Caffeine has always been my friend but lately it’s my bestie. We’re inseparable – like peas and carrots. If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you probably know we recently introduced a new little one to our wolf pack. Life with a toddler and a newborn is crazy. Wonderful, but CA-RAY-ZEE. So when I want to curl up in a corner, wrap my arms around myself, and just rock back and forth with my head between my legs, I reach for these paleo almond cocoa mocha balls instead.
I’ve always had a thing for coffee in a sweet-treat form. If you’ve ever had Haagen Daz coffee ice cream, you’d have a thing for it too. But usually those coffee flavored sweet treats are loaded with sugar and excess calories (insert big huge frown emoji). These paleo almond cocoa mocha balls however – naturally sweetened with real-food ingredients, gluten free, dairy free, and perfectly portable.
Lately I’m reaching for a few of these around 10am and 3pm – the prime time slots that I NEED some food fuel to keep me going. Let me further explain…
10:00 AM : Trying to get out the door to do something engaging for my toddler while the baby naps on-the-go. Pack the following: diapers, wipes, snacks, pacifier, changing pad, phone, wallet, blanket, stroller, infant carrier, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen. Get baby fed, burped and ready to go. Chase toddler around the house, ask him to grab his shoes 47 times, walk out the door, walk back inside to change his diaper, wrangle little toddler legs to get in the right pant openings, put shoes back on, chase him out the door and direct his sites on getting into the car. Lose my keys, search for keys, find my keys. Strap both kids in. Lose my keys again in the diaper bag, find my keys. Realize I’m starving and need a midmorning snack before I die of hunger. Grab a few paleo almond cocoa mocha balls.
THEN…
3:00 PM : Just finished cleaning the kitchen, throwing in a load of laundry, making my bed (let’s be honest, this typically doesn’t happen at all), empty dishwasher then load dishwasher, take the dog out, tidy up the house, prep for dinner, work on blog (a struggle to find the time lately), then finally try to lay on the couch and get a short nap. But as soon as my head hits a horizontal position, both boys are up (weird how that happens). Reach for a few more paleo almond cocoa mocha balls and pray I can power through the rest of the afternoon.
If you read all of that I’m impressed. You’re either shaking your head YES to everything, totally relating to the chaos of having small children, or you’re wide-eyed and vowing to never have kids. Hopefully you at least took notice of the magic phrase here: paleo almond cocoa mocha balls.
Soooooo nummy – soft, sweet, slightly cocoa-ey (sleep deprivation makes it ok to create new words), with a hint of that nice java aftertaste all rolled up in a chewy yet nutty ball. Portable, paleo, and vegan! And customizable too. Add a few cacao nibs if you need an extra chocolate fix. Up the ante on the instant coffee if you really need a caffeine kick. Instead of balls, press the mixture into the bottom of a loaf pan to cut into squares for bars. Or triple the recipe, roll into a massive softball-sized sphere and devour that thing like nobody’s watching.
Time for you to make a batch of these paleo almond mocha cocoa balls the next time you need a quick and healthy snack (or fuel for those little ones that run you weary).
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 3 cups strongly brewed coffee, cooled
- 10 medjool dates
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1-2 teaspoons instant coffee
- Pour the cooled coffee into a medium bowl, then add the raw almonds. Let the almonds soak for at least two hours
- Drain the almonds and pour them into a food processor. Add the dates, cocoa powder, and instant coffee
- Pulse until well combined
- Roll into balls roughly 2-3" in diameter
- Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator
I am definitely going to have to try these! We’ve been really into energy bites lately and I love dates!
I hope you do Lexi! If you love dates already, these are totes your balls!
These look delicious! The perfect little energy bites!
Thanks Logan!
A perfect addition to my energy bite recipe collection! About how much of a serving are the dates? Half cup, one cup, something else? I usually use raisins to make mine instead of dates and I was just wondering how much I should use. =)
Hmmmm thats a good question! I’m TOTALLY guessing here, but based on the size of the dates compacted, I’d say 1/3 cup should do it? You can always add more if the mixture isn’t sticking enough. Good luck Jaime!
