Lemon Almond Energy Bites
Growing up I was never really a fan of lemon flavored treats. They always tasted too sweet or artificial to me. A few years ago at a gathering, my friend’s housemate made the most amazing lemon bars. They were so buttery and bursting with flavor. I still haven’t forgotten them. I don’t always want to spend the time to make an elaborate dessert and that’s how these easy lemon energy bites were born. They are simple to make, using ingredients that can be incorporated into many recipes. The flavors of the dry-roasted almonds and lemon shine through in this recipe that will have you reaching for more!
Servings: 12
1 cup old-fashioned gluten-free rolled oats
¾ cup dry-roasted almonds*
¼ cup ground flaxseed
¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
⅓ cup honey
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Flaky sea salt finish or 1/8 tsp sea salt mixed in
Substitutions
You can use avocado oil instead of coconut oil in a pinch!
Instructions:
Add ¾ cup of dry-roasted almonds to a food processor and grind to a slightly flour-like texture.
In a separate bowl add lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract and stir.
Add the liquid components and oats, flaxseed, and coconut flakes to the processor and mix until it forms a dough.
Lightly wet your hands and roll the dough into 12 balls, about 1.5 tbsp in size.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and place in an airtight container and refrigerate for 1 hour before eating to allow flavors to combine nicely and for the texture to firm up.
Enjoy!
Notes:
*If you have raw almonds on hand, try toasting them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, stopping halfway to shake the almonds. Be sure to watch closely towards the end as almonds can cook fast!
Tip: I like to use food handling gloves for greater ease with forming the balls.
These gluten-free lemon bites can be stored in the fridge for 7-10 days or freezer for 2 months. If frozen, allow to thaw in the fridge for one hour.