Aloha Energy Bites – Pineapple Coconut Protein Balls
lets pretend its not the middle of winter k? i may not be sipping a pina colada on the beach right now, but enjoying these sweet little bites make me feel like i’m halfway there! my aloha energy bites are made with toasted coconut, pineapple, macadamia nuts, and VEGAN protein powder. these protein balls are sweet but also vegan and packed with good stuff. while i make mine with honey, you could use agave and have these be fully vegan if you would like. my husband and i love them – he takes them to work and i have them as an afternoon snack or on the go during after school activities. it is a really great way to pack more protein in your diet – little bite sized protein balls! currently my most popular post on the site is the peanut butter oatmeal energy bites, followed not far behind by my nutella pretzel balls, and my oatmeal raisin granola bites. this recipe is another favorite around our house and definitely the most sweet of the bunch
Ingredients
  • 1 cup toasted coconut (divided)
  • ¾ cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts
  • ½ cup dried pineapple
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • 1 serving vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 Tbsp honey (or agave)
Instructions
  1. Combine ¾ cup of coconut and macadamia nuts into a medium bowl.
  2. Combine the dried pineapple and water into a small microwave safe bowl and heat for 20 seconds. Remove and allow to cool enough to handle.
  3. Add the reconstituted pineapple to a food processor and pulse into a paste.
  4. Add the pineapple paste to the coconut and macadamia nuts along with the protein powder, vanilla and honey.
  5. Mix to combine. The consistency should be sticky and form a ball.
  6. Roll 1 inch balls of this mixture and then coat with the remaining ¼ cup of coconut. Place in the refrigerator to set for a few minutes. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  7. Makes approximately 12 - 15 bites