Sesame Walnut Balls
I like to keep some kind of healthy snack in the fridge at all times to save me when I have to run out the door with little time. They’re usually packed with protein and healthy fats with a touch of sweetness– the perfect combo to settle the hanger and hold me over for a bit. Enter: these sesame walnut balls. While I normally stick to just almonds or cashews for this kind of recipe, I wanted to switch it up and try something new.
Well.. it paid off because these babies are SO good. The flavor combo is perfect and they have just the right touch of sweetness. They taste more like a donut than anything else; who can complain about that kind of snack?
As far as health benefits, walnuts are known to be an amazing brain food and are full of healthy fats + antioxidants. Sesame seeds may be small but they pack a serious punch with calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and more. Not to mention, they add such a perfect nutty crunch! You’ll want to make these walnut sesame balls, stat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup dates (~6 large)
- 1 cup walnuts (unsalted)
- ½ cup cashews (unsalted)
- ½ cup small coconut flakes (unsweetened)
- 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tbsp unsalted nut butter (almond or cashew)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- sesame seeds (black or white)
Instructions
- Soak pitted dates in water for 5 minutes to soften. Drain.
- Combine nuts, coconut flakes, spices and dates into a food processor and pulse until mixed loosely.
- Add everything else in and process until fully combined. Add water, 1 tsp at a time, if it needs help coming together. Scraping down the sides here and there helps.
- Roll into balls and then roll in a plate of sesame seeds. I used black + white, but either works!
Notes
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for one month. They’re best just out of the fridge as they will soften at room temperature.
