Salted Caramel Energy Balls

Prep time: 30 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes | Makes: about 20 energy balls

Ingredients

• 3 cups pitted Medjool dates
• 3 tbsp filtered water
• 1 cup packed coconut sugar
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 4 cups organic crispy rice cereal (avoid puffed rice, which affects the texture)
• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• ½ tsp sea salt
  
  

Instructions

1. Finely chop the dates until sticky. In a large pan, combine the water, coconut sugar, coconut oil, and chopped dates. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a paste and begins to bubble (about 10 minutes).
2. Stir in the vanilla, then remove from heat. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool until comfortable to handle but still slightly warm enough to mix and roll easily.
3. Add the crispy rice cereal, ½ cup shredded coconut, and salt. Spread additional shredded coconut on a plate for rolling the balls later.
4. With slightly damp hands, shape into about 20 balls, roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.