting board.

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A stack of energy balls covered in shredded coconut on a plate.

Lime Coconut Energy Bites

★★★★★ 5 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Deryn Macey
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 10 mins
  • Yield: 15 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Food Processor
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

These tropical lime coconut energy balls are easy to make in minutes with just 4 ingredients. Enjoy these sweet, little treats for a quick snack or healthy dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. To make the lime zest, use a fine grater or citrus planer on the lime to accumulate 1 tsp of zest (the outer peel). Slice the lime in half and squeeze or use a citrus juicer to make 2 tbsp of juice in a small bowl or container.
  2. Place the cashews in a food processor and mix until broken down into a coarse, grainy flour. A few larger pieces left behind are ok.
  3. Add the dates and process until it forms a crumbly but sticky dough.
  4. Add the coconut, lime juice and zest and process until you the mixture sticks together when you press it between your fingers.
  5. Use your hands to roll the mixture into 15 balls.

Notes

Store the balls in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freezer for up to 2 months.

The balls can be rolled in additional shredded coconut if desired.

It’s important to use soft, moist dates in this recipe as they bind everything together. If your dates are on the dry side, soak them in hot water for 15 minutes then drain well before using in the recipe.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 142
  • Sugar: 13.4 g
  • Sodium: 2.8 mg
  • Fat: 7.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.7 g
  • Fiber: 2.1 g
  • Protein: 2.8 g

Keywords: lime coconut balls, no-bake coconut balls, lime and coconut energy balls

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This recipe was originally published on April 17, 2014.