Energy balls recipe: vegan strawberry ‘cheesecake’ balls to feed your 4 PM sweet cravings

Tasty snacks are one of the best things about life - and working from home. We may not be at the office right now, but our desk snacking shows no signs of slowing. But know this: your biscuit jar is probably sick of the sight of you.

If chilli truffles are a bit too fiery or you’re not a fan of  Snickers-like protein bars, why not munch on these homemade vegan protein balls for a healthy and tasty alternative, ?  Made from gooey, sweet dates for slow release energy and brain boosting anti-inflammatories, they’re the sweet kick getting us through our afternoon slumps.

150g (1 cup) pitted Medjool dates

130g (1 cup) raw cashew nuts

75g (3/4 cup) hulled strawberries

200g (2 cups) ground almonds

Optional: shredded coconut or freeze-dried strawberries (crushed) to decorate 

Makes around 12 balls

1. Whizz the dates, cashews and strawberries in a food processor until they form a thick paste.

2. Pour into a mixing bowl and stir in the ground almonds until well mixed.

3. Roll the mixture into about 12 balls and place in the fridge for an hour to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. 

4. Roll in shredded coconut or crushed freeze-fried strawberries before serving, if using.