Description
These ripe plantain energy balls are vegan, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, low carb, low sugar, sweet, savory, and insanely delicious. The best part is that these healthy protein bites require only three main ingredients – ripe (sweet yellow) plantain, oats, and nut butter; you can make these babies with your eyes closed.
These healthy vegan snacks are excellent pre and post work out snacks. You can have them on the go, and the kids love them! This is the snack you need for all year round. These healthy plantain balls are equally great appetizers, side dishes, and even dessert.
Ingredients
1 ripe plantain
1½ cups of quick oats
¼ cup of nut butter (I used pecan butter)
1 teaspoon olive oil or oil spray
A dash of salt
2 tablespoons of coconut sugar (if using a plain nut butter)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Wash plantain, then peel and cut into 7 – 10 pieces. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle a little salt, and oil.
- Bake 15 minutes on each side or until it changes color; check out my process photo and video.
- Remove from oven and add to the food processor; process until mashed.
- Then add the oat, nut butter, and sugar (if using plain nut butter). Process to combine and become like dough. Check my photo and video.
- Rub a drop of olive oil on your palm before you start rolling/forming these energy balls to avoid them from sticking to your palms/gloves. Using a tablespoon measure, scoop some dough, place it on your hand and form, and be sure that you have gloves on. Repeat until you roll/form the entire dough. These are ready, second baking is optional
- Pack away in a tight container. Store on countertop or fridge.
Optional Step:
Place all the rolled dough on a clean parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 7 – 10 minutes in a 250 preheated oven. Flip in between baking for even cooking. These are ready, serve warm. Leftovers can last 4 – 5 days in the fridge.
Notes
Do not skip the first baking step; plantains taste better cooked. I know the whole world is currently fascinated with “no-bake” energy balls. I am sorry to tell you that you need to bake these ripe plantain energy balls in other to get the best out of them. First of all, baking intensifies the flavors.
The second baking is optional. Usually, I do it if I am using these energy balls as appetizers, desserts, or breakfast bites. That extra warmness is well worth it! Majority of the time I bake twice😂😂😂 I like these bites a little tan! That’s a personal preference.
You can skip the second baking, but be sure to refrigerate these protein bites, especially you had made plenty for a weekly snack.
You may need to add a little coconut sugar or sweetener if you are using a plain nut butter; I used pecan butter from Purely Pecans. I have made it with both “Gimme Sugar” Pecan Nut Butter and the plain. You may notice that I added sugar in the video because the nut butter was plain.
If you allow the plantain to cool for too long after baking, it will harden; process them as soon as it comes out of the oven. Nevertheless, it still tastes good!