Girl! These look amazing!! I will have to pin this for later. 🙂
They are so good Jessica! Thanks for the pin love!
My best friend is paleo and has needed a new way to get caffeine in her system, I’m forwarding this recipe to her! 😛
Congrats on the new little one!
I can’t even imagine adding a newborn with my crazy toddler right now.
I would pretty much give up. 😛
So what I am saying is, you’re my hero! 😀
HA Krysten, you’re the best. Not a hero, just tryin’ to survive one day at a time my friend!
I can definitely relate to the busy mom need for a power re-charge scenario! haha These look yummy!
STORY OF OUR LIVES!!! 😉
I make a very similar energy ball, but I LOVE soaking the almonds in coffee, I usually use water! These look amazing!!
YESSS soak those babies in coffee girlfriend – it’s a game changer!
Pinned so I can remember how to make these! They look perfect for an afternoon snack. I am like you and crave sweet, but don’t like eating junk.
Thanks for the pin love Melissa! These are a great sweet treat – but definitely a healthy version 🙂
Mmmmmm, these look so good! Dates are my absolute favorite, and it would be so handy to have these for easy and quick access-I’ve just got the toddler bit in my life, and I’m busier than I’d like to be 😛 Thanks so much for sharing!
Ha you totally get it then! These are perfect for date-lovin’, toddler-chasin’ mommas!
I’m going to make these tomorrow. Yummm!
Ooo yay! Let me know how they turn out Maggie!
Oh my gosh! I hear you. I have 3 little girls currently ages 1, 2 and 3. I love these kind of healthy, easy, grab and go type snacks. Thanks!
WOAH girl. You are supermom! I can’t even….My hero!
These Paleo Almond Cocoa Mocha balls are so amazing, not only do they look delicious, they are also healthy and good energy snacks on the go…. 🙂
Right on Vet! Lately snacks on the go are exactly what I need too!
These look fantastic! Definitely saving for later 🙂
xx nicole
http://www.nicoleparise.com
Thanks Nicole. They are a staple for me lately!
These sound SO good Chrissa!! I can’t wait to make these!
Rachel | http://www.theconfusedmillennial.com
Thanks so much Rachel. Enjoy!
These look delicious! I love the combination of coffee, dates, and cocoa!
I mean, who doesn’t, right?!
I’ve been in a health kick these last few weeks and was running out of recipes and this came at the right time! I love snacking so this looks so delicious!
WHOO HOO perfect timing! Snacks are where it’s at – seriously I’d die without my snacky-snacks! Thanks Adriana!
I love that I’m getting a lot more variety in my energy balls. They’re great to get through a mid-day energy slump. Thank you for a great recipe!
You’re so welcome Lynn! Enjoy!
yes to coffee and chocolate EVERYTHING! these little bites look so addicting 🙂
RIGHT?! The essentials of life!
These sound wonderful! I love that you used coffee in them! I could use these in the late afternoon!
I hope you give them a whirl Willow!
oh gosh you make me wish I could drink coffee! This sound so good!
You can totally omit the instant coffee and soak in a different liquid of choice. Still nummy – promise!
I lobe this post, not only do these look awesome nut they’re great for someone like me who is always on the go!!
Perfect grab and go snacking for sure!
I love mocha & almond! I feel like that’s the perfect combination 🙂 Also, having kids sounds so time consuming and hectic! I seriously have so much respect for people with children
Oh gosh! Thanks Rachel – it IS crazy but anyone with kids will tell you they wouldn’t trade it for anything. The best, truest love ever! xo Ok sorry, I’ll stop being mushy now 😉
These look like the best snack EVER! Chocolate + coffee = my all time fav combo!
GIRL, ME TOO. I actually crave a sweet fix when I’m drinking my morning cup. It’s the best combo EVER
Just saw this recipe…not a big fan of dates, is there something you can substitute the dates with
Sure! Maple or honey!