Chocolate Energizer Bites

After the bad news about heavy metals in chocolate bars, I went to the kitchen and found my - safe! - cacao powder and decided to create my own chocolate bite-sized dessert. Using some leftover dates and the remainder of a jar of almond butter, I stumbled upon this delicious creation. 

Natural energy in cacao

Raw cacao powder and cacao nibs are quite energizing due to their natural caffeine content, so be careful not to eat too many and not too late in the day. I found my concentration improved and my belly felt satisfied.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Makes 20 bites

Ingredients

1 cup pitted Medjool dates

¼ cup dried unsweetened cranberries

¼ cup + 1 tablespoon almond butter

¼ cup cacao powder

¼ teaspoon sea salt

1 cup walnuts

1 tablespoon cacao nibs

For dusting

¼ cup coconut flakes

Directions

If a smoother texture is preferred: Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until combined. Scrape down the sides and then continue processing for about 2 minutes until a thick dough is formed. Roll the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls and roll in coconut for decoration. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

If a coarser texture is preferred: Add all ingredients except the walnuts and cacao nibs to a food processor and pulse until combined. Scrape down the sides and then continue processing for about 1 minute until a thick dough is formed. Add the walnuts and cacao nibs and pulse until desired texture is achieved. Roll the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls and roll in coconut for decoration. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Enjoy!