vegan cake ballsThe time is here friends—when everyone wants something a little extra sweet, with a little extra chocolate.

Even if you’re not big on Valentine’s day, if you’re a fan of all things chocolate, peanut butter and berries, you’re gonna love this recipe.

gluten free cake ballsDitch the boxed chocolate my friends—today we have treats that will nourish your body + still satisfy that sweet tooth.

Today we’re making some Sweetheart Cake Balls.

cake bitesThis recipe starts with a base of dates, almond flour, and peanut butter—creating the perfect, gluten free, vegan, and naturally sweetened dough that you ever did taste. Freeze-dried strawberries give these balls the obligatory Valentine’s day red color and cacao powder adds a layer of chocolate that everyone expects out of this holiday’s treats.

peanut butter cake ballsI love taking these cake bites to work as an easy snack, serving them at casual parties with a pot of coffee, or even bringing them on hikes as nutrient-dense and protein-packed fuel for the day. 

Share my sweetheart cake balls with your lover, or save them all for yourself—personally, I recommend the latter….

valentines cake ballsThese peanut butter + chocolate packed cake bites are:

Naturally Sweetened

Protein-Packed

Soft + Chewy

Easy to make

Ready for occasion

& perfect for your Valentine

strawberry cake balls

If you try this recipe, be sure to comment, leave a rating, and don’t forget to tag a photo #thelocalsprout on Instagram! I can’t wait to hear what you think!

For more recipes like this, check out my PB&J Energy BitesMango Energy Bites, Mint Chocolate Cake Balls, or Sweet Potato Snack Balls.

chocolate cake balls

Sweetheart Cake Balls

Even if you’re not big on Valentine’s day, if you’re a fan of all things chocolate, peanut butter and berries, you’re going to love these sweetheart cake balls. These easy cake balls are gluten free, vegan, and ready for any occasion!
Prep Time45 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dessert, Side, Snack
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Vegan
Yield: 12 balls
Author: The Local Sprout

Materials

Balls:

  • 3/4 cup dates pitted and packed
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries
  • 1/8 cup cacao powder
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • pinch sea salt
  • 1/8 - 1/4 cup almond milk

Glaze:

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients for the balls in a food processor—adding only 1/8 cup of the milk. Blend until a loose dough forms. You want your dough to be pliable, but not a purée. Test your dough by trying to roll it into a ball—if it holds, you’re set to move on. If it is too dry, add more milk—1 Tbsp. at a time.
  • Scoop out Tbsp. amounts. and roll into balls with hands. Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all dough is used up and transfer directly to freezer. Chill for 10-15 minutes.
  • While ball chill, make the glaze. In a small, shallow bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil until smooth and creamy.
  • When balls are firm, dip them gently in the glaze—covering just the top and place back on parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining balls. Sprinkle with freeze-dried strawberries pieces if desired. Place tray back in freezer and chill for 15 minutes—or until the glaze is no longer sticky.
  • Enjoy. Leftovers will keep refrigerated in airtight container for up to a week or in freezer for a month.

Notes

Nutrition information if a rough estimate of 1/12 of the entire recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Sodium: 72mg | Sugar: 13.2g | Fiber: 3.7g | Calories: 186kcal | Saturated Fat: 4.1g | Fat: 11g | Protein: 4.6g | Carbohydrates: 20g

The Local Sprout

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