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
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.
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Servings: 20 to 24
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!
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.
Note: If you're unfamiliar with maca or simply don't want to use it, omit this ingredient and substitute ¼ cup fine oatmeal or wheat germ.
- Enjoy more No-Bake and Raw Sweets.
Diane says
Could you just use almond flour rather than grind up the almonds?
Nava says
Absolutely, Diane! I hope you enjoy these.
KD says
Is 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 says
I'm gluten sensitive and don't know if I can find maca here in Israel - what non gluten substitute is there?
Nava says
Hi 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 says
Hi there, I was just wondering what the calorie amount is for these yummy looking balls.
Thank you
Nava says
Hi 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 says
Hey there, can we freeze these snacks for easy storage?
Nava says
Toni, I think these would freeze well, so go for it!
Laurie says
Tasty 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 says
Thanks, Laurie — I will pay attention when I retest this and give an amount for the coconut. Thanks for your input!
Nadya says
These 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 says
(and the 1/2 C coconut!!