These Fig Energy Balls are a wholesome, bite-sized snack that perfectly balances taste and nutrition.
Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly, they combine fiber-rich figs with protein-packed walnuts and nutrient-dense hemp seeds, creating a satisfying and energizing treat.
The addition of cinnamon and vanilla brings warm, aromatic flavor, while the natural sweetness from figs and maple syrup keeps them guilt-free.
Each ball delivers plant-based protein, healthy fats, and minimal saturated fat, making them an ideal pre- or post-workout snack.
Quick to prepare with minimal equipment and no baking required, this recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, meal prep, or a grab-and-go snack that will keep you energized throughout the day.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Food Processor
Essential for pulsing nuts and figs into a sticky, uniform mixture. Beyond this recipe, it’s perfect for making nut butters, hummus, or chopping vegetables efficiently.
Mixing Bowl
A large, sturdy bowl keeps ingredients contained while combining flavors, and doubles as an everyday prep bowl for salads, doughs, and more.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Accurate measurements ensure consistent taste and texture, while remaining indispensable for baking, cooking, and portion control.
Spatula
Ideal for scraping sticky mixtures from the processor and forming balls without waste; versatile for folding, stirring, and spreading in any kitchen task.
Airtight Container
Keeps energy balls fresh in the fridge, making meal prep and storage simple and extending the shelf life of your homemade snacks.
Healthy Fig Energy Balls With Walnuts
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Measuring Cups & Spoons
- 1 Spatula
- 1 airtight container
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups dried figs about 24 figs
- 1 cup walnuts or substitute pecans/cashews
- 3 tablespoons hemp seeds or substitute chia/flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Soak the Figs: Place the dried figs in a medium bowl and pour warm water over them, letting them soak for about 10 minutes. This softens the figs, making them easier to blend and helping them naturally bind the mixture.Once plump and tender, drain the figs thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Chop the Nuts: Add the walnuts to a food processor and pulse them until they are coarsely chopped, creating a crunchy yet manageable texture. If desired, you can substitute pecans or cashews, but ensure they are chopped evenly to maintain the right consistency for the energy balls.
- Combine Flavorings and Seeds: Into the processed nuts, add the hemp seeds, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Pulse 4–5 times just until the ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a lightly sticky, aromatic mixture that balances sweetness and warmth.
- Blend with Figs: Add the soaked and drained figs to the nut mixture in the food processor. Pulse on low speed until a cohesive, sticky dough forms, ensuring that all ingredients are well-integrated without over-processing into a paste.
- Form the Balls: Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the sticky mixture into evenly sized balls, roughly 1–1.5 inches in diameter. Press gently to shape, ensuring they hold together, and place them on a plate or tray ready for chilling.
- Chill and Store: Transfer the formed energy balls to the fridge and let them set for at least 20 minutes. Once firm, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days, making them perfect for grab-and-go snacks or quick energy boosts throughout the week.
Notes
- Soaking the figs softens them, ensuring a smooth and cohesive mixture.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or cashews for a different flavor.
- Hemp seeds can be swapped with chia or flax seeds if preferred.
- Roll balls tightly for a firmer texture; loosely shaped balls may crumble.
- Keep energy balls chilled in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Chef’s Secrets For Ultimate Texture
To achieve the perfect consistency, always pulse the nuts and seeds first before adding the figs.
This prevents the mixture from becoming too sticky or overly dense.
Use room-temperature figs for an even blend, and resist over-processing in the food processor; a slightly coarse texture adds a satisfying bite.
For extra flavor, lightly toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their natural aroma.
Rolling the balls with slightly damp hands can also help prevent sticking and ensures each ball is smooth and uniform.
Serving Suggestions To Delight Tastebuds
These energy balls make a versatile snack for any time of day.
Serve them alongside a hot cup of herbal tea or coffee for a mid-morning pick-me-up, or pair with fresh fruit and yogurt for a wholesome breakfast plate.
They also make excellent pre-workout fuel, providing sustained energy without a sugar crash.
For a party or snack platter, arrange them with dried fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate pieces for a visually appealing, nutritious spread.
Storage Tips To Maintain Freshness
Store your energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to 10 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature before eating.
Avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods, as the figs can become overly soft.
Placing a piece of parchment paper between layers prevents sticking, and dividing into portion-sized containers makes them convenient for meal prep and grab-and-go snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipe
1. Can I use fresh figs instead?
Fresh figs can be used, but they are more watery than dried figs, which may make the mixture too soft. Slightly reduce added liquid and pulse carefully to maintain the right texture.
2. Are these energy balls nut-free?
The recipe calls for walnuts, but you can substitute seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds to make them nut-free while still keeping protein and healthy fats.
3. Can I sweeten them differently?
Yes! Maple syrup is suggested, but agave nectar, date syrup, or a few mashed dates work well as natural sweeteners without altering the overall nutrition much.
4. How do I prevent balls from sticking?
Lightly oiling your hands or using slightly damp hands while rolling helps prevent sticking. Chilling the mixture slightly before shaping also makes rolling easier.
5. Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. They are excellent for meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 3 months, keeping them in airtight containers for optimal freshness.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by theliveinkitchen. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
