Lemon Energy Balls Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Energy Balls are a refreshing and nutritious snack, perfect for a quick energy boost. Packed with wholesome ingredients like cashews, coconut, and citrus zest, they offer a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors. These no-bake treats are simple to make and great for on-the-go snacking.

Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3 tablespoons coconut nectar (or maple syrup or sugar-free syrup)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds (or chia seeds or sunflower seeds)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor with the S blade attachment, add the cashews and shredded coconut. Pulse on high speed until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
- Step 2: Add the coconut nectar (or syrup), lemon juice, and lemon zest to the food processor.
- Step 3: Blend again on high speed until the mixture forms a sticky dough that holds together.
- Step 4: Stir in the hemp seeds (or your seed choice) and pulse briefly to combine. If the dough feels too wet, add coconut in 2-tablespoon increments and blend each time. If it’s too dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, blending between additions until the right consistency is reached.
- Step 5: Scoop about one tablespoon of dough, roll it between your hands to form a ball, then roll the ball in desiccated coconut to coat.
- Step 6: Place the coated balls on a plate lined with parchment paper and continue rolling the remaining dough into balls.
- Step 7: Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free option, substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Try adding a pinch of ginger or turmeric powder for a spicy twist.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter snack, increase the coconut nectar or syrup slightly.
Storage
Keep the energy balls refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, almonds or walnuts can be used, but they may change the texture slightly. Cashews work best for a creamy, sticky dough.
Are these energy balls vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, using maple syrup or coconut nectar keeps the recipe vegan, and all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Print
Lemon Energy Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 15 energy balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Lemon Energy Balls are a refreshing and nutritious snack made with cashews, shredded coconut, and vibrant lemon juice and zest. Sweetened naturally with coconut nectar or maple syrup, they offer a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors with a delightful coconut coating. Packed with hemp seeds for added protein and healthy fats, these no-bake energy bites are ideal for a quick pick-me-up, suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup Cashew
- 1 1/2 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- 1/3 cup Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut
- 2 tablespoons Hemp Seeds (or chia seeds or sunflower seeds)
Wet Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Coconut Nectar (or maple syrup or sugar-free syrup)
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice (about half a lemon)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Zest
Instructions
- Blend Dry Ingredients: In a food processor fitted with the S blade attachment, add the cashews and unsweetened shredded coconut. Pulse on high speed until the mixture turns into a coarse meal texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the coconut nectar (or maple syrup), lemon juice, and lemon zest into the food processor. Blend again on high speed until a sticky dough forms and the mixture begins to come together.
- Incorporate Seeds: Stir in the hemp seeds (or your seed choice) and pulse a few times to evenly incorporate them into the dough.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If the dough is too wet, add additional shredded coconut 2 tablespoons at a time and blend after each addition until the desired consistency is reached. If the dough is too dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until the dough sticks together well.
- Shape the Balls: Scoop out about one tablespoon of dough, then roll it between your palms into a smooth ball. Roll each ball into the unsweetened desiccated coconut to coat evenly.
- Repeat Rolling: Place the coated balls on a plate lined with parchment paper as you roll the remainder of the batter into balls.
- Storage: Store the energy balls covered with parchment paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the energy balls in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Notes
- You can substitute hemp seeds with chia seeds or sunflower seeds depending on preference or dietary restrictions.
- Use unsweetened shredded and desiccated coconut to keep the recipe low in added sugars.
- If you prefer a more tart flavor, increase the lemon zest slightly, but avoid adding too much lemon juice to prevent sogginess.
- Rolling the balls in desiccated coconut adds a pleasing texture and helps prevent sticking.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and contains no added refined sugars if using coconut nectar or a sugar-free syrup.
- For a firmer texture, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping can help.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Fusion
Keywords: lemon energy balls, no-bake snack, healthy energy bites, vegan snack, gluten-free energy balls, cashew energy balls, coconut energy balls, lemon zest snack

