I first made these little 4-ingredient energy balls, made with prunes, maple syrup, walnuts, and oats, for a postpartum friend. If you look at it, they’ve got everything a postpartum mama needs in a snack:
–Prunes (or dates): If you’ve been postpartum, you’re well aware how the intestinal tract needs a little…. assistance after birth, and prunes help!
–Walnuts: plant-based protein for battling the sleep deprivation.
–Maple syrup: gotta get that sweet in there.
–Old-Fashioned rolled oats: oats are a natural lactation booster.
And even if you’re not postpartum, these little pick-me-up energy balls are a perfect snack for post-workouts, playgrounds, lunch boxes, and more! They also store really well, and can last for up to two weeks if stored in a tightly covered container in a cool, dry place.
4 Ingredient Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 20 dried prunes
- ½ cup crushed walnuts
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
Instructions
Make From Fresh:
- Boil 3 cups water, then pour over the prunes and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
- Drain the prunes, then add to a food processor fitted with an S blade. Add the remaining ingredients, then blend. Pause occasionally to scrape down the side of the bowl.
- Process until the mixture is smooth. It will form a ball as it rotates around the processor; this is when it’s ready to scoop. If it’s too wet inside the processor, add oats 1 or 2 tablespoons at a time, processing between each addition.
- Using a tablespoon or a small 2-ounce cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls and place on a plate or sheet pan, leaving some space between each ball. If the mixture is too sticky to roll, wet your hands before rolling.
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Shan
I’m trying to incorporate 10 prunes a day to fight osteoporosis and this helps achieve my goal. I never knew i liked prunes!! They are so naturally sweet and this recipe is a keeper!!