If you're looking for something to ward off the afternoon slump, these Almond Matcha Energy Balls are a fantastic choice!
Discover the delightful fusion of flavors with these Almond Matcha Energy Balls, a simple 6-ingredient treat that's perfect for a mid-day boost or an on-the-go snack.
These Almond Butter Power Balls are not only vegan-friendly but also incredibly easy to whip up. They are convenient, and pack a flavorful punch, thanks to the unique combination of earthy matcha and nutty almond butter, balanced beautifully with a touch of maple syrup sweetness.
These matcha balls require just a handful of ingredients and a mixer or food processor. They're a no-bake wonder, quick to make, and can be conveniently stored in the fridge for up to a week. Whether you're heading out or need a quick snack at home, these Matcha Energy Balls are an excellent pick-me-up.
Ingredients and Variations
Main Ingredients:
- Oats: You can use old-fashioned rolled oats, oat flakes, or quick oats. These are the base of these oatmeal almond butter balls.
- Chia Seeds (Optional): Add these for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients. They're a great addition but not essential.
- Matcha Powder: The star ingredient. Opt for premium grade matcha green tea powder for the best flavor and a vibrant green color, to make these matcha energy balls both delicious and visually appealing.
- Ground Almonds: These add a nice protein boost and enhance the almond flavor in your almond butter energy balls.
- Almond Butter: The binding agent for these balls, also providing additional protein and a rich almond taste. Smooth almond butter works best for a consistent texture.
Sweetener:
- Maple Syrup: Use this natural sweetener to bind the ingredients and add a subtle sweetness.
Variations:
- Sweetener Alternatives: Use honey (non-vegan) or agave syrup (vegan-friendly) as alternatives.
- Butter Alternatives: While almond butter is ideal for these almond butter power balls, you can also use cashew butter or smooth peanut butter for a different flavor.
- Additional Mix-Ins: Feel free to add ingredients like coconut flakes, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Almond Matcha Energy Balls
- Combine All Ingredients:
- Add all the ingredients into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or into a food processor.
- Mix or blitz the mixture until it's well combined and forms a sticky, cohesive mixture.
- Form Energy Balls:
- Using about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each, roll it into small balls. The recipe yields around 12 almond butter energy balls.
- Refrigerate:
- Once all your oatmeal almond butter balls are shaped, cover them and place them in the refrigerator. They need to set for about 2-4 hours.
- Serve:
- Before serving, you can roll your matcha energy balls in additional matcha powder, to add an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful green finish. This step is optional but adds a visually appealing touch to your almond butter power balls.
Making Ahead and Storing
These Almond Matcha Energy Balls are perfect for preparing in advance. For optimal freshness, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their texture and flavor for up to 1 week. Avoid storing these energy balls at room temperature, as they may become soft and lose their texture.
If you need to keep them for a longer period, these matcha protein balls can also be frozen. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they'll keep well for up to 3 months. This makes them a convenient, ready-to-eat snack that you can enjoy anytime, whether you're at home or on the go.
Tips for the Perfect Energy Balls
- Use smooth almond butter for a uniform texture. If it's too thick, warm it up slightly to make it more pliable, so that your energy balls are easy to roll and hold together well.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet energy ball, reduce the maple syrup slightly. Also, the addition of any other ingredients (e.g., ripe dates, white chocolate chips) will increase the sweetness.
- If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more oats or ground almonds. If it’s too dry, a little extra almond butter or maple syrup can help.
- Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours before rolling into balls. This makes the mixture less sticky and easier to work with.
FAQs
Absolutely! Each ingredient in this recipe, including the oats, matcha powder, almond butter, and maple syrup, is vegan-friendly. These almond butter energy balls are a great choice for those following a vegan diet.
Certainly! Feel free to customize your matcha protein balls with a variety of add-ins. Here are some suggestions:
White Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter twist, though this addition would make them non-vegan.
Vanilla Extract: A dash can enhance overall flavor.
Medjool Dates: These can add natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
Cocoa Powder: For a chocolatey variation of your almond butter power balls.
Shredded Coconut: This can add a tropical flair and an interesting texture.
Feel free to experiment with these additions to create your own unique version of these oatmeal almond butter balls!
Almond Matcha Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 80 g old-fashioned rolled oats or oat flakes/quick oats (1 cup)
- 2 tbsp. chia seeds
- 3 tsp. matcha powder + extra for rolling
- 50 g ground almonds (½ cups)
- 140 g almond butter (½ cup + 2 tbsp.)
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix until combined.
- Divide mixture in 12 parts and roll each into a ball.
- Transfer to a plate and refrigerate for 2-4 hours or until set. Roll in matcha powder before serving if desired.
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