These no-bake macaroons are filled with all manner of nutrient-dense goodies, including nuts, nut better, dates, and of course, coconut. Not to mention a nice dose of maca powder, which not only lends its malty flavor, but its energy-boosting benefits. If you’re unfamiliar with maca, or just want to leave it out, no problem — see the alternative following the recipe. Photos by Evan Atlas.
No-Bake Vegan Cocoa Maca-roons
Author: Nava
Recipe type: No-bake sweets
Cuisine: Vegan / Healthy
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 20 to 24
These no-bake macaroons are filled with all manner of nutrient-dense goodies, including nuts, nut better, dates, and of course, coconut. Not to mention a nice dose of maca powder, which not only lends its malty flavor.
Ingredients
- ½ cup slivered or sliced almonds
- ½ cup nut butter or tahini
- ½ cup Medjool dates (about 8 to 10)
- ¼ cup maca powder (or see note)
- 2 tablespoons cacao or organic cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup shredded coconut, plus more for rolling
- 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar, to taste
Instructions
- Place the almonds in a food processor and process until finely ground.
- Add the remaining ingredients and process until the mixture starts holding together as a mass. If it doesn’t do so after a minute or two of processing (for this depends on how moist the dates are and the density of the nut butter), add just a little water, not more than a tablespoon at a time.
- Roll into 1-inch balls. Put a small amount of extra coconut on a small plate. Roll the balls in the coconut to coat.
- Arrange on another small plate and refrigerate for about an hour, then enjoy!
Note: If you’re unfamiliar with maca or simply don’t want to use it, omit this ingredient and substitute 1/4 cup fine oatmeal or wheat germ.
- Enjoy more No-Bake and Raw Sweets.
13 Comments
Diane
August 17, 2014 at 1:18 amCould you just use almond flour rather than grind up the almonds?
Nava
August 17, 2014 at 7:55 amAbsolutely, Diane! I hope you enjoy these.
KD
November 27, 2014 at 2:22 pmIs there any chance you can advise on the quantities in grams as apposed to cups for me in the UK. I always get confused with these?
Thanks in advance
Louise
December 26, 2014 at 7:41 amI’m gluten sensitive and don’t know if I can find maca here in Israel – what non gluten substitute is there?
Nava
December 26, 2014 at 12:51 pmHi Louise, maca is gluten-free, so that won’t be a problem. Not sure where to find maca in Israel, but you might try a large natural foods store in Tel-Aviv; that might be the most likely source. And if they don’t have it, perhaps they’d special order it for you.
Aimee
February 5, 2015 at 7:01 pmHi there, I was just wondering what the calorie amount is for these yummy looking balls.
Thank you
Nava
February 5, 2015 at 10:35 pmHi Aimee — we’re working on getting all of our recipes analyzed, but in the meantime, you could use one of these free nutrition data calculation tools like my fitness pal:http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
Toni
February 9, 2015 at 5:21 amHey there, can we freeze these snacks for easy storage?
Nava
February 9, 2015 at 8:15 amToni, I think these would freeze well, so go for it!
Laurie
April 13, 2015 at 5:40 pmTasty recipe! That said, I followed the recipe exactly. I used 2 tablespoons of agave, and measured each ball with a ruler to make sure they would be one inch in diameter. That made 32 balls, not 18-20 as stated above! Hence, I recommend changing the size of the balls to 2 inches. Moreover, I recommend stating how much coconut needed for the rolling of the balls. I used 1/3-1/2 cup
Nava
April 19, 2015 at 9:08 pmThanks, Laurie — I will pay attention when I retest this and give an amount for the coconut. Thanks for your input!
Nadya
September 16, 2015 at 3:45 pmThese remind me of my ‘John the Baptist Balls’ named for the inclusion of Carob (St John’s bread) & dates!
I use both carob & cacao powder
1/3 ripe banana
6-7 dates
1/2 C gogi beries
1/4 C cacao nibs
sometimes 1/2 C sunflower seeds, soaked overnight (so nut free, for those who need to avoid nuts)
vanilla, a sprinkle of sea salt
the maca would be a great addition!
Nadya
September 16, 2015 at 3:47 pm(and the 1/2 C coconut!!