Not sure what to do with almond pulp after making almond milk? These quick and easy almond pulp energy balls are the answer! They're rich, chocolatey, nutritious, and the perfect on-the-go snack. Only 7 ingredients and ready in minutes.
After posting this almond milk yogurt recipe I figured I should share my current favorite way to easily use almond pulp. So let's get to it!
You'll love these mostly raw chocolate energy bites. They're:
- made with wholesome ingredients
- vegan, gluten-free and grain-free
- dark and chocolatey
- ready in minutes
- freezer-friendly
- and versatile!
There are plenty of almond pulp recipes on the internet. My goal with this one was to keep it super streamlined and easy. You probably already have everything you need to make a batch!
I have an almond pulp cookie recipe in the works, but until I get the texture just right hopefully these tasty chocolate treats will hold you over.
Ingredients
With just a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes, you can put that fiber-rich almond pulp to use! Here's what you'll need:
- Almond Pulp - this is the leftover pulp after making almond milk; it should be fairly dry. For this recipe you'll need ½ cup packed.
- Medjool Dates - soft and sticky dates are best; if they seem dry, soak in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain very well.
- Raw Almonds - this gives the energy balls more volume and texture. Use another nut if desired, such as walnuts or pecans.
- Cacao/Cocoa - either raw cacao powder or plain, unsweetened cocoa powder are fine.
- Vanilla - pure vanilla extract adds nice flavor; substitute almond or orange extract, if desired.
- Optional: Maple Syrup - only needed if you want the energy balls to be a bit sweeter. Easily added at the end of processing.
With just a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes, you can put that fiber-rich almond pulp to use! Here's what you'll need:
Have extra dates to use up? Try my date-sweetened ice cream and healthy vegan fudge next!
Instructions
- Add the dates and almonds to the bowl of a food processor. Let it run for 10 to 15 seconds or until the mixture is chunky.
- Add the cacao, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Process again until incorporated. If you squeeze some of the mixture between your fingers it should stick together. Taste and add the optional maple syrup for more sweetness. Use a heaping tablespoon of the date-nut mixture per ball. Roll between your palms until smooth.
Hint: process the mixture just until it comes together. If processed too long the oil will eventually separate from the almonds. No one likes oily energy balls!
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Almond pulp energy balls can be enjoyed plain or rolled in your favorite coatings like:
- coconut flakes
- hemp hearts
- cacao powder
Substitutions
- Almonds - walnuts are also good and an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Or try hazelnuts, pistachios, or pecans.
- Vanilla Extract - or try almond, orange, or coffee extract.
- Almond Pulp - of course, the main purpose of this recipe is to use up almond pulp, but if you don't have pulp on hand and still want to make these energy balls, increase the nuts to 1 cup and add a splash of water to the food processor if the mixture is too dry.
Flavor Variations
- Orange - add the zest of an orange to the food processor for chocolate-orange energy balls.
- Chocolate-Dipped - select your favorite dairy-free dark chocolate, and melt it in the microwave or using a double boiler. Dip the balls in melted chocolate (halfway or fully), and place on parchment or wax paper to dry.
- Mexican Chocolate - like a little kick with your cacao? Increase the cinnamon to taste, and add a few dashes of cayenne.
- Protein Energy Balls - instead of cacao powder add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder.
You might also like these kid-friendly vegan cookie dough bites!
Equipment
A food processor is helpful for this recipe because it simultaneously breaks down the dates and nuts and blends them into a sticky mixture. I use this 14-cup Cuisinart.
Storage
Store almond pulp balls in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. As with any recipe, make sure they're well-protected from air to avoid freezer burn.
Tip
Almond pulp is freezer friendly. So if you don't quite have enough pulp to make this recipe, or you're just not ready to use the pulp yet, put it in a freezer-safe container and freeze until ready to use.
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Recipe
Almond Pulp Energy Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup almond pulp (from making almond milk), packed - Should be fairly dry.
- ½ cup raw almonds or other nut such as walnuts, pecans
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates, packed - About 10 large dates.
- ¼ cup raw cacao powder or regular cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, optional
Optional coatings:
- hemp hearts
- coconut flakes or coconut flour
- raw cacao powder or cocoa powder
Instructions
- Add the pulp, almonds, and dates to the bowl of a food processor. Let it run for 10 to 15 seconds or just until the mixture is chunky.½ cup almond pulp (from making almond milk), packed, ½ cup raw almonds or other nut such as walnuts, pecans, 1 cup pitted medjool dates, packed
- Add the cacao, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt, and process until incorporated. Squeeze some of the mixture between your fingers; it should stick together. If it's not sticky enough add the maple as mentioned below, or add a splash of water.¼ cup raw cacao powder or regular cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Taste and add the optional maple syrup if desired, then pulse to incorporate. Use a rounded tablespoon of the date-nut mixture per ball. Roll between your palms until smooth. Makes about 16 balls.1 tablespoon maple syrup, optional
- Enjoy plain or roll in coconut, extra cacao, or hemp seeds. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific products and ingredients used.
Michelle says
I am excited to try this recipe. When you say that the pulp needs to be fairly dry - does that mean squeezed out well or should I go so far as to dehydrate it? What is your process? Thanks.
Lori Rasmussen says
Hi Michelle - Just squeezing it out well is all you need to do. Hope you enjoy!
Donna says
So delicious and healthy! I’m so glad a have a use for my leftover almond pulp. Thank you, Lori!
MICHELE WOODS says
Delicious!! Thanks for sharing.
Julie says
Thanks so very much for sharing this recipe, I have a craving for something sweet every night after dinner and these little energy balls are perfect!! I tweaked the recipe by omitting the maple syrup completely and didn't need the vanilla or the cinnamon either, they were just so good!!!
Kim says
These look delicious. I am new to Almond Cow and using almond pulp. You mentioned the pulp should be fairly dry. Can you give me a tip on how to dry the pulp? When I made my first batch of almond milk, my pulp was wet. I have cheese cloth and a dehydrated. Thanks.
Lori Rasmussen says
Hi Kim - As long as it's not soaking wet it should be fine. You could wrap it up in a tea towel and gently squeeze over the sink. But otherwise you don't need to dehydrate it or fully dry it out. In the ingredient photo above you can see the pulp in the measuring cup. It's sort of crumbly and barely moist. Hope that helps clarify!
Connie says
I made these today and omgoodness they are delucious! And at only 68 calories per ball, it's the perfect treat to ens my day. Thank you for this wonderful recipe and use for my almond milk pulp!!
Yovanca says
Can I substitute the almond pulp for cashew pulp?
Lori Rasmussen says
Hi - I haven’t tried that but yes, I would think so. Since cashews don’t have skins like almonds do, that may affect the moisture/texture. But it should be pretty easy to adjust.
Helen T says
I've made these twice now- once following the recipes exactly and the second kind of free stylin' it. This recipe is AWESOME and very forgiving; I am going to try and add peanut butter like one reviewer noted. Thanks Lori!
Jessa says
These are great! A perfect way to make a healthy treat with leftover almond pulp. My only recommendation is to add peanut butter. I add about 2 tbsp and it takes them to a whole new level.
Amanda Bammann says
These are so good! I've been craving chocolate and have a hard time moderating my servings of cake or brownies. (My greatest weakness.) A couple of these energy balls along with a serving of my delicious almond milk and I'm satisfied.
Thank you!
Debbie says
I'm guessing that if I don't have dates I can omit or add raisins or cranberries?
Lori Rasmussen says
Hi Debbie - Since dates are fairly moist, they help bind everything together. Raisins could work, but you'd probably need to soak them in a bit of hot water first to soften them up.