Zesty Orange Chocolate Energy Bars

By jeknudson

Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and/or a pinch of chili powder to give these snacks a touch of heat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cashews or almonds
• 3/4 cup pitted Medjool dates
• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
• Shredded coconut or additional orange zest, for dusting

Preparation

Step 1

1. Process cashews in a food processor until crumbly. Add dates, cacao powder, salt and vanilla; process again. Pulse in range zest, then cacao nibs.

2. With slightly wet hands, roll mixture into 1-inch balls. If mixture is too sticky to handle, freeze until firm enough to roll, 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Dust each truffle with coconut or orange zest; place on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.