This is a versatile recipe where you can add and change ingredients easily. Variations include; using different nuts, raisins, cacao nibs, or super food powders like Maca. These bites are great to have on hand for a quick healthy snack. Keep them in the fridge and take them out to bring with you on-the-go.
Place whole dates in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside to soften (10 minutes), then discard water and remove pits. Mash dates into a paste using a fork.
Add coconut oil to date paste and mix until smooth. Add almond butter and vanilla. Stir until combined. Add cocoa powder and stir until combined. [This is when you would add maca or protein powder].
Using a nut grinder, grind pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries into small pieces.
Add nuts, seeds, cranberries to the almond butter mixture and stir gently to combine.
Scoop mixture with a tablespoon and form into bite-sized balls using your hands. Place balls on a plate or baking sheet that will fit in the fridge. Once balls are formed, refrigerate until solid, then store in a glass container in the fridge fro up to 4 weeks.