Nutty, chewy maple pecan balls with dark chocolate and oats. Great for a quick, wholesome snack or energy boost.
# Components:
→ Nuts and Seeds
01 - 1 cup raw pecans
02 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
→ Dry Ingredients
03 - 1 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
06 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Chocolate
07 - 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
# Directions:
01 - Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Allow to cool completely.
02 - In a food processor, pulse the cooled pecans until finely chopped. Avoid over-processing to prevent a paste-like consistency.
03 - Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, and salt to the food processor with the chopped pecans. Pulse briefly to combine.
04 - Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the mixture. Pulse until the ingredients begin to clump together, forming a cohesive mass that holds its shape when squeezed.
05 - Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and gently stir in the dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.
06 - Using your hands, portion approximately 1 heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into uniform 1-inch diameter balls.
07 - Arrange the formed balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow them to firm up.
08 - Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 1 month.
