So I’ve become Lara Bars obsessed and am constantly wanting to play with the recipes and twist them up a bit just to keep it interesting. I’ve never been much of a “follower” and like to make things that are original or extraordinaire. So of course, here are some variations that I came up with that I think will knock your socks off.

Want to know more about why these treats are also a healthy choice?? Check out my post about how beneficial these little guys are here.    <———————–This will also give you tips and step-by-step pictorial instructions!!!

Vanilla Bean Birthday Power Balls

Ingredients:

1/2 c. Raw Cashews
1/2 c. Raw Almonds
15-18 dates, pitted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. dried vanilla bean or paste
Pinch of salt
Sprinkles, optional

Instructions:
Add nuts to food processor and process until you see very small chunks but mostly a grainy-like texture. Add dates and process until thick paste develops. Add vanilla extract and paste, and pinch of salt. Pulse until well blended. The “dough” will be a thick, moldable consistency. Roll into 1/2 oz sized balls (14 grams) or 1 oz. sized balls (28 grams). Dip into sprinkles, if desired.

 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Power Balls

Ingredients:

1/2 c. Raw Cashews
1/2 c. Raw Almonds
15-18 dates, pitted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 Tbsp. mini chocolate chips (I used Enjoy life)

Instructions:
Add nuts to food processor and process until you see very small chunks but mostly a grainy-like texture. Add dates and process until thick paste develops. Add vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Pulse until well blended. The “dough” will be a thick, moldable consistency. Place dough in a bowl and add chocolate chips and distribute evenly by working the dough with your hands. Roll into 1/2 oz sized balls (14 grams) or 1 oz. sized balls (28 grams).

Double Chocolate Espresso Power balls

Ingredients:

• 1 c. Raw Almonds
• 15-18 dates, pitted
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 4 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2-4 tsp. strong brewed coffee or espresso
• 2 Tbsp. mini chocolate chips (I used Enjoy life)
• chocolate covered espresso beans, roughly chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions:
Add nuts to food processor and process until you see very small chunks but mostly a grainy-like texture. Add dates and process until thick grain-like texture develops. Add vanilla extract, unsweetened cocoa powder and pinch of salt. Pulse until well blended. At this point you are going to want to add the coffee one tsp at a time in order to avoid a squishy/watery dough. The “dough” will be a thick, moldable consistency. Place dough in a bowl and add chocolate chips and distribute evenly by working the dough with your hands. Roll into 1/2 oz sized balls (14 grams) or 1 oz. sized balls (28 grams). Dip the tops into chopped espresso beans.

 

Pumpkin Spice Power Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 C. Almonds, raw
• 15-18 dates, pitted
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. pumpkin spice
• pinch of salt
• Raw Pumpkin seeds, chopped (garnish, optional)

Instructions:
Add nuts to food processor and process until you see very small chunks but mostly a grainy-like texture. Add dates and process until thick paste develops. Add vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, and pinch of salt. Pulse until well blended. The “dough” will be a thick, moldable consistency. Roll into 1/2 oz sized balls (14 grams) or 1 oz. sized balls (28 grams). Dip into chopped pumpkin seeds, if desired.

 

Hope you enjoy these simple, yet extraordinary power balls!